Foolow Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Foolow Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Foolow sits right in the heart of the Peak District, giving you loads of options for days out. I've found that having a hot tub waiting at your cottage makes exploring even better - especially after a long day walking!

Chatsworth House (S42 7AH) is just 15 minutes by car and opens 10am-5pm most days. It gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 9,000 reviews. The house and gardens are stunning and there's a farm shop that sells amazing local produce.

Bakewell is only 7 miles away and makes a great half-day trip. Try the original Bakewell pudding at The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop (DE45 1BT). They've been making them since the 1800s and it's nothing like the Mr Kipling version!

Eyam, the famous 'plague village', is just 2 miles away. The museum (S32 5QP) opens 10am-4:30pm and tells the story of how villagers isolated themselves to stop the spread of plague in 1665. It's fascinating and a bit grim - the kids will love it.

For something different, Poole's Cavern (SK17 9DH) near Buxton offers underground tours of massive limestone caves. It's open 10am-5pm and gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The stalactites are massive and the guides know their stuff.

Pet Friendly

We've found Foolow is brilliant for dog holidays. Many cottages with hot tubs accept pets, though always check if there's an extra charge. Some even provide dog beds, bowls and treats.

The Bull's Head pub in the village is dog-friendly inside and out. They'll bring water for your dog and sometimes have treats behind the bar. The food is proper pub grub - their Sunday roasts are massive.

For walks, try the Monsal Trail. It's an old railway line converted to a walking path with tunnels and viaducts. It's flat and easy for older dogs, with plenty of spots to stop. The section from Hassop to Bakewell is particularly good.

Bring poo bags as there aren't many bins in the countryside. Also pack a towel for muddy paws - especially if your cottage has a hot tub, as dogs and hot tubs don't mix!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Foolow

The Village Green and Duck Pond might sound basic, but it's the heart of Foolow and absolutely beautiful. The pond is fed by natural springs and surrounded by limestone cottages. There's a bench where you can sit with a coffee and watch village life. One visitor told me: "It's like stepping back in time - we spent ages just sitting and watching the ducks."

Foolow Moor is a hidden gem for walkers. This stretch of moorland has old lead mining remains and amazing views. The circular route takes about 2 hours and you'll likely have it to yourself. Take the path behind the church and follow the signs. A TripAdvisor review says: "The views are incredible and we didn't see another soul all morning."

St Hugh's Church dates from the 1800s but looks much older. The stained glass is beautiful and there's an interesting graveyard with old mining families. It's usually open during daylight hours. One visitor commented: "Small but perfectly formed - the history information inside is fascinating."

Is Foolow good for families with young children?

Yes! The village is safe and quiet and many cottages have enclosed gardens. Nearby attractions like Matlock Farm Park (DE4 5LH) are great for kids. The duck pond in the village is perfect for short walks and many cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly (though always check safety features).

Can I get around Foolow without a car?

It's tricky. There's a limited bus service (65 route) connecting to Buxton and Sheffield, but it's not frequent. Taxis are available but need booking in advance. For the best experience, a car is essential - especially for accessing your hot tub cottage which might be outside the main village.

Where's the nearest supermarket to Foolow?

The closest proper supermarket is Aldi in Bakewell (DE45 1AD), about 7 miles away. There's a small village shop in Eyam (2 miles) for basics. Many cottages offer welcome hampers and local farm shops like Chatsworth Farm Shop sell amazing produce.

What's the best time of year to visit Foolow?

Each season has its charm. Summer brings long days perfect for walking. Autumn has amazing colours in the surrounding woods. Winter is quiet and cottages with hot tubs are brilliant when it's cold outside. Spring sees lambs in the fields and fewer tourists than summer.

Is there good mobile reception and WiFi in Foolow?

Mobile signal is patchy - EE works best, O2 and Vodafone can be hit and miss. Most cottages offer WiFi, but speeds are typically 10-20Mbps rather than superfast. Perfect for checking emails but not ideal for streaming 4K movies.

Are there any good pubs within walking distance of Foolow?

The Bull's Head in the village is excellent - good beer, decent food and a proper local atmosphere. The Barrel Inn at nearby Bretton is about a 40-minute walk across fields and does amazing pies. Both get busy at weekends so book ahead.

1. Peak District National Park Official Site
2. Visit Peak District Attractions
3. Chatsworth House Information
4. Poole's Cavern Booking