Rokeby Cottage was recommended by a friend. It is in Hathersage which is a great base for exploring the Peak District. I had been there before when I was mad keen on rock climbing and new it had great outdoor activity shops and friendly cafes and pubs.

I stayed at Rokeby with my two teenage sons and as the place only sleeps three, I put them in the double room and I slept in the single room. That has the advantage of a great view to the South West.

We did a lot of self-catering as there is a really good butcher and a traditional green grocer a few minutes walk away in the village. We also bought some free range eggs from a woman who lived a hundred yards away in the other direction. So breakfast fry-ups were our way of starting the day.

The weather was great, so we also dined alfresco and invited some local friends for a meal.

There is a washing machine with drier, and a dishwasher, so keeping clean and tidy wasn't too difficult.

We did some cycling from the cottage and the boys used the local outdoor swimming pool, which is huge and heated to almost tropical temperatures.

Of course good weather helps. But I bet this cottage is also cosy and warm at Christmas.