Lower Damgate Farm

Lower Damgate Farm Cottages, Wedding Venue & Dovedale Animal Sanctuary

Situated in a stunning rural location nestled between Dovedale and the Manifold Rivers in the Peak District National Park

Welcome To

Thank you for all of your help, guidance & support. Your caring nature and calming affect you have on people is wonderful as a stressed out bride. From the moment I first arrived at your beautiful home, I knew Lower Damgate Farm was where we wanted our wedding reception. You, your home, your sanctuary, your family and your animals are just amazing and I am just so happy whenever I am there. Thank you for no question ever being too silly or too big & for always being honest!

Kathyrn & Nathan McNeice

We have just got home from our fabulous, perfect, amazing (I could go on) wedding at Lower Damgate Farm. We had the best time and it was so lovely that we got to spend the whole weekend there. Carolyn was so accommodating and we really could do whatever we wanted. We didn’t want to have “just another wedding” and so many people have told us what fun they had. I would recommend Lower Damgate Farm in a heartbeat. We can’t wait to return!!

Charlotte Crawford

We stayed in the Alpaca hut at the start of the year and had such a lovely, relaxing mini break away! Carolyn and Karl were both very welcoming and made sure we felt right at home with nothing being too much trouble. The private hot tub was a great way to unwind after checking out the local walking routes and scenery; especially during the snowy weather we had! Lots of local pubs with great food and atmosphere to choose from. Highly recommended and will definitely be back!

Gemma-Lee Campbell

We had an amazing time at Lower Damgate Farm celebrating 90 years of birthdays (30th & 60th) We were lucky to find the perfect accommodation that fit our every growing family. Carolyn, you surpassed our expectations, not only with your kindness and generosity but also with the cottages themselves. We will highly recommend. We loved the animals too and thankyou for the eggs, the children are still talking about when we can come back and see you all again!

Annette Robinson

Discover local walks & things to do

We've put together a few things to do whilst enjoying your stay with us

Welcome to Lower Damgate Farm

Lower Damgate Farm is our little haven in the Peak District, providing a rural retreat where guests can escape from everyday life and relax with friends and family. Whether you are staying in one of our cottages, visiting for a wedding or event, or just passing through, whatever your occasion we hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy yourselves. Our philosophy is that nothing is a problem, and we love sharing our little world with you.

We are small family business providing guests with holiday accommodation and hosting 12 weddings a year in our barn, both of these ventures support our onsite Animal Sanctuary where we provide a forever loving home to over 100 animals.

Our Farm has over 22 acres for guests to use, it is very rural with lots of space, gardens, and stunning landscapes to enjoy. The area is great for walks straight from the door and the location perfect for exploring the Peak District National Park. We are situated in the heart of the White Peak, nestled between the famous Dovedale and Manifold Rivers (Thors Cave) and surrounded by National Trust land. Only a mile from the local village of Ilam. Here you will find the NT Ilam park and tea rooms, The Stepping Stones and Dovedale (which is also walkable from the doorstep). You will find the villages of Alstonefield, Wetton, Milldale, and Thorpe surrounding us, and there are good pubs and local teas rooms close by.

The self-catering holiday cottages on site sleep from 2 -32 guests and won the Best Farm Accommodation 2020 and 2021 in the tourism prestige awards, they come highly commended in the Sunday Times Travel Reviews, have 5-star reviews and we are Airbnb super hosts! Affectionately known as the Tardis, the Courtyard cottages include Reubens Roost, 3 bedrooms sleeps 7 +. Bremen’s Barn, 4 bedrooms sleeps 8+ and Hope’s Hideaway, 4 bedrooms sleeps 9+. They are often booked for groups as Hopes has a large kitchen and dining area to seat everyone on site, plus a games room, however they can also be hired individually, and we pride ourselves on versatility.

In addition, there is Purdy’s Place (4) which is part the main 16^th Century Farmhouse and our bespoke Alpaca Hut (2 adults only) with the Hot Tub. In the summer months we rent Rosie’s Retreat (2) a beautiful original Romani caravan overlooking the amazing views of the farm. Pets are welcome in the Courtyard Properties.

All guests are welcome to explore the farm, the outside is beautiful and includes private decking and BBQ areas, large gardens, and lawns with a safe play area for little ones, outdoor furniture, and plenty of space to run around and play games. In addition, you can use the fields and paddocks including the woods and a pond area where you can watch the ducks and chickens whist enjoying a drink on the arbour, plus you may meet, greet, and feed our rescued Alpacas and Goats.

Weddings- Workshops- Events- Corporate

Sadly, we are now fully booked for our large weddings until 2024

The Farm is licenced to hold wedding ceremonies and if you are looking for a small bespoke wedding with just your resident guests then we may still have availability

Lower Damgate Farm hosts 12 DIY weddings a year in Dovedale Barn. Winner of the Lux Life Rustic Wedding Venue of the year 2022, the barn and adjacent field, with its far-reaching views across the peaks is licenced for wedding ceremonies both inside and out. The Barn is a beautiful bespoke 4800 sq. ft of space with a vaulted roof wooden roof with twinkling lights and wow factor! Our couples create their own bespoke day with a helping hand if needed. Dovedale Barn & garden Room, paired with the onsite accommodation has all the facilities you need to make your wedding or event amazing

Our ethos is relaxed and informal with a philosophy that “Nothing is a problem” The farm has a unique ambiance that guests are drawn to, and whatever your occasion we try and make your stay as special as we can. There is everything you need to enjoy a break away where you can feed the animals, watch the sunsets, put your feet up, light the BBQ and enjoy quality time with your favourite people. You create your occasion, bringing your walking boots, provisions and a carrot and apple or two for the animals and we give you the space and respect to do your own thing.

All our bookings help to support Dovedale Animal Sanctuary – Donations welcome