Ford Wetley Cottage in the Peak District

Ford Wetley Cottage – A Secluded Country Escape in the Peak District

An award-winning, dog-friendly holiday cottage in the Peak District, sleeping up to 8 guests across three ensuite bedrooms, surrounded by woodland, waterfalls and rolling Staffordshire hills.

Set at the end of a private track in the south of the Peak District National Park, Ford Wetley Cottage offers a true sense of escape. Surrounded by its own woodland, grazing land and tumbling streams, this characterful cottage sits quietly within the landscape, with birdsong, flowing water and far-reaching countryside views setting the pace for your stay.

A recent Silver Award winner at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism Awards, Ford Wetley Cottage is well-suited to families, multigenerational groups and couples alike. There’s space to come together around the table, room to spread out indoors and out, and plenty of quiet corners to settle into after a day exploring the Peaks. With generous gardens, cosy interiors and a dog-friendly welcome, it works just as beautifully for relaxed family holidays as it does for slower, more romantic breaks surrounded by nature.

Inside the Cottage

Warm, welcoming and full of character, the cottage has been designed to feel relaxed and comfortable, whatever the season.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

• Three spacious ensuite bedrooms in total
• One ground-floor bedroom — ideal for senior guests or anyone who prefers to avoid stairs
• Two bedrooms on the first floor, each with pull-out beds for children
• Sleeps up to 7 adults and 1 child
• Space for two cots, with high chairs available on request

Each bedroom is thoughtfully laid out to offer privacy and flexibility, making the cottage well-suited to mixed-age groups.

Living & Dining Spaces

• Large sitting room with log burner, solid oak flooring and a cosy, relaxed feel
• Smart TV, Wi-Fi, Hi-Fi system, books, DVDs and board games – perfect for rainy afternoons
• Farmhouse-style kitchen with modern appliances and everything you need for group cooking
• Large dining table with space for everyone to gather for meals, games and long conversations

Outdoor Space & Grounds

The setting here is truly special, with outdoor space that invites you to linger from morning coffee to firepit evenings.

• Private wooden deck with beautiful views across rolling countryside
• Outdoor seating and a garden swing bench for lazy afternoons
• The Hive – a charming outdoor garden room, ideal as a play space for children, a quiet retreat, or an extra place to relax
• For those who would enjoy it, owner Louise has an established relationship with a trusted local hot tub provider, allowing guests to arrange a private hot tub for the duration of their stay. It is an optional addition, for those of you who can’t resist a hot tub to relax and enjoy during your stay.
• BBQ and firepit for alfresco feasts and marshmallow toasting
• Two streams with small waterfalls running through the grounds
• Regular wildlife sightings, including owls, herons, foxes and badgers

A space that shifts with the seasons – spring birdsong, long summer evenings, autumn colour and cosy nights by the firepit.

Dog-Friendly Stays

Ford Wetley Cottage is happy to welcome dogs, so your four-legged family member doesn’t have to miss out on the adventure. With woodland, streams and open countryside right outside the door, it’s a wonderful setting for long walks and slow explorations together.

For everyone’s comfort, dogs are welcome in the downstairs areas but not in the bedrooms, and the owners ask that they’re kept under control outdoors due to nearby grazing livestock, including sheep and cattle. The gardens are secure, giving you peace of mind while your dog enjoys a sniff around, and there are endless walking routes nearby to stretch legs – both human and canine.

Sustainability at Ford Wetley Cottage

Caring for the landscape that surrounds it is an important part of life at Ford Wetley Cottage. Set within its own private grounds of woodland, streams and meadows, the cottage has been thoughtfully managed to tread lightly while offering a comfortable, cosy stay in every season.

The property benefits from carbon-neutral heating, solar power, and a fast EV charger, helping to reduce its environmental footprint without compromising on warmth or convenience. Natural light, well-insulated spaces and efficient systems all play a part in keeping energy use low and comfort high.

Outside, the grounds are cared for with wildlife in mind, supporting the owls, herons, foxes and other animals that regularly pass through. Staying here feels quietly connected to nature – a place where sustainability isn’t a headline feature, but something woven gently into everyday life.

Exploring The Staffordshire Peak District

Hidden away in North Staffordshire, Ford Wetley Cottage sits at the southern edge of the Peak District National Park, surrounded by moorland, farmland and dramatic scenery. The setting feels remote and private, yet you’re well placed for exploring the wider area.

Walks begin straight from the door, winding through woodland, fields and along streams – sturdy boots or wellies are recommended, especially after rain. The nearest pub is around a mile away, and the vibrant market town of Leek is close by for cafés, independent shops and restaurants.

You’re also within easy reach of much-loved Peak District spots including Buxton and Bakewell, making it easy to mix quiet countryside days with gentle exploring.

Local Attractions

There’s plenty nearby to keep all ages entertained:

• Alton Towers
• Peak Wildlife Park
• The Potteries
• Churnet Valley Railway
• Chatsworth House
• Blaze Farm
• Tissington Trail
• Watersports and outdoor adventures
• Wincle Brewery for a well-earned local pint

Getting Here

• By road: Easily reached via local Peak District routes, with clear directions provided before arrival
• By train: Nearest stations include Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield, followed by a scenic drive
• By air: Manchester Airport is the most convenient option for those travelling from further afield

A Place to Unwind, Reconnect and Explore

Ford Wetley Cottage is a place that stays with you. Surrounded by woodland, streams and rolling Staffordshire hills, it offers a rare sense of privacy and space — somewhere you can properly switch off, breathe deeper and settle into a slower rhythm of life. Days might be spent walking the moorlands, watching wildlife pass through the garden, or simply enjoying long, unhurried meals around the table.

With three generous en-suite bedrooms, welcoming social spaces and beautifully varied outdoor areas, the cottage works just as well for multigenerational family stays as it does for couples craving a peaceful escape. You’ll be welcomed with a thoughtful welcome pack on arrival, setting the tone for a relaxed stay from the moment you step through the door. Add in the dog-friendly approach, considered sustainability touches and a setting that shifts beautifully with the seasons, and you have a retreat that feels both special and easy to settle into.

Whether you’re visiting for adventure, rest or a bit of both, Ford Wetley Cottage offers a calm, characterful base to return to – one that invites you to slow down, reconnect and enjoy being together.