peak district

Five Half-Term Halloween Haunts in The Peak District

The Peak District is gearing up to embrace the spooky season, with stately homes transforming into haunted houses, treacherous trails through dark woodlands and even scary movie screenings in the depths of local caves.

With so much on offer, we’ve put together a guide to all the best Halloween events happening near Losehill House over half-term and beyond, so that you can couple your petrifying plans with a (safe) retreat to our hotel and spa.

Chatsworth House | Half-Term Halloween Hoot

Website

Dates: 23rd - 31st October 2021

Distance from Losehill House: 31 minutes by car

Explore the vast grounds of Chatsworth House with a spooky, autumnal twist, including pumpkin carving, creepy crafts and tractor trailer tours into the deep, dark woodland of the Estate. All activities are available with tickets for the farmyard, which can be booked online here.

Pop-Up Cinema | Peak Cavern

Website

Dates: 21st - 31st October 2021 

Distance from Losehill House: 11 minutes by car

The Village Screen bring their unique and popular in-cave film screenings back to the renowned Peak Cavern in Castleton, with a line-up full of Halloween favourites like Hocus Pocus, The Shining, IT and beyond. Tickets are selling fast, with extra dates added due to demand, and can be bought on The Village Screen website here.

Halloween Week | Thornbridge Hall

Website

Dates: 25th - 31st October 2021

Distance from Losehill House: 26 minutes by car

Throughout half-term, the elegant gardens of Thornbridge Hall will host an enticing programme of Halloween events and activities, from costume competitions and face painting, to film screenings and a Halloween hunt. The whole schedule is included in garden entry, charged at £7 for adults, £3 for children (under 3s go for free) or £18 for a family ticket.

Severn Trent Halloween Trail | Upper Derwent Valley

Website

Dates: 23rd - 31s October 

Distance from Losehill House: 21 minutes by car 

Fancy dress is actively encouraged on Severn Trent’s countrywide Halloween trails, of which the Upper Derwent Valley location is nearest to us here at Losehill House. Enjoy the haunting beauty of the famous valley as you hunt down facts along the pumpkin trail, with each completed worksheet earning you a bag of sweets to reward your efforts. No booking is required, and trail maps can be collected for £3 from the Fairholmes visitor centre. 

Mysterious Monsters & Ridiculous Riddles | Longshaw Estate 

Website

Dates: 23rd October - 7th November 2021

Distance from Losehill House: 20 minutes by car

Create your own nature-inspired monsters or test your detective skills with the family trails taking place across the Longshaw Estate, only 20 minutes away from Losehill House. The trail costs £3 with no booking required, and all participants will receive a lantern making kit to take home as part of this price. 

Whether you are seeking tricks or treats over this Halloween, Losehill House is here as a safe haven for all, offering luxurious accommodation for all the family, and award-winning food and drink for residents and non-residents alike. 

The Peak District's 70th Anniversary!

On the 17th April 2021, our beloved Peak District celebrates its 70th anniversary as a National Park! To celebrate the occasion, we're taking a moment to look back at our time in the Peak District, alongside our favourite walks, attractions and views. 

The Peak District became the first National Park in Britain in 1951, created at the same time as the world-renowned Serengeti National Park in Africa. We opened our doors in the Peak District back in 2007, when owners Paul and Kathryn first brought Losehill House to life. The building you see today was built as Moorgate Guest House by the CHA in 1914, meaning that the accommodation has been dedicated to hosting holiday-makers and staycationers since its establishment. 

Walks

Upon buying Losehill House, Paul and Kathryn said their favourite part of the Peak District is most definitely “the unique countryside” which embraces the hotel grounds. 

The area is famous for its walks, and we are lucky enough to have access to a sweeping series of trails and routes for hiking, climbing and rambling straight from our front door. You could venture in any direction and be guaranteed to find picturesque scenery and incredible vistas.

We’ve included two of our favourite local walking routes below to inspire your Peak District adventures, or you’ll find plenty more recommendations here

Stanage Edge Walk

Stanage Edge, a 6km gritstone ridge near the Hope Valley, is the main attraction of this popular Peak District walk. Take a bus from Hope to Hathersage, a medieval village where Charlotte Bronte once stayed, drawing inspiration from the region for her novel Jane Eyre. This walk provides exceptional views and you’ll have the chance to marvel at some of the adventurous rock climbers, clinging to the face of the ridge. 

Guide to the Stanage Edge Walk

The Great Ridge and Win Hill Walk

A spectacular ridge, arguably one of the finest in the country, connects the twin peaks of Lose Hill and Mam Tor. It’s possible to scale Lose Hill directly from Losehill Hotel & Spa, and walk along the Great Ridge, descending from Win Hill via Twitchill’s Farm. This beautiful circular walk is one of the best routes close to the hotel, and makes for a wonderful afternoon out hiking in the Peak District. 

