The Cavendish has impeccable credentials. It stands on the Chatsworth Estate, is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and Chatsworth House itself stands a mile or two across the fields from this smart hotel. All of which means you can rise leisurely, have a good breakfast, then follow paths across to one of Britain’s loveliest houses; fine gardens and a jaw-dropping art collection wait. As for the hotel, it has a warm country-house feel: sofas in front of the fire in the sitting room; art from the ‘big house’ on the walls; afternoon tea served on the lawn in summer. Bedrooms mix pretty florals with period colours and smart fabrics. None are small, all but one have country views, some are rather swanky. You get robes in excellent bathrooms, a sofa if there’s room, crisp linen on comfy beds. Downstairs you can eat in the Garden Room or out on its terrace (more informal, lovely views) or in the elegant restaurant, perhaps hand-dived scallops, haunch of venison, Granny Smith apple crumble. Outside, the Peak District waits for walkers, while fishing can be arranged.
