The Peacock at Rowsley

Exactly what I wanted, what I have expected hearing from my family who have stayed there previously so it was great to have a relaxing time with great service and food

I stayed at The Peacock in June 2025, it was the final stop on a 2 week European road trip that had taken me to and seen me stop at top class establishments in Koblenz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg and Lièges. Without question, The Peacock was the top pick. Here’s why… 1. On arrival I drove into a large, out of the way white gravelled car park. Someone had obviously thought about its design. Spacious enough so that people won’t dink their expensive cars because they can park a reasonable distance from each other, yet small enough to feel like an exclusive overnight guest. Nice. 2. After checking in I wasn’t handed my key and given directions, I was instead shown to my room by a member of staff. My room door was opened for me and the room had been pre-prepared for my arrival - a soft light was on, as was a quiet DAB radio providing classical background music. Nice. Forward planning in evidence again. 3. Attention to detail. I was asked if I’d like a morning paper and alarm call. Would I like help carrying my luggage in? Everything was meticulously arranged. Items lined up. There was symmetry. Colours were coordinated. The furniture was expensive and in excellent condition. The temperature was perfect. The smell was pleasing. The staff were charming and in uniform. The dining rooms were beautiful. The plates were heavy. The cutlery was spotless. The wine glasses were delicate. Even the books on the shelves were spot on, hardbacks, and good ones… My point is, to achieve this level of excellence takes a lot of planning, carefully thought out and executed with precision over time. 4. My evening meal was superb. Quality ingredients that complemented each other creating dishes that worked. An excellent wine list too. The place I stayed at in Strasbourg had a Michelin star. The Peacock was better. I could go on, but you get my drift. The Peacock at Rowsley is the perfect example of a place that has got it right.

This is a very special hotel with some of the best service we have ever had. The hotel is beautifully furnished in comfortable country style with attention to the smallest details. The rooms are extremely comfortable. Food in the dining room is excellent, a really good selection and just delicious. And a fantastic breakfast. Combine all of this with just the most beautiful setting in the heart of the Peak District and this place is hard to beat. But it’s the excellent staff who are superbly trained that really makes the experience so good. I can’t recommend enough. Thank you to all at The Peacock for making our stay so very lovely.

A fantastic hotel in Rowsley with really brilliant team of staff who are so friendly, and professional especially as I had to change my booking due to circumstances. Hilary dealt with the situation perfectly. You felt important as a guest and we used the Peacock as a base for a Fly Fishing Course, led by Steve, which was a truly brilliant day. Five minutes from Bakewell and a range of shopping outlets. Food was exceptional, though no longer able to eat in the bar. We will be returning!

We heard the Longbow Group had taken over at The Peacock at Rowsley, so we thought we’d try it as an old friend worked there many years ago. We went for lunch as part of a day trip to the Peak District. We were greeted at the door and shown to our pre-booked table in the bar and given menu’s to select from at our leisure. The bar was an absolute delight with bare stone walls and timber fixtures and fittings with jazz music playing. The bar offers an array of drinks including a hand pulled Thornbridge ale Lord Marples when we visited an absolute delight and rarity at 4 star hotels. We had a light lunch of sandwiches followed by exquisite desserts. We were so impressed that we immediately booked for lunch with friends when we will be visiting The Peak District for a weekend in the near future. The Peacock is a new favourite, which we will be staying at and sampling dining in the restaurant in the future.

Car park next to the hotel is free for visitors. One spot for electric charging, an overnight charge is £25. Staff very helpful. Good sized room, very clean. Big comfy bed. Big smart tv, not logged into anything though, you need to log 8n on your own account to use Netflix etc. small box of chocolates was a nice touch. Breakfast was in a lovely bright room and was delicious. Cosy bar and library rooms to visit. Nice and quiet. All in all, a little pricey, but a lovely hotel and we very much enjoyed our stay.