Entire home

Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale

Riverfront vacation home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale

Outdoor dining
Property grounds
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
In the picturesque grounds of Dovedale House, this charming bungalow offers an ideal retreat for families and small groups. Unwind in the spacious lounge with bi-folding doors opening onto a private enclosed garden or explore Ilam village on foot.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale

Set in the grounds of Dovedale House, this beautifully positioned bungalow is ideally suited for families and small groups, for holidays and short breaks, or rural retreats.
 
Four bedrooms, accommodating up to 7 adults:

1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

1 single and 2 twin bedrooms with a shared shower room.

A large well-equipped kitchen, living diner and a spacious lounge with Bi-folding doors opening onto a terrace which surrounds the back of the property with a private enclosed garden.

Family friendly with travel cot, high chair, stair gate and fire guard, board games, freeview TV, DVD player and Wi-Fi.

Ilam is a very small village ideal for walking, however it has no Shop or Post Office. nearest towns are Ashbourne or Leek, roughly a 10-20 minute drive away. We are within half an hour drive from Alton Towers and Peak Wildlife Park, Harrington, Tissington Village and Matlock.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: non-smoking only

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Garden
  • Recycling

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

We do allow dogs by arrangement only at an extra charge, please ask if unsure.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Note from host: By arrangement only

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: children welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non-smoking only

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Self Catering Holiday In Ilam
Self Catering Holiday Cottage in Ilam Ashbourne
Self Catering Holiday Cottage in Ilam Private vacation home

About the neighborhood

Map
Ashbourne, ENG

What's nearby

  • Ilam Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Tissington Hall - 10 min drive - 6.2 km
  • The Regent Theatre - 10 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Alton Towers - 15 min drive - 14.7 km
  • Carsington Water - 22 min drive - 14.4 km

Getting around

  • Blythe Bridge Station - 24 min drive
  • East Midlands Airport (EMA) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dog & Partridge Country Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Old Dog - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Birds - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The George - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale located?

This family-friendly Ashbourne vacation home is located on a river, within 2 mi (3 km) of Ilam Park and Dovedale National Nature Reserve. Edward and Vintage is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.

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Reviews

Self Catering Holiday Bungalow in Ilam near Dovedale Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4

Cleanliness

9.8

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 170 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 170 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 170 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 170 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 170 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Su P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely property in a lovely peaceful location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

From Australia to Ilam

What a superb property and location. The most magical of settings thank you for allowing our family to stay !
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage - lovely views

Really nice stay in a lovely location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

emma t.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely bungalow!

We had a lovely stay but it would have been so much better if all the spiders had been removed from the bungalow- they were everywhere! Lovely hosts & nice stay there.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice bungalow in great location.

Ideal for Dovedale and surrounding walk. Good outside space for dining and playing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter holiday

Second Easter stayed at bungalow ,everyone loved it yet again . Ample equipment etc provided .Beautiful setting with walks from the door ,very restful . Booked for next year .
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short break

Beautiful home with a beautiful setting, couldn’t have asked for anything more. Will be recommending it to everyone
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

cara b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Lovely property quiet location. We stayed just after Christmas over new year and was lovely to have Christmas decorations up. Was surprised how big the place was, was plenty of space and great that 3 bedrooms were separate to one bedroom as my husband and I could stay at one end with our kids and then parents at their own space at the other end of the hallway.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jo D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

The bungalow is amazing value for money. It has everything you need. It’s location is perfect. (We were lucky to be blessed with amazing weather). Very friendly check in. What a gem of a place, we will definitely return. The listing is highly accurate. Photos true representation. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend stay for a wedding

Lovely bungalow in a really nice setting, stayed with my husbands, friends and their children as we were their for a wedding. The bungalow was lovely and well set up for all our needs. The children were really impressed with the selection of toys and games. The area was beautiful right next to the church, and Ilam park which looks beautiful! Only negative were the beds looked much comfier than they actually were, the springs in the double bed could be heard when moving (could do with being replaced). But in comparison to the hotel prices in the area, this lovely bungalow was well priced, and was lovely to be able to have the extra space for us to chill out and catch up. It would be nice to go back one day and explore the area, and if I do I would definitely book the bungalow again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Alison M.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful area but sad property

This area is perfect! Perfect for visiting Alton Towers or walking in the hills. The view from the bungalow is beautiful annd so is the garden and there is plenty of space. Unfortunately the beds are horrible! When we booked I questioned the manager as previous reviews had mentioned the beds and was told she needed permission from the diocese and was hopeful they would say yes. That obviously didn’t happen because they were horrible with thin hard ancient mattresses and the cheapest of duvets and pillows. Only the main bed was made up on arrival so be prepared to have to do a load of bed making when you get there. Everything about the place is cheap and tired and it feels like there will be no spending on the place till people stop going. It’s a real shame because it’s a beautiful setting and could be perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simon J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short mid-week break

What an absolutely fabulous place this is. After an early start, five hour drive up from Devon & a full day at Alton Towers it was a real pleasure to open the door and be greeted with an inviting warm property. As the adults unpacked the car, the children fought over their rooms and it wasn't long until kettle was on. The welcome pack was a real blessing, as we had not been able to make it to the shops before closing time, the fresh milk & bread were a wonderful treat. There was plenty of space for four adults & two eleven year old. As we arrived in the dark, it was lovely to see the countryside through the windows as you opened the curtains. It was fun watching the two sheepdogs jump off the back of the farmer's quad bike and round up the sheep in the field behind. The kitchen had everything you could need for a break away and having two bathrooms made shower times much easier for the six of us. I thoroughly recommend this property but hopefully not too much as we plan to return next year for a longer stay and explore the surrounding area. Thank you for a fantastic break.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

marion l.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Superb bungalow in idyllic location

Fabulous bungalow in the most amazing location. However no details to find the property,we had to ask for directions when arriving at the given postcode. Smelt damp when we arrived but after opening windows and a bit of air freshener was lovely. Great accommodation bedding very clean but duvets far too thick for this time of year. As no local shop of which we were advised a few tea bags and coffee and milk and sugar would be a appreciated. these have been supplied at other properties we have stayed at with this rating advertised as dog friendly but very aware no barriers between the bungalow and ilam park full of sheep glad we didn't take the dogs fabulous walks all around
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Chris C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WOW LOCATION

Superb location and quite a nice property, the view out the back is amazing. Only criticism is we arrived to an overwhelming smell of oil and damp. Otherwise we had a lovely stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sophia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Halfterm break

We stayed here for a halfterm trip to Alton towers due to it being only 15 mins away. Beautiful cottage, beautiful views. Lots of sheep. Only downfall was no phone signal but wifi provided and as we were only really there morning and evening it didnt really matter. Was nice to have a break from it all and to sit and chill.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Lovely area. Property was clean and a great size. Owners have provided lots of puzzles, games and dvds for guests.
View out of the property
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovel Bungalow

Really impressed with the space. Lovely garden as well as the property. Location is great right next to Ilam Park, we went for several hikes direct from the property
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gavin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend break

A beautiful bungalow on the doorstep of free to walk Ilam Hall grounds and 1.5 mile walk to Dovedale stepping stones.Well equipped property with toys, colouring books and dvds for kids.6 year old didn't want to leave.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing New Year

Beautiful location with plenty to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marianne J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

We have stayed here a few times. A lovely bungalow with everything you need a stunning location. Thank you so much
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Hilary P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our holiday bungalow

All lovely as usual. Met the new wardens. