Guest Reviews

"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

"Can only agree with other reviews. The best B & B we have stayed in. Don't miss out on this little gem! Thank you Gilly & John for a wonderful break."

Peter & Sue 29/09/08 - 29-09-2008

"From the website we had high hopes for our short break at River Cottage - and were not disappointed. The house is beautifully furnished with fantastic attention to detail (luxury toiletries, wine glasses, umbrellas / torches available, plenty of local info... etc.). The location is equally beautiful, with the patio beside the trout-filled river at the bottom of the garden providing a tranquil place to unwind with a glass (or two!) of wine - as we did. We also particularly enjoyed the lazy breakfasts featuring not only an excellent full English (or veggie omlette) but endless coffee and toast on which to enjoy the excellent home made preserves. It's worth mentioning also that the village of Ashford on the Water (a 5 minute walk away) is an ideal base for exploring the Peak District. There are 2 good, friendly pubs, both serving good food (The Bull's Head is excellent), and a small but very well stocked shop. Bakewell is a 5 minute drive; Chatsworth and Haddon Hall are 10 minute drives, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy both local (esp. to Monsal Head) and further afield. However - the real unexpected highlight was the hospitality of John and Gilly who go to great lengths to ensure your stay is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. The whole stay certainly exceeded our high expectations - we would unconditionally recommend the River Cottage as a great place to unwind from our (stressful!) city existence - and hope to be back there again sometime soon. "

Simon Metheringham - 30-08-2008

"A very relaxing stay with in a delightful setting. Just wanted to thank John and Gilly for all the spoils, especially your delicious scrambled eggs and salmon. We planned our return visit in the car on the way home. 10 out of 10 from us. Excellent detail, rooms very comfortable, very very friendly and caring environment. Best bit: Wine by the river with the other guests. Very good value. "

Sara & Bill - 11-08-2008

"Besides the immaculate room, gorgeous black and white bathroom and great location. We found that Gillian & John were the best thing about River Cottage. Felt like thier personal house guests. It's how it should be. We had bad weather but can imagine starting an evening off at the riverside with a little glass of something and a stroll into the village for supper. They have thought of everything, even a little fridge for guests in the dining room so we can keep cool the wine on a hot summers day.... which is when we will be returning. Well done Gillian and John you have restored our faith. "

Audrey & Peter - 24-05-2008

"Found River Cottage on the Web whilst looking for B&B for a long weekend in the Peak District. Not took keen on guest houses but as it was just a long weekend we browsed through looking for something that caught our eye. River Cottage was fanstatic. The room was beautiful with everything we would need in a room; shower gel, soap, room spray, flat screen tv, very comfortable bed, plenty of space, to name but a few, and it was all tastefully decorated and extremely clean. Ashford is one of the prettiest villages in the Peaks and is central for lots of great walks etc and River Cottage is on the edge of the village with a beautiful garden backing onto the river. We couldn't end without mentioning Gilly and John, who own River Cottage. A wonderful couple who make you feel very much at home and nothing is too much trouble ... and their breakfasts are to die for!! Sitting on the bank of the river on a warm August evening watching the trout in the river is a memory we shall treasure, together with everything about our weekend at River Cottage."

Trip Adviser review - Cambridgeshire - 09-03-2008

"A real treat and very good value. We had a spacious double room with stunning views down to the river. Everything was perfect, warm welcome, fresh flowers everywhere. Treat yourself. We did and we are delighted at finding our new 'bolt hole'. 2 pubs an easy walk from River cottage, Ashford is a chocolate box village, great village shop. We packed our backpack full of fresh goodies from this shop (has a deli and make rolls etc). Monsel trail is worth a stomp, which the house is located on. Can't think of anything negitive to report, except we had rather a lot of rain - mind you it was February. Excellent accommodation, excellent value."

Angela & David - 29-02-2008

"We have just had the perfect winter short break. Cloudless blue skies, frost covered fields and trees, great walking & a superb base in the Peaks. Our room was just beautiful and I agree with previous comments (we booked because of the previous reviews) that John and Jillie do care and they made us feel so welcome and 'special' the entire stay. Breakfast was a hoot. The laughter was infectious, the homemade jams were addictive, John's humour - dry. Oh and the food just delicious, none of this ordering the night before-thank goodness. We have booked our return visit as we are keen to feed the trout over a glass of wine in high summer. A very memorable stay-Thanks"

David & Lesley - 18-02-2008

"This place is a real find. The riverside setting is idyllic and we had great fun feeding bread to the hungry trout. Our room was just beautiful with great little touches like fresh flowers everywhere and Gilly and John were fantastic hosts! 10 out 0f 10 from us."

Richard and Amanda - 02-10-2007