Top Riley Holiday Cottages, Eyam

30/08/2026

One of the things I’ve noticed this summer is just how much our guests love telling me about the wildlife they’ve seen during their stay.

A stag standing quietly in the field. Deer moving through the meadow. A barn owl sweeping past at dusk. Kestrels overhead. Bats appearing as the light fades. Badgers, hares and all the smaller visitors in between.

These little sightings seem to become part of the stay.

Perhaps it’s because life is quieter here. There’s time to notice. Time to look out of the window, sit outside with a morning coffee, or walk through the meadow and see what is around you.

For me, that’s one of the loveliest parts of Top Riley. You’re not just staying in the Peak District. You’re living alongside it for a few days.

And sometimes, if you’re lucky, the wildlife comes to find you.
Your Quiet at Top Riley

30/08/2026

There’s something special about simply sitting with a cup of tea, watching the world outside your window. A moment to pause, breathe, and take it all in. 🌿

29/08/2026

Wonderful words from our summer guests

Sometimes our guests describe Top Riley far better than we ever could.

One of our lovely guests sent us this photograph of a hare just outside her cottage, along with these words:

“We awoke to see a hare running in the meadow next to the cottage and the only sound we could hear was owls calling in the distance.”

This is Top Riley in a few simple words.

Waking slowly. Looking out across the meadow. Wildlife just outside the door. And that wonderful quiet where the sounds you notice are the ones that belong there.

Over the next few weeks I’m going to be sharing some of the lovely words our guests have left us this summer. They mean so much to us, and I think they also give the truest picture of what staying here really feels like.

Your Quiet at Top Riley

29/08/2026

Reading this made me smile, I love how guests notice the deer that often visit Top Riley.

They always feel like such a gift when they appear, a reminder of how close to nature we are here. Knowing our guests leave feeling rested and renewed is exactly what we hope for every stay.

28/08/2026

Sometimes balance begins with the simplest choices.

A few quiet days away.
A walk without rushing.
A morning coffee with a view.
An evening where there is nothing you need to do.

Here at Top Riley, we believe peace is something you make space for.

Not by doing more, but by stepping away for a while, breathing deeply, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

27/08/2026

Step Back in Time on Eyam Moor

Did you know that just beyond the village of Eyam lies a hidden piece of history? Wet Withens, a Bronze Age stone circle, has stood on Eyam Moor for over 3,000 years, silently witnessing the passing of time.

Wandering through this ancient landscape, you can’t help but feel the mystery and connection to those who walked here long before us. It’s a place where history, nature and a little bit of magic come together.

Curious to know more? Head to my blog: https://www.toprileyholidaycottages.com/walks-from-your-door-a-stunning-7-mile-walk-to-eyam-moor/

Have you ever visited these timeless stones? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

For those who love a walk with history, scenery, and a sense of quiet adventure, this stunning 7-mile walk to Eyam Moor from your cottage door is a must.

26/08/2026

Right on Your Doorstep

One of the loveliest things about staying at Top Riley is how close you are to some of the Peak District’s most beautiful places.

Curbar Edge is perfect for those moments when you want wide open views, fresh air, and a walk that makes you stop and breathe it all in.

No need to over-plan.
No need to rush.

Just boots on, flask packed, and a beautiful stretch of countryside waiting close by.

25/08/2026

A beautiful walk begins right from your cottage door, no need to drive anywhere.

Step outside and wander through woodlands, open fields, and timeless Peak District views. So many scenic paths just a stone’s throw away… come and see for yourself.

25/08/2026

Stanage Edge was especially beautiful today.

The gritstone rock formations, the huge open views and that wonderful sense of peace made it one of those walks where you naturally slow down and take a little more notice of everything around you.

There’s something very special about being high up on the edge, with the Peak District stretching away in every direction and nothing but the sound of the wind and the landscape around you.

A beautiful place to walk, stop for a while and simply enjoy the space.

And another reminder of just how much there is to discover from Top Riley, just a 20 minute drive away.

25/08/2026

Room to Breathe at Riley Wood Cottage

Step inside Riley Wood Cottage and feel the difference…

With open, light-filled living spaces, a spacious bedroom made for deep sleep, and gentle views from every window, there’s space here to truly unwind.

Throw open the patio doors and you’re right there, fields stretching out before you, birdsong in the trees, and nothing but fresh air and beauty all around.

It’s not just a place to stay… it’s a place to breathe again.