The beautiful weather we’ve been enjoying over the past week or so may have left us for now, but it is a positive indication that we are, finally heading towards summer.

With the Queen’s Jubilee almost upon us and the Olympics just around the corner, the UK is enjoying an increase in tourism. Plus, those of us who would normally hop on a plane to sunnier climes may be considering a stay in the UK instead – after all, not many of us are feeling particularly rich at the moment!

Here in Buxton, we are lucky enough to be on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. The Peak District National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a landscape full of character and diversity, and a real feeling of wildness and remoteness.

It’s the perfect place for visitors to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities; the obvious ones are walking, hiking and cycling, but there is also fell running, caving, rock climbing, fishing, horse riding, air sports and camping.

Plus, of course, there is the ‘gateway to the Peak District National Park’, Buxton itself, as well as the myriad of charming villages across the High Peak. Buxton is a spa town with its own geothermal spring, which was built on the River Wye. Every year it plays host to the Buxton Festival in July, and the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, which runs from the end of July for much of August. The town has a wide range of high street and independent shops, plus a market every Tuesday and Saturday.

It’s pretty safe to say that a day trip to the High Peak and Peak District simply won’t suffice. But where to stay when you visit?

thebestof Buxton has two fabulous options for you, which have both been highly recommended by their guests.

The first is the Charles Cotton Hotel; a hotel, restaurant and wedding venue in Hartington, a pretty and popular village in the heart of the Peak District National Park. With a restaurant recently voted one of the top 5 in Derbyshire, the opportunity to book the hotel as your own exclusive wedding venue and a selection of dog friendly rooms, there really is something for everyone at the Charles Cotton.

As Judy Dyer, co-owner alongside her partner Alan Shanks, explains, "We want to provide our customers with a high quality, authentic experience," Judy explains. "The moment you step into the Charles Cotton, you're enveloped in the delicious smells from the restaurant, the aroma of real ale, the cracking of the open fire in the colder months and the olde world charm of the hotel itself.”

“My husband and I stayed at the Charles Cotton hotel at the end of March 2012. We thoroughly enjoyed the stay. The hotel is gorgeous and the food was really good. We stayed at the hotel for a walking weekend and thought the location was ideal. There are several walks from outside the hotel. Brilliant weekend - thank you.”

“Our large group was made very welcome and the service was excellent throughout our stay. The staff here are an asset to the hotel, without exception! Lovely meals left us all needing the wonderful walks in the area to be ready for the next meal!”

Option two is Buxton bed and breakfast, Alpine Lodge Guest House. Situated on a tree-lined residential road just a few minutes’ walk away from the centre of Buxton, and owned by Jean Cole, the impressive Victorian guest house offers 4 Star Silver accommodation, a range of delicious breakfast options (including Jean’s Eggs Florentine).

Alpine Lodge Guest House has acquired a Walkers & Cyclists Welcome accreditation, so whether you are visiting the area to wander the local towns and villages, enjoy a spot of shopping or take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer, you are sure of a warm and friendly service at all times.

“Lovely comfortable rooms, ours had a great view too. Quiet and elegant location. Excellent breakfast and very welcoming and helpful host. Would have happily stayed another few days.”

“Wonderful accommodation ideally located to explore Buxton. Warm welcome and fab breakfast. We will be back!”

“Alpine Lodge Guest House in Buxton provides all I could want – very welcoming, clean, cosy without being intrusive – not forgetting the lovely grub!”