Guest Reviews

"We had a wonderful 2 night stay at River Cottage. The rooms are beautifully finished and everything has been thought of; Gilli and John are fabulous hosts and I have to honestly say that that Gilli's breakfast is the best we have eaten anywhere in the world!!! We'll definitely return."

Claire and Colin Moore - 07-09-2011

"We have just had a wonderful stay - River Cottage is indeed immaculate, and beautifully decorated: comfortable and welcoming, a traditional feel without being dated. The cottage sits right on the the river at the edge of Ashford-on-the-Water, a picturesque little village within easy walking distance of Monsal head and Bakewell. Gilli & John were such fabulously helpful hosts: friendly, genial, and entertaining, with a gift for preparing sublime breakfasts! We can't recommend River Cottage highly enough - 5 stars! Thank you."

Geoff & Kelly - 30-08-2011

"What a wonderful little gem to find in the heart of the Peak District. Welcomed with warm hospitality and a wealth of knowledge about the surrounding areas, John and Gilly were the perfect hosts in what I'd consider a luxurious residence with impeccable rooms a d a beautiful setting. Breakfast was yummy and if truth be told, I wish we could have stayed longer!! Will definitely be back. Was magical and made our weekend of walking a complete and utter pleasure, despite the obvious fact noted by Gilly that I'm not really the walking type!! Thank you to you both for making our weekend memorable x"

Louisa & Mark - 08-08-2011

"I choose to stay at River Cottage in July whilst attending the Buxton Festival, largely as a result of being unimpressed with the accommodation in the town itself. Am very pleased to report that my fastidiousness was richly rewarded with an experience which will linger long in the memory. River Cottage is a beautiful building in an idyllic setting and is run by the most welcoming hosts imaginable. Delightful breakfasts are served by candle-light and trout can be fed in the gentle swirl of the riverbend at the bottom of the perfectly manicured garden....et in arcadia ego... "

Damian - 02-08-2011

"My husband and I recently stayed at River Cottage for the weekend and had an absolutely wonderful time here. We'd had a stressful journey and arrived a tad frazzled, however as soon as we met Gilly I can truly say our negative feelings melted away instantly. She gave us such a warm welcome and showed us around and most importantly pointed us in the right direction to the local pub! (Bulls Head) where we had an excellent meal. River Cottage is an absolute gem and beautifully furnished. We stayed in the delightful room 1 with a stunning bathroom that you could swing several cats in. When you step outside of the bedroom you are faced with a gorgeous picture window that looks down onto a beautiful garden beside the river. Whatever you choose for breakfast you won't be disappointed, the food is mostly local and freshly cooked and the sausages highly recommended! The tables are beautifully layed and John is a wonderful breakfast host who skilfully eliminates those uncomfortable B&B hushed breakfasts. This is a very special place indeed, Gilly and John have the rare balance of providing tip top accommodation and service but in a relaxed and informal style which made us feel more like a house guest than a paying customer. I can't recommend River Cottage higly enough. (July 2011)"

Eleanor - 18-07-2011

"We would just like to say, what a fantastic weekend we have just had at River Cottage. Reading the reviews when we booked, you often wonder if really accurate ? Well everything about this place was spot on, from the welcome on friday night. To the amazing breakfasts, to the attention to detail. I wanted something special as I was proposing to Michelle whilst at Chatsworth over the weekend. I could not have planned it any better, and with John & Gilly's place it really was something special ! We will be back that is for sure, and definitely highly recommend it. the future Mr & Mrs Hutton "

Bernard & Michelle - 08-05-2011

"Me an my partner have thoroughly enjoyed the stay at the river cottage. The room were clean and beautifully decorated with a newly furnished ensuite... The amount of thought that has been put into the room from wine glasses to a torch to scale is unbeatable. The breakfast in the morning was delightful, homemade jam, organic eggs and the large variety of breakfast options to suit everyone. The garden was also very well maintained and nice. I would like to that John and Gillian for making the 2 night stay so comfortable."

Pui Lam - 15-04-2011

"We have just stayed at River Cottage for 2 nights. The accommodation is absolutely beautiful with John & Gilly being fantastic hosts. There was so much attention to detail to make our stay so enjoyable and seem like home from home. We had a lovely meal in the Ashford Arms and thanks to John we made a reservation and were able to get in. The rooms are very comfortable with beautiful furnishings and decor and spotlessly clean. We will definitley stay again if we are in the area. A big thank you"

Jane & Eddie Heath - 29-10-2010

"Wonderful stay, with fabulous hosts, in a romantic and relaxing setting. Thanks so much John and Gilly, and we hope to see you again very soon. Your omlette (with bacon of course) is worth another visit alone. "

Nikki and Martyn - 06-09-2010

"We had a fantastic time away and couldn't have asked for more. John and Gilly's hospitality was exceptional and was more than happy to cater for Carls cheeky appetite. Enjoyed the walking and the lovely views. Gorgeous food at both the Bulls Head and especially The White Lion in Gt Longstone. Will definitely recommend to friends and family. Thank you x "

Carl and Bex - 08-08-2010

"Even Osca the dog made us feel welcome! Well done Gilly & John for creating such a relaxed place. In spite of the awful late May weather we walked our socks off, had a great lunch at the Bull's Head and a super dinner at the White Lion in Gt. Longstone. My husband also really enjoyed the tea room in the village as he's a carrot cake addict! We'd recommend this place wholeheartedly."

Jo - 03-06-2010

"We stayed mid April, great setting and warm welcome. Enjoyed the breakfast, the pubs in the village and the garden by the river! Great base for exploring the peaks and couldn't be faulted."

Richard and Claire - 25-04-2010

"My partner and I really enjoyed our weekend here. The breakfasts are fabulous and everyone feels really relaxed and there's a really fun atmosphere. Early on our first morning we threw bread in the river for the trout and it was such a magical moment watching them jumping out of the water in the sunlight. \we also found lots to do around Ashford and some really cosy pubs and the walks are breathtaking. Mike and Sean"

Michael Hurd - 22-04-2010

"We arrived at River Cottage utterly exhausted after 'one of those weeks'. The welcome could not have been warmer and dinner at the Bulls Head in the village was really very good indeed. We would recommend the steak and ale pie! Gilly and John are tremendous hosts and the breakfast at River Cottage is of a very high standard (almost on a par with the conversation and the banter). Our room, although the only non-ensuite one, was truly charming, very well appointed and immaculately clean. We left River Cottage after a two night stay feeling totally refreshed and cannot wait to return in the Summer. "

Peter and Sylvia - 17-02-2010