Peak Edge Hotel Earns National Recognition Among England’s Finest Small Hotels

Peak Edge Hotel Takes Silver

Peak Edge Hotel secured Silver in VisitEngland’s Small Hotel of the Year category, adding to a series of achievements including Michelin Guide admission, sustainability recognition, and continued investment in guest experiences.

DERBYSHIRE, ENGLAND — Peak Edge Hotel has strengthened its reputation as one of England’s leading hospitality destinations after securing Silver in the Small Hotel of the Year category at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

The family-owned four-star hotel, located on the edge of the Peak District, received the national accolade after representing the region following its Gold win in the Hotel of the Year category at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards earlier this year.

• Won Silver in the Small Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
• Previously secured Gold at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards 2026.
• Recently admitted to the Michelin Guide.
• Achieved an AA Quality Score of 85%, typically associated with five-star properties.
• Earned Bronze accreditation from Green Tourism.
• Shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards.
• Introduced an immersive wine cellar experience in partnership with Sorrells.
• Expanded guest packages with golf and e-bike experiences.
• Increased helicopter landing facilities.
• Enhanced premium alcohol-free hospitality offerings.
• Reported growth across rooms, food, beverage, and events.
• Red Lion Restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes and champions farm-to-fork dining.

The latest recognition crowns an exceptional period of success for the Derbyshire venue. In recent months, Peak Edge Hotel has been admitted to the Michelin Guide, achieved an impressive AA Quality Score of 85%—a benchmark often associated with five-star establishments—and earned Bronze accreditation from Green Tourism for its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. The hotel has also been shortlisted in three categories at the upcoming 2026 Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards.

Owned by entrepreneur Steve Perez, Peak Edge has continued to invest significantly in enhancing the guest experience. Recent developments include the introduction of an innovative immersive wine cellar experience created in partnership with Sorrells, the expansion of experience-led packages featuring golf and e-bike breaks, improved helicopter landing facilities, and the development of a premium alcohol-free drinks offering designed to meet evolving consumer preferences.

These investments have contributed to strong business performance, with the hotel reporting growth across accommodation, food and beverage, and events operations despite ongoing challenges facing the wider hospitality sector.

A key part of the hotel’s appeal is its acclaimed 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant, which has earned a reputation for high-quality farm-to-fork dining. Much of the restaurant’s produce is sourced directly from Walton Lodge Farm Estate, Steve Perez’s nearby 360-acre family farm, which holds Red Tractor certification.

Commenting on the award, Steve Perez 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.”

He added: “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, described the achievement as the result of years of dedication and continual improvement.

“This award recognises years of hard work and continual investment in the guest experience,” he said. “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.”

Widely regarded as the highest honours in English tourism, the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrate businesses that deliver outstanding customer experiences, innovation and service. For Peak Edge Hotel, the Silver award further cements its position among England’s finest hotels while shining a spotlight on the quality and diversity of hospitality experiences available across Derbyshire and the Peak District.

As the hotel continues its upward trajectory, the latest accolade marks another milestone in a growing list of achievements that are elevating both the business and the region’s tourism profile on the national stage.