Peacock at Rowsley

We are staying at the Peacock at Rowsley - a historic boutique hotel near Matlock in the Northeast of England. It has beautiful, albeit small, gardens, is historic and well maintained, comfortable and employs the most friendly staff. It is set in the gorgeous town of Rowsley not far from Bakewell. Despite staying two nights we would love to have more time to explore this lovely area.

In the small bar area of the hotel there is an amazing chair. It is a rare and early 19th century ash and elm cockpit chair. Used by judges it has an arm with a circular rest built in. This chair originated from Salford and is inscribed: “This judge’s chair was used at the cockpit at Salford 1829 ….”

In the Dining Room the table and chairs were made by Robert Thompson, aka Mousey Thompson from Kilburn in Yorkshire. The tables by Mousey Thompson have a mouse tail on each corner of the table top, and a mouse on the leg of the table. There are carved mice on the legs of the chairs which have a leather plaited seats. I have heard they are much sought after by collectors. There must be about 40 tables and 100 chairs here!

A la carte breakfast was included in our accommodation and we dined in-house both nights - once in the little pub bar area with Donna and Paul and once in the restaurant. All meals were delicious and special.Read more