Guide to the Great Ridge and Win Hill Walk

Attractions

The Peak District is also home to an exciting array of attractions, with caves, castles, historic houses, reservoirs and more located a stone’s throw from Losehill House. 

In the charming village of Castleton, only 10 minutes from Losehill, you’ll discover a network of underground caves, each with their own story, character and offering for tourists. Treak Cliff Cavern, once a lead mine, contains a wonderland of stalactite and stalagmites, while Speedwell Cavern offers boat tours through its winding and mysterious tunnels. Peak Cavern hosts thrilling underground concerts and film screenings as Blue John Cavern, the deepest of all of the caves, showcases the semi-precious stone Blue John, unique to Castleton and the Peak District. 

The ruins of Peveril Castle tower above Castleton, offering spectacular views over the Hope Valley. Built in 1086 for a favoured knight of William the Conqueror, the Norman fortress preceded the village, which became an important source of income for the castle estate and was once the control centre for hunting and mining in the area. 

Other nearby attractions include the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden reservoirs, all of which offer wonderful walking and cycling routes, as well as rich and fascinating histories. Derwent Dam, for example, was used as a practice ground for the Dambusters during WWII; the connection is commemorated within the Derwent Valley Museum, housed in one of the dam’s towers. 

Guests of Losehill House also benefit from reduced access to the grand Chatsworth House & Gardens - the most renowned historic house in the Peak District. You can explore more nearby castles and historic houses in the area here.


Views

In the Peak District, breathtaking rural landscapes come as part of the package, whether you’re hiking, cycling, driving or exploring local attractions. Here are a few of our favourite spots for spectacular views and perfect photo opportunities, all on Losehill House’s doorstep.

Mam Tor

National Trust Car Park - 15 minute drive from Losehill House 

Known as the “shivering mountain”, Mam Tor stands over the village of Castleton, with the aforementioned caves at its base. The rolling hills that embrace Castleton and Losehill House, including Lose Hill and Win Hill, are what makes this view so special, and many choose to reach the summit as the sun rises for a magical early morning experience.

Kinder Scout

Edale Village Hall Car Park - 10 minute drive from Losehill House 

As the tallest peak in the Peak District, the views from the top of Kinder Scout are wide-reaching and truly beautiful. On a clear day, the city of Manchester can be seen from the plateau, as well as the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales. 

Alport Castles 

Fairholmes Car Park - 20 minute drive from Losehill House 

The views from Alport Castles are perhaps some of the most unique in the whole of the National Park. Thought to be the largest landslide in the United Kingdom, the beauty spot gets its name from the gritstone mounds formed from debris, which resemble striking castles from a distance.

Credit: Peter G Lawson

Bamford Edge 

New Road, Bamford - 15 minute drive from Losehill House 

The vantage point at Bamford Edge provides the most beautiful view over Ladybower Reservoir. This spot can be particularly enchanting around sunset as the last of the day’s light bounces off the water and hillsides which surround it. 

Other highlights: 

  • Chrome Hill 

  • Higger Tor 

  • Win Hill 

  • Dovedale 

  • Surprise View

  • Heights of Abraham 

  • Burbage

The Peak District will always lie at the heart of our identity as a hotel, and we are so grateful to be embraced by such a treasure trove of adventure, history and natural beauty. As a hotel located at the heart of this incredible National Park, Losehill House will always strive to be a hub for those wishing to discover, explore and fall in love with the Peak District, as we do more and more each day. 

Spring Dishes from Our Kitchen

springdishes2015

From left to right, top to bottom.

1. Kid Goat Stuffed with Spinach and Mushrooms with Beetroot Terrine and Spring Vegetables.

2. Halibut, Geoduck Clam Chowder, Asparagus Samphire and Parsley Purée

3. Cauliflower ‘Polonaise’ 

4. Monkfish with Parsley, Samphire, Wild Garlic Chicken Wing Kiev and Wild Garlic Gnocchi 

5. Rose Veal Rump Shin with Osso Buco Sauce, Parsley Quinoa, Onion Top Purée, Heritage Carrots & Red Mustard Leaves

6. Halibut with Parsley Sauce, Wild Garlic Gnocchi and Chicken Wing Kiev

7. Turbot with Violet Potatoes, Asparagus and Potted Shrimp

8. Venison, Kale, Watercress, Cocoa Nib, Salsify, Beetroot and Pearled Barley

9. Chicken with Crispy Skin, Wild Garlic, Celeriac and Smoked Wensleydale Gnocchi

5 Things You Didn't Know About Losehill...

One

Our a la carte menu changes daily. Our dinner menu has a selection of six delicious choices for each course, including vegetarian options. Our resident guests enjoy this format and rarely find their selection an easy one with such varied dishes.

