Long Valley Yurts at Knotlow Farm

Bringing a bit of central Asian steppes style to the undulating hills of Derbyshire is the Long Valley Yurts operation at lovely Knotlow Farm, a family-run campsite which sits bang in the middle of the Peak District National Park. The four cosy yurts have the run of a whopping 100 acres of rolling English farmland, with not a car, road or streetlight in sight – brilliant for a relaxed getaway in breathtaking countryside. 

Long Valley have honed their operation at four glamping sites in the Lake District (search for Long Valley Yurts on this site), so it's back to nature but definitely not back to basics. The yurts are traditionally designed – spacious and airy (sleeping up to six), and sturdy as you like, equipped to fight any unpredictable weather. But in keeping with the Long Valley style they're all lovingly furnished in warm Moroccan hues, and feature futon-style beds, twinkly fairly lights, an efficient wood-burning stove and oven, and a central skylight for star-gazing on those crisp Peak District nights. They also come with everything you're likely to need, from gas hobs and grill, cutlery and crockery to bedding and firewood.

Toilets and hot showers are a short walk away (shared with the other campsite users), but the clincher for us at this site are the two Scandinavian wood-fired hot tubs, set on a decking platform with stunning views over the Derbyshire Dales. You get exclusive use for the duration, so that's Prosecco all round then after a day out walking or cycling! The site also allows open fires, so you can do the whole backwoods marshmallow experience whenever you feel like it. There's breakfast available and evening pizzas on site, a visiting fish and chip van once a week, and several pubs within easy walking and driving distance.

This part of the Peak District is also fantastic for hikers and bikers, with easygoing footpaths right from the campsite, tougher peak trails for more adventurous walkers, and bike trails (and bike hire) nearby – including the 13-mile traffic-free Tissington Trail. It's the kind of location that's great for a family break or a couples' retreat, and the yurts certainly work for both kinds of holiday, where you can be as relaxed or as active as you like, knowing that you have a fabulously cosy base to come back to each day.