Peak Edge Hotel has been recognised as one of the finest hotels in England after winning Silver in the Small Hotel of the Year category at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
The family-owned Derbyshire hotel picked up the national accolade after representing the Peak District on the national stage, having won Gold in the Hotel of the Year category at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards earlier this year.
The award caps a remarkable period for the four-star hotel, which has recently been admitted to the Michelin Guide and achieved an AA Quality Score of 85%, a level typically associated with five-star hotels. Peak Edge has also been awarded Bronze accreditation by Green Tourism in recognition of its commitment to sustainable hospitality and has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards.
Owned by entrepreneur Steve Perez, Peak Edge has continued to invest heavily in its guest experience over the past year, introducing a first-of-its-kind immersive wine cellar created in partnership with Sorrells, expanding experience-led packages including golf and e-bike breaks, increasing helicopter landing facilities and developing its premium alcohol-free offering in response to changing guest preferences.
The hotel has also reported growth across rooms, food, beverage and events during a period that has proved challenging for many hospitality businesses.
Its 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant has built a reputation for farm-to-fork dining, with much of its produce sourced directly from Walton Lodge Farm Estate, Steve Perez’s nearby 360-acre family farm, which has achieved Red Tractor certification.
Steve Perez, owner of Peak Edge Hotel, said:
“To be recognised by VisitEngland as one of the best hotels in the country is an incredible honour.
“We are enormously proud of what the team has achieved. Hospitality is ultimately about people, and this award reflects the dedication, warmth and professionalism our team shows every day.
“As an independent Derbyshire business, it is particularly special to be representing the Peak District on a national stage and demonstrating the quality of hospitality experiences available here.”
Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Peak Edge Hotel, added:
“This award recognises years of hard work and continual investment in the guest experience.
“We’ve focused on creating something that feels relaxed, welcoming and authentic, while still delivering exceptional quality. To achieve Silver at a national level, particularly in a year that has already included Gold at the regional tourism awards and admission to the Michelin Guide, is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence are regarded as the highest accolades in English tourism, celebrating businesses that deliver outstanding customer experiences, innovation and service.
For Peak Edge, the Silver award places the Derbyshire venue firmly among the leading hotels in England and continues a run of recognition that is helping put both the hotel and the wider Peak District hospitality sector in the national spotlight.
