Hartington Hills is formerly known at Upper Hurst Farm. The name change came after a devastating fire in 2024 and our review pre-dates this. There have been many updates to the campsite with the rebuild after the fire and the Peak District Kids team hope to be back soon to update this review.
Hartington Hills, formerly known as Upper Hurst Farm is a small, well-maintained campsite in the heart of the White Peak, close to the Manifold Way. The facilities are impeccable and families are very well catered for with a small play area, as well as ponies and chickens to meet.
From the moment you arrive at this peaceful campsite, it’s clear this is a well cared for place, and the surrounding rolling dales provide a stunning backdrop. Plus, firepits are allowed, so don’t forget to pack the marshmallows! Although if you do forget, you can purchase some from the small campsite shop. Dessert sorted.
Hartington Hills is easily one of the best family campsites in the Peak District. Read on for our full review.
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Arriving to Hartington Hills
Hartington Hills sits in a peaceful location near the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, accessed via slightly narrow roads so take your time as you approach, especially if you’re in a larger campervan. The Google Map point is accurate and there are very clear, bright signs from the main road directing you towards reception.
You’ll find a well-maintained track leading you towards the reception area with parking on the left-hand side to pull into before checking in.
It’s immediately clear that this is a well-thought out campsite. We’ve stayed at campsites before where there’s nowhere obvious to park up for reception, or which have missing/confusing signage. No such issues at Hartington Hills as everything works perfectly upon arrival.
There was a friendly welcome at reception, with an efficient and straightforward description of the facilities, where to find the bathroom, opening hours etc. It only took a couple of minutes and we were soon heading off towards our pitch.
The camping area
It’s a lovely area to spend an evening, with the rolling Peak District hills for company on all sides. Campervans and caravans are given plenty of space around the perimeter of the site, with a lush lawn area set aside for tents (with their own designated parking area).
The hard-standing pitches are neat and tidy, giving you solid ground to park your vehicle on and a small grassy area to one side. You share a electric hook-up and water tap area with your neighbour but it’s otherwise quite private.
A big plus point for us is that firepits were allowed on the gravel area so we could use our trusty foldable firepit. Fire pits can also be hired for £10 if required, as well as logs and kindling.
The facilities
The wash block facilities are fantastic, probably one of the highest spec we’ve seen at a Peak District campsite. Spotlessly clean and with hot water, several showers, toilet cubicles and nicely decorated, it was easy to forget you were at a campsite.
In the same building as the reception, you’ll find a small shop selling firewood, basic camping equipment, crisps, drinks and sweets, all at very reasonable prices. Note that it closes at 5:00pm.
Just to the right is a washing-up area, well-lit and under cover in case of bad weather.
There is a small playground right next to the camping area with views out over the fields. There is only one bench to sit on and the grass was quite boggy, but the kids enjoyed the space play. It’s perhaps aimed at slightly younger children, but still a very welcome addition.
Don’t forget to sat hello to the ponies and chickens as well who live near the playground.
Plus, the free WIFI onsite is pretty good! I know we all should switch off when camping, but let’s be realistic, we all need to be connected for one reason or another.
Things to do nearby
Hartington Hills is tucked away in a quiet corner of the White Peak. As you can see from the below Ordnance Survey map, there is a walking route directly from the campsite to the Manifold Inn pub, which is 1.2km away (allow 30 mins each way).
You could link up walking trails from the campsite with longer walks to Thor’s Cave and Beresford Dale. However, if you are looking for more kid-friendly versions of these walks, then check out our walking guides for:
Other worthwhile activities nearby are:
- cycling the Manifold Way (you can actually cycle directly from the campsite to the start of the trail, although you will need to cycle a short section on the road)
- Longnor walk (combined with lunch at at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese)
And for inspiration further afield, check out the Peak District family walks page as well as the Peak District days out page of this website.
Featuring 61 family walks in the Peak District, that have been tested by kids, for kids. All walking guides include step by step instructions with photos, map, and parking details, so no map reading is required.
33 things to do in the Peak District with kids
Walks and bike rides are obviously top things to do in the Peak District, but there are also animal parks, canoeing, abseiling, wild swimming, cable cars, old trams, caverns… and lots LOTS more.
Final thoughts on camping at Hartington Hills
Hartington Hills is a beautiful campsite in a stunning Peak District location. No corner has been cut in terms of facilities or maintenance; it doesn’t feel like you are roughing it all.
Everything is well-planned for a relaxing stay; the owners clearly know and understand what their visitors like and expect.
It’s also a quiet campsite, with limited amounts of noise from both surrounding roads and other guests, who kept the noise down as 10pm approached.
How to book Hartington Hills
Continuing the high-quality throughout, the Hartington Hills website is excellent and also the best place to book your stay.
Do note that Hartington Hills doesn’t allow group bookings though, so any booking for more than two pitches will be cancelled; something to keep in mind if you’re planning a larger group visit.
They are open all-year round and you can book safe in the knowledge that the hard-standing pitches and easy access roads mean it’s easy to access whatever the weather.
You may also like to read:
Cycle the Manifold Way
Thor’s Cave walk
Hartington walk