Peak Forest takes its name from the Forest of the Peak, a vast track of woodland which once covered some 180 square miles. Wolves roamed hereabouts with a record dated 1275 of Thomas de Wolfhunt who was empowered to take wolves from the forest. Fear not though as you settle down for a night in your bed and breakfast in Peak Forest, the last wolf was caught a couple of hundred years or so ago!

Just outside the village is Chamber Farm which was rebuilt in the 17th century but stands on the site of a former medieval building where a small court or Swainmote was held to try poachers, trespassers and rustlers to the Forest.

Whilst staying at your bed and breakfast in Peak Forest you may well find reference to the village being the Gretna Green of the Peak. In 1657 Peak Forest acquired its church which was built on the instructions of Christian, Countess of Devonshire. This was initially a private chapel out of jurisdiction of a bishop, and the minister had the power to grant marriage licences, his strange title being ‘Principal Official and Judge in Spiritualities in the Peculiar Court of Peak Forest!

However, do not plan a quickie wedding as part of your bed and breakfast in Peak Forest– the last elopement took place in 1938 and the practise is no longer permitted.

There are some wonderful walks and bike rides from your bed and breakfast in Peak Forest, which take you through the heart of White Peak countryside, amid rolling green fields and mile upon mile of drystone wall. Be careful though if you venture near Eldon Hill – Eldon Hole which can be found there is a massive gaping chasm known for centuries as the ‘Bottomless Pit’ and listed as being one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak.

From the window of your bed and breakfast in Peak Forest you may well see the healed over remnants of an old mine. Lead mining was an important part of the village’s industrial past when many local mines including the strangely named Starvehouse Mine, Clear-the-way Mine, Hazard Mine and Slitherstone Mine could be found.

Wherever you stay for your bed and breakfast in Peak Forest, you are bound to return home with memories of a village steeped in history and tradition, of local tales, myths and legends that will enrich your knowledge of our wonderful Peak District.