I stayed at The Peacock in June 2025, it was the final stop on a 2 week European road trip that had taken me to and seen me stop at top class establishments in Koblenz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg and Lièges. Without question, The Peacock was the top pick. Here’s why… 1. On arrival I drove into a large, out of the way white gravelled car park. Someone had obviously thought about its design. Spacious enough so that people won’t dink their expensive cars because they can park a reasonable distance from each other, yet small enough to feel like an exclusive overnight guest. Nice. 2. After checking in I wasn’t handed my key and given directions, I was instead shown to my room by a member of staff. My room door was opened for me and the room had been pre-prepared for my arrival - a soft light was on, as was a quiet DAB radio providing classical background music. Nice. Forward planning in evidence again. 3. Attention to detail. I was asked if I’d like a morning paper and alarm call. Would I like help carrying my luggage in? Everything was meticulously arranged. Items lined up. There was symmetry. Colours were coordinated. The furniture was expensive and in excellent condition. The temperature was perfect. The smell was pleasing. The staff were charming and in uniform. The dining rooms were beautiful. The plates were heavy. The cutlery was spotless. The wine glasses were delicate. Even the books on the shelves were spot on, hardbacks, and good ones… My point is, to achieve this level of excellence takes a lot of planning, carefully thought out and executed with precision over time. 4. My evening meal was superb. Quality ingredients that complemented each other creating dishes that worked. An excellent wine list too. The place I stayed at in Strasbourg had a Michelin star. The Peacock was better. I could go on, but you get my drift. The Peacock at Rowsley is the perfect example of a place that has got it right.

Car park next to the hotel is free for visitors. One spot for electric charging, an overnight charge is £25. Staff very helpful. Good sized room, very clean. Big comfy bed. Big smart tv, not logged into anything though, you need to log 8n on your own account to use Netflix etc. small box of chocolates was a nice touch. Breakfast was in a lovely bright room and was delicious. Cosy bar and library rooms to visit. Nice and quiet. All in all, a little pricey, but a lovely hotel and we very much enjoyed our stay.

Restaurant was expensive and the local pub food is very mediocre. Bathroom was quite small.

Staff were wonderful. When we mistakenly presumed we'd be able to dine at a nearby restaurant after 8pm, Hannah very kindly helped us to make alternative plans. She found a great local hostelry that was still serving, made a late reservation on our behalf, found us a driver and saved us from a very hungry night after a long day's walking. She was, moreover, a delightful, cheering presence. Everyone was very warm and welcoming throughout. The hotel was unusually cosy. Breakfast was spectacularly good and dinner was excellent. We came away feeling extremely well fed, soothed and minded.

quiet, peaceful and restful. Lounge and bar areas intimate comfortable where we felt at ease in the surroundings. very personalised service in all areas by a team of professional, caring, and friendly staff all eager to please as required. we paid an excellent price for DB&B with the breakfast being super hot of huge proportion and good tasting coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Evening meal had limited choice ( time of year ? ), but tasting well portioned servings; so good choice to only stay two nights. Did not check if bar menu offered. restful nights sleep, loved the steamer rather than iron. Big car park, village stores opposite in case of extra needs

just little quibbles :- pillows too hard for our liking, sockets in room tricky to access due to ration of room size and furniture pieces. bathroom small but perfectly formed. Assumed local milk and tea bags for our room but unfortunately neither to our liking. Quite a few steps along the upper corridor as one navigates the route to the bedroom.

The Staff!!! Excellent. Long time I haven’t seen such a quality of service; and from every single person you are in contact with. Charming hotel, nice room (the one we had wasn’t enormous, but adequate and with a lot of charm

Nothing Was expecting more of the restaurant, seen the professional reviews are generally very good, but it was Sunday evening, a restaurant (quasi) empty and with a « limited » menu. So might not be really fair to make a judgement of that meal. However, as said earlier, the service is such that you quickly forget about this.

The level of service from staff was excellent. Friendly, polite and efficient in their duties. The food in the restaurant was delicious (amendments to the menu choices were graciously accommodated). This was also the case with breakfast. The room was spacious with a very comfortable bed, we only wish we'd had more time to make use of the facilities offered.

Although a wonderful place with excellent staff and facilities, I think that the room would benefit from having windows that would open so fresh air can circulate the room. The air conditioning/ temperature control made for a bit of a stuffy room. A luxury price point too.

A quality place to stay. Beautiful architecture and furnishings/ Decor inside were superb. The staff were very professional and helpful through our stay. We appreciated the garden with mature lime trees next to the river and the peacefulness of our stay in this beautiful part of Derbyshire. We did not dine there in the evening but breakfast was cooked and served in style using high quality produce and cooked/presented to perfection.

No negatives.

The decor was absolutely beautiful, such a pretty country house and felt so homely too. I love the interior design - would be great if the designer could do my house too!! Gardens were really lovely, extremely peaceful. The food was out of this world - best I’ve had in years, so impressed! Service was brilliant in all areas, professional but friendly. Made to feel so welcome, so definitely booking again very soon!

There is nothing I didn’t like!!!

This was a truly exceptional stay. The room was very comfortable and to a high standard of cleanliness and decor. We received a five star experience from staff. Dinner was incredible and again to a high standard. Breakfast was also fantastic with really great choice. The staff team were great, so welcoming and worked so well together. We will definitely be returning and have already started recommending the Peacock to friends.

Nothing - it was exceptional!

This was a hotel with the best staff I have ever experienced. Very attentive, polite, helpful and courteous. The rooms were beautiful and very cosy, the beds were comfortable, Wi-Fi worked well. It was wonderfully quiet at night. Dinner and breakfast in the adjoining restaurant were excellent. There were plenty of parking spaces nearby. The lounges and bar were very inviting. I can highly recommend this hotel.