The Peacock at Rowsley

The Peacock at Rowsley, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque village of Rowsley, United Kingdom, consistently earns high praise for its blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and exceptional hospitality. Housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century manor, it offers guests a refined escape in the heart of the Peak District.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Peacock at Rowsley is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their experiences as "exceptional" and "wonderful." Booking.com rates the property at a "Wonderful" 9.2 out of 10 based on hundreds of reviews, with particularly high scores for staff (9.7), cleanliness (9.7), and comfort (9.6). Reviewers consistently highlight the hotel's luxurious ambiance and the attentive nature of its service.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Peacock at Rowsley for several standout features:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff's exceptional attentiveness and genuine warmth are frequently cited as a major highlight, with guests feeling well-cared for in a subtle yet comprehensive manner.
• Location: Its superb position in Rowsley makes it an ideal base for exploring the Peak District National Park, with iconic attractions like Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House just a short distance away. The hotel's setting also offers stunning river views and exclusive fly-fishing rights.
• Design & Ambiance: The 17th-century manor house beautifully marries traditional country-house luxury with contemporary design elements. Guests appreciate the "beautifully preserved" architecture, the thoughtful mix of antique artworks and modern furnishings, and the cozy yet elegant interiors, including welcoming open fireplaces.
• Amenities: The hotel provides modern comforts such as free Wi-Fi, in-room smart TVs, 24-hour room service, and luxury Penhaligon toiletries. A tranquil 1-acre garden on the river, EV charging, and access to a nearby golf club further enhance the guest experience.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at The Peacock at Rowsley are consistently praised for their comfort, quality, and distinctive design. They are described as "cosy," "large," "beautiful," and "calming sanctuaries filled with character," blending historic charm with modern conveniences. Guests enjoy features such as air conditioning, incredibly comfortable beds (with "exceptional sleep quality" and "the best bed ever" frequently mentioned), and well-appointed marble bathrooms, some boasting novel side jets in the showers. Thoughtful touches like ground coffee, fresh milk, and luxurious Penhaligon toiletries are standard.

4. Dining Experience

Dining is a significant draw, with the hotel's restaurant holding 3 AA Rosettes and being recognized in the Michelin Guide.

• Restaurant: Head Chef Dan Smith crafts seasonal fine-dining menus using the "finest seasonal, locally sourced ingredients," including produce from the Haddon estate. Dinner is a formal affair, often featuring tasting menus or refined à la carte dishes like Roast Derbyshire Beef Sirloin or innovative preparations of venison and fish.
• Lunch & Sunday Lunch: A more relaxed bar menu is available at lunchtime, alongside the option for sandwiches and salads. The reintroduced Sunday lunch, a three-course menu priced at £55, is particularly celebrated.
• Breakfast: Guests generally find breakfast to be "delicious" and of "high standard," with options like Eggs Benedict and a Full English receiving positive comments for quality and presentation.
• Bar: The "invitingly olde-worlde bar" with its stone walls, large hearth, and copper-topped counter is a favorite spot for cocktails, local ales, and a more casual dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Peacock at Rowsley is consistently highlighted as a cornerstone of the guest experience. Staff are frequently described as "exceptional," "excellent," "attentive," "friendly," "skilled," "courteous," and "professional." Many guests comment on how the team goes above and beyond to ensure all needs are met, contributing to a truly relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is ideally situated in Rowsley, offering an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty and historic attractions of the Peak District. It is conveniently close to Chatsworth House (approximately 5.2 km away) and Haddon Hall, with direct walking routes available from the hotel's doorstep. The River Derwent flows nearby, offering scenic views and fishing opportunities.

Regarding accessibility, the hotel, a historic 17th-century building, does not have a lift, and all bedrooms are located on upper floors accessed by stairs. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to contact the hotel prior to booking for assistance. However, step-free access is provided to the dining rooms, bar, and lounge via the garden entrance, and an accessible toilet is available on the ground floor. Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed throughout the property, and complimentary on-site parking includes dedicated spaces for guests with disabilities.

7. Value & Pricing

While The Peacock at Rowsley is a luxury property, many guests consider it to be excellent value for money, particularly given the high standard of accommodation, dining, and service. B&B doubles typically start from £184.50. One guest noted that a dinner, bed, and breakfast package at £350 was "brilliant" for the level of luxury, location, food, and service provided, especially when compared to similar establishments in other high-end regions. Booking.com rates its value for money at a respectable 8.7 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Breakfast Service Speed: One guest mentioned "slow service" during breakfast.
• Accessibility for Mobility Impaired: The lack of a lift and bedrooms being exclusively on upper floors may pose challenges for guests with significant mobility issues.
• Child Policy: The hotel does not permit children under 10 at weekends and does not offer a children's menu.

Sources

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2. michelin.com
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11. ratedtrips.com
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13. squaremeal.co.uk
14. michelin.com
15. coolplacesbritain.com
16. quarterly-review.org
17. thepeacockatrowsley.com