Guest Reviews

"What a lovely time we have spent here and will be back again very soon. beautfully decorated and wonderful hosts, amongst amazing countryside. Thanks!"

Sally and Stef - 05-10-2008

"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

"We both had a wonderful time during our stay, John and Gilly are simply the perfect hosts. Our lives at home are extremely hectic and stressful but River Cottage is the perfect place to re-charge those batteries. We are hoping to return later this year."

Glen & Rachel - 14-08-2008

"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

"What a wonderful find!!! Mark and I wanted somewhere relaxing in the Peak District to celebrate our birthdays and found River Cottage on the internet. We couldn't have wished for a more comfortable and welcoming base. We did a lot of walking which helped burn off some of the huge and very tasty breakfasts we had! We would definitely recommend River Cottage to anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a chance to be pampered. Many thanks."

Sheryle Price - 16-10-2007

"Never stayed in a 5 star B&B before, what a treat. Superb hosts, imanigative rooms which were immaculate, not to mention the detail. Felt cared for and spoilt the entire stay. Village pubs a good find. Easy to get to all the sights even for those of us who do not have a car, bus stop on the driveway!!! Definitely going back."

Sue & Richard - 08-10-2007

"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

"Perfect in every way-already planning a return visit. John & Gilly make you feel very welcome guests."

Lesley & Stewart (N. Yorks) - 12-09-2007