Welcome to Lower Damgate Farm

When you stay at Lower Damgate Farm, you become part of our big family, not just with us, but with our wonderful animals too as Dovedale Animal Sanctuary is onsite and home to many rescued farm animals, including goats, alpacas, ducks, and chickens who all love a carrot or apple from our guests.

We are a small family business and love sharing our beautiful home with guests who want to relax and unwind in this stunning part of the Peak District National Park. With over 22 acres of rural land, gardens, paddocks, woods, and open fields, there is plenty of space to explore, play, or simply sit back and enjoy the peace, tranquillity, and star-filled skies from one of our hot tubs.

🌄 A Farm Full of History

Situated in Dovedale and the Manifold Valleys in the Peak District National Park, Lower Damgate Farm has a rich and ancient past. Long before any buildings stood here, Neolithic tribesmen lived on this land, leaving behind tumuli that still rise proudly from the fields. Just half a mile away lies Long low, the longest barrow in the country, a striking reminder of Britain’s earliest settlers. In 70 AD, the Romans arrived and built a pottery here, and you can still see their original culvert running down the drive, quietly working just as it did nearly two thousand years ago. The farm later became a Viking longhouse, once known as Wallsitch, meaning “water by the wall.” Translated into English, this became Dam Gate. By 1565, the Tudors had converted the property into the stone farmhouse that forms the heart of the farm today, and in the 1700s, the rear extension was added. These buildings have stood through centuries of change, watching over a landscape that has remained largely untouched.

When we bought the farm in 1996, it had been derelict for 40 years, a beautiful wreck waiting to be loved again. We restored the farmhouse to its original lived‑in charm, converted the barns and cottages into the spaces you see and stay in today, planted every tree, and brought the land back to life so it could be shared rather than forgotten. After all, as history shows, we can’t take it with us. What you see is what you get: a landscape that remains peaceful, scenic, timeless, and deeply spiritual. We hope you feel the ambience of the farm, the sense of continuity, calm, and connection that has drawn people here for thousands of years.

🏞 Perfectly Placed for Exploring

Walks begin right from the door. The farm sits between the famous Dovedale and Manifold Rivers, surrounded by National Trust land and only a mile from Ilam village and NT Ilam Park. Nearby are the villages of Alstonefield, Wetton, Milldale, and Thorpe, with lovely pubs and tea rooms. We are also close to Ashbourne, Bakewell, Leek, Buxton, and attractions such as Alton Towers and Chatsworth House.

🏡 Luxury Self‑Catering Cottages at Lower Damgate Farm

Guests stay in one of our beautiful luxury self-catering cottages, each offering comfort, character, and a touch of rural magic.

The Courtyard Properties — Reuben’s Roost, Bremen’s Barn & Hope’s Hideaway

These stunning 16th‑century barns have been sympathetically adapted for both independent stays and large group gatherings. Together they offer up to 11 bedrooms, sleeping from 6 to 24 guests plus an additional 4, making them ideal for celebrations, retreats, or family get‑togethers.

There is a large kitchen and dining area designed to host everyone staying. Break‑off rooms & cosy spaces and other kitchens and living areas. Comfy beds and linen included. Relaxed and unique furnishings. An entertainment area and games room, fibre broadband and UpToDate facilities.

A hot tub with fabulous views across the Peaks, if you are lucky, you will get stunning sunsets and meet the alpacas in the adjacent field. There are private patios and enclosed gardens. Toddler play area, BBQ area and outside furniture. We mow fields for games, and you can enjoy time around Fire Pit and sit in the fields and have a picnic, feed the animals and enjoy all on offer at the farm and in the local area.

 Spacious, flexible, and full of charm, the Courtyard properties are perfect for creating unforgettable moments.

View our availability on Airbnb Courtyard and then save the fees by  booking directly info@damgate.com or call

They can also be paired with our other properties up to exclusive use hosting 36 guests, see over.

 Purdy’s Place

A cosy retreat within our 16th‑century farmhouse, offering private grounds, beautiful views, and its own hot tub. Peaceful, intimate, and full of character, ideal for couples or small families.

View our availability on Airbnb Purdys Place and then save the fees by booking directly info@damgate.com or call 07779210791

The Alpaca Hut

A bespoke adults only hideaway with its own courtyard and private hot tub. Quirky, secluded, and wonderfully romantic, it’s a favourite for guests seeking a unique escape.

View our availability on Airbnb and then save the fees by  booking directly info@damgate.com or call 07779210791

Rosie’s Retreat

Our charming gypsy caravan, available during the summer months. Colourful, rustic, and full of whimsy perfect for guests who love something a little different.

Wild Field Camping

A private and peaceful area away from the cottages, offering a simple, serene, back‑to‑nature experience under wide open skies.

🐾 Outdoor Spaces where all guests can enjoy

 The Rescued Animals at Dovedale Animal Sanctuary (you will meet and greet and feed our friendly resident animals, Alpacas Goats, Sheep, Geese, Ducks and Hens, and maybe collect an egg or two!

You will enjoy the facilities in the cottages as well as explore the 22 acres where you will find enclosed private gardens as well as mown fields for games, woodland walks and picnic areas. BBQs and Firepit. Hot Tubs, fabulous views and walks straight from the door. Fabulous local Pubs and Tea Rooms and Dovedale & The Manifold valley right on the door step.

Whether you’re staying for a couple’s romantic retreat or a large group celebration, the cottages and the farm offer a wonderful place to create magical moments and take home memories that last.

Our cottages have been highly commended by the Sunday Times Travel Reviews and hold numerous awards, including Airbnb Super host, Diamond distinction 2026 award for best Holiday accommodation Peak District, Winner UK Best Farm Holiday Cottages 2024, Lux Life Farm of the Year 2023, and Farm Wedding Venue & Accommodation Provider of the Year 2025 (UK) and Best Farm Wedding venue 2024.

💍 Weddings, Events & Workshops

If you’re visiting for a wedding or event, workshop or corporate stay, you may be using Dovedale Barn. Our award‑winning rural venue Prestige wedding venue of the year 2023, Lux Life UK Venue of the Year 2024 & 2025,

Diamond Distinction award for best accommodation and wedding venue uk 2026

The Barn, Dovedale Barn (which is a stunning 4800sm wooden cladded apex barn for events) The Garden Room, and adjacent field are all licensed for civil ceremonies. These spaces have been beautifully converted, atmospheric, and strung with lights, they offer everything you need for an unforgettable occasion.

Have a look at Lower Damgate Farm on Google, Facebook etc to see our reviews which speak for themselves.

✨ Our Ethos

We are relaxed, informal, and always approachable. Our philosophy is simple: “Nothing is a problem.” The farm is rural, remote, a little quirky, but incredibly comfortable and well equipped, a place to escape the world.

Feed the animals, watch the sunsets, light the BBQ, gather around the fire pit, party or simply put your feet up and chill. You create your stay; we give you the space and support to enjoy it.

💛 Open-Door Policy

If you need anything, contact us, or come and find us as we’re always happy to help. All we ask is that you have an amazing time, relax and enjoy yourselves and hopefully we will be welcoming you back again.

 Every booking supports Dovedale Animal Sanctuary, helping us provide forever care for over 100 rescued animals.

Thank you for staying with us and we hope you have a wonderful time at the farm.

Dovedale Animal Sanctuary at Lower Damgate Farm Ilam DE6 2AD

  Telephone 01335 310367   Email: Info@damgate.com Website www.Damgate.com   

Email Info@damgate.com

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Country Smallholding Magazine

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We Accept Pets

Escape to England

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