South Derbyshire
Photo © Billy Babu The Story Teller, Google Maps
South Derbyshire is a district rather than a single town, spread across the south of the county. The area draws visitors primarily as a base for exploring the surrounding region, and self-catering cottages dominate the accommodation picture—there are around three dozen of them dotted throughout the district. This makes it a natural choice for groups or families planning a longer stay, where self-catering makes practical and financial sense.
The district sits in an area with considerable appeal for those interested in exploring the wider Derbyshire landscape and the attractions of the East Midlands. Being a rural district rather than a compact town centre means that visitors tend to use it as a launching point for day trips and wider exploration, rather than as a destination in itself. The self-catering base allows for flexible planning around local activities and nearby draws.
For anyone considering a stay here, the abundance of self-catering options suggests the infrastructure exists to support visitors for a week or more. The character of the district—spread, rural, cottage-based—suits those who want a quieter kind of break, with their own space and the freedom to structure their time around what the broader region has to offer.
Where to stay in South Derbyshire
All hotels in South Derbyshire →The Cottage
12 Canal Bridge, Derby
ibis budget Derby
B5008 Etwall Road, Derby
The Boot inn
12 Boot Hill, Derby
The Bubble Inn Hotel
Derby Road, Derby
The Unicorn Inn
Repton Road, Newton Solney
Littleover Lodge Hotel
222 Rykneld Rd, Derby
Blenheim House Hotel
56 Main Street, Etwall
Dovecliff Hall Hotel
Dovecliff Road, Burton upon Trent
Things to Do in South Derbyshire
All attractions in South Derbyshire →Where to Eat in South Derbyshire
All restaurants in South Derbyshire →Attractions Near South Derbyshire
All attractions in South Derbyshire →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of South Derbyshire.
0 mi
Mercia Marina Willington
Willington · ⭐ 4.5
2 mi
CLARY MEADOWS ALPACAS
Derby · ⭐ 5.0
3 mi
Jangala
Derby · ⭐ 4.4
3 mi
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Burton upon Trent · ⭐ 4.8
3 mi
Wacky Warehouse - Mill House Stretton
Burton upon Trent · ⭐ 4.1
4 mi
Foremark - National Trust
Derby · ⭐ 4.8
4 mi
Tenpin & Sector 7 Derby
Derby · ⭐ 4.2
5 mi
Meadowside Leisure Centre
Burton upon Trent · ⭐ 4.2
Camping in South Derbyshire
All campsites in South Derbyshire →
Four Oaks Camp Site
⭐ 4.7 · from £30/night
Hill Farm Caravan and Camping Site
⭐ 4.7 · from £92/night
Hill Farm Leicestershire
⭐ 4.7
Broadleaves Glamping
⭐ 5.0 · from £282/night
Dovesite Caravan Park
⭐ 4.7
Springwood Fisheries
⭐ 4.4
Langley Wilding Campsite
⭐ 5.0 · from £20/night
Peake's Retreats
⭐ 4.9
Self-Catering Cottages in South Derbyshire(37)
All cottages in South Derbyshire →
Acacia Lodge
3 bed · sleeps 5 · from £971
Broadstone Barns
3 cottages · from £864
Brookfields Holiday Farm
3 cottages · from £887
Chestnut Lodge
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £587
Foremark Cottages
3 cottages · from £313
Laurel Lodge
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £1,104
Millstone Meadow - Hare Lodge
2 bed · sleeps 3 · from £447
Millstone Meadow - Owl Lodge
2 bed · sleeps 3 · from £423
Common questions about South Derbyshire
How many holiday cottages are there in South Derbyshire?
We list 37 self-catering cottages in and around South Derbyshire.
Can I take a dog to a holiday cottage in South Derbyshire?
Yes — 22 of the 37 South Derbyshire cottages we list allow pets.
Are there large holiday cottages in South Derbyshire for groups?
Yes — the largest cottage we list in South Derbyshire sleeps 20.
Staycation ideas for South Derbyshire
The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations
Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.
Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather
When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.
The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain
From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.
The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids
From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.