Two

Our spa uses luxurious ESPA and Thalgo products. We use Thalgo’s range of expert marine products and ESPA’s luxurious natural skincare products to offer powerful healing, revitalising and relaxing spa treatments. We have also been awarded the Thalgo Platinum Spa Award in 2012 and 2013 for excellence in beauty.

Three

Our Orangery Restaurant has its own vegetable garden. As part of our dedication to using locally-sourced produce, in 2014 we planted the garden at Losehill House. After a successful first season, the venture has proven viable and so our guests will hopefully be enjoying home-grown produce for years to come.

Four

We have been awarded the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark. This is awarded to businesses who put pride in the Peak District at the heart of their operations, who actively help safeguard and improve the Peak District environment and heritage and who add to the wellbeing of their communities.

Five

Each of our bedrooms are unique. Losehill House has 23 beautifully appointed four star en-suite bedrooms and suites - all with flat screen TV and DVD and free Wi-Fi access, plus robes and slippers for the spa. Most of our rooms also offer extensive views over the National Park nestled between Lose Hill and Win Hill.

Planned Peak District Days Out

Are you new to the wonderful outings that the Peak District can offer? Or just looking for something new?

Visit Peak District has put together a number of different itineraries to help you plan a day out in the Peak District. From 'Around Bakewell' to 'On The Trail of Bargains' there's sure to be a day out that peaks your interest.

Take a look at all nine itineraries here.

Peak District & Derbyshire Visitor Guide

Visit Peak District have put together the 2015 Peak District & Derbyshire Visitor's Guide, which can be ordered for free on their website here.

If you're planning a visit to the Peak District, or live close by and want to make the most of what Derbyshire has to offer, do order a copy to find out exactly what there is to enjoy.

 
 
From wild moorlands, through limestone dales, bustling market towns and pretty villages to the city life of Derby, the Peak District and Derbyshire is an area of amazing variety and contrast.

Whether you’re visiting for the day, the weekend or taking a longer break, come and explore the breathtaking scenery, absorb our history and heritage, or simply relax in one of the most beautiful and diverse parts of England.
— Visit Peak District

Enjoy the Festivities at Losehill House

With only 21 days until Christmas, preparations here at Losehill House are in full swing! There are now only a few reduced rate Christmas packages left.

We are also offering guests discounted rates on Saturday 27th December, to include a free Taste of Losehill 7 course menu upgrade. Worth £49.50, this menu offers our Chefs the opportunity to create a unique dining experience. If you're interested in this deal, please call us on 01433 621219 for more information or to book. 

spafood

Unique Rooms

Here at Losehill House we have 23 beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with their own style and character. Some of our regular guests have favourite rooms they like to stay in each time, and some like to try as many different rooms as they can!

Whatever your preference, each of our rooms is furnished to the highest standard and you'll be sure to have an enjoyable stay in any of them. To get a feel for the different rooms we have available, we've gathered a snapshot of some of our rooms below.

We also have family suites and a bridal suite available. To view all our different room types, click here.

Room 19

Room 19

Room 14

Room 14

Room 26

Room 26

Room 12

Room 12

Room 7

Room 7

Our Taster Menu

If you'd like to try a a slightly different dining experience, we offer our Taste of Losehill 7-course menu. Here is an example of one of our menus, with the pictures provided by Twitter follower @the_a_stevenson who recently enjoyed a meal with us.

taste of losehill from @the_a_stevenson.jpg

From top left to right:

Cured bresaola and salad

Sea trout with cauliflower and apple

Chicken terrine and liver parfait on crisp skin with pickled vegetables

Razor clam with samphire and shellfish bisque

Roast kidney, loin and braised shoulder of kid goat with parsley quinoa

Monkfish cheek with broad beans and ham

Ribeye with onion and Old Winchester

Strawberry parfait with elderflower

 

Our menu changes frequently with the seasons.

Recent Dishes from Our Kitchen

Our à la carte menu changes daily, with a selection of around 6 dishes to choose from for each course. We're proud to use as much local produce as possible, with some of our regular suppliers being Cabrito Goat Meat, Sheffield Honey, White Peak Farm Butchers, and Middleton's Dairy. Here we've put together a selection of dishes that have featured in our Orangery Restaurant recently.

recentdishes

The dishes are as follows (ordered top left to top right, bottom left to bottom right):

Belly of Kid Goat Meat with Parsley, Quinoa and Spring Vegetables. 

Haunch of Venison with Seasonal Vegetables

Salmon with Spätzle, Fennel and Tarragon

Sea Trout with Gnocchi, Fennel, Monk's Beard and Sorrel

Sea Bream with Amande Clams

Rump of Veal and Osso Buco with Gremolata, Parsley and Quinoa

Book your stay