Looking for a cosy cottage in the English countryside?
So when I offered a short break to a destination of your choice either home or abroad, my Wife came up with the following request. “A country cottage with a real fire, that allowed dogs so we could take our 2 border collies, in a location good for walking them, close to a nice local pub.”
So off I went Google searching starting in the Cotswolds and then further afield. Eventually I found Tweedle Dee cottage in the Derbyshire Dales village of Youlgrave, ticked all the requirements apart from a real fire, but as a fairly last minute booking compromised on this.
Drove up and arrived at the cottage for our 3 night break on Saturday afternoon, wonderful views all the way from the M1 and into the village. We had a dedicated off road parking space right opposite the cottage, roads are narrow so grateful of this. The cottage itself was just as advertised and had all the facilities we needed, also very clean. There was a magnificent four poster bed with a very luxurious mattress, and the Tweedle Dee embroidered dressing gowns were very thick and warm.
We went on several long walks with our dogs, no idea whether we were heading at first but soon got to know our way around, mostly along the Limestone way.
Although we had all mod cons to cook if we wanted, we had decided that we would eat out each night. There are 2 local pubs within a 2 minute walk the Farmyard Inn and the George. Both had good reviews, but we opted for the former. It was busy and although we hadn’t booked they warmly welcomed us and managed to fit us in. The food was very good I had the haddock and my Wife had the lamb shank, which was huge. Unfortunately some of the desserts had sold out however the fudge cake was delicious, as was the Trio of ice cream, Mint Choc, Panna Cotta and Chocolate with pieces of chocolate all the way through it. After the meal we were invited into the Snug to join in the locals music quiz, a little apprehensive at first we should not have worried we had a fun night, with a singsong to finish. Also the pub had a roaring log fire so that one ticked off too.
The George we visited the following lunchtime in-between walks and had a very nice sandwich, the other meals being served looked good and plentiful. However we ate at the Farmyard inn next 2 nights and were not disappointed, may I personally recommend Steak Pie, WOW!
A ten minute drive takes you into the town of Bakewell, and there are many other attractions nearby for another time.
In Summary,
The Cottage was just right for us.
The village of Youlgrave although quiet is a great base for walking and has stunning views.
The villagers are very friendly.
The Farmyard Inn great for Food and atmosphere
Having visited the Lake District and now the Derbyshire Dales this year for the first time, realised what treasures we have in our own county
Will definitely be back.
