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Experience a quintessential English Christmas by spending a winter getaway at a luxurious coaching inn in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. “You can still see the worn steps from generations of gentlemen and country squires stepping down from their carriages,” shared hotel manager Steve Daly during a tour of The Cavendish Hotel.
The hotel’s charm, steeped in history, dates back to when it was won in a card game in 1830 by the Sixth Duke of Devonshire. It has recently undergone a multi-year renovation led by designer Nicola Harding and overseen by Laura Cavendish, the current duke’s daughter-in-law.
The Cavendish boasts two restaurants. The Garden Room offers a relaxed vibe, perfect for families and casual diners. I savored the crispy English broccoli with garlic and parmesan, followed by a succulent Moss Valley pork schnitzel with black-truffle fries.
The more formal dining option, The Gallery, stands out for its exceptional cuisine. I tried a tender and flavorful lamb dish, which lived up to its three rosettes. The Cavendish also features afternoon tea and the chance to enjoy dinner at the chef’s table.
The Garden Room restaurant is ideal for families
(Image credit: The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow)
The hotel has 28 impressive rooms, including pet-friendly options in the Coach House. My room was named after the Dowager Countess Spencer, offering luxury and stunning countryside views. The serene atmosphere, enhanced by soothing pastel greens, encouraged me to relax and enjoy a good book, as many guests do.
The hotel bar is a perfect, cozy spot for a drink
(Image credit: The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow)
A Festive Affair at Chatsworth House
The surrounding area offers much to explore, with the Chatsworth estate being a major attraction just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Chatsworth House, a grand and famous stately home, is about a 30-minute walk away. The house, built in 1553 and transformed in the late 17th century, is known for its baroque style and extensive art collection.
Chatsworth truly shines during the Christmas season, with decorations inspired by the story “Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast” by Joseph Coelho. The festive atmosphere includes a Christmas market with local goods and seasonal foods, like a raclette-cheese-and-beef-brisket combo to warm you up.
The highlight for me was the winter light show. The gardens, developed over centuries, are remarkable in daylight, but the evening light and sound projections against a scarlet sunset backdrop are truly spectacular.
Matthew was a guest of The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow. Rooms start from £200 a night. For more information, visit cavendishhotelbaslow.co.uk. Christmas at Chatsworth runs until January 5th, and tickets can be booked at chatsworth.org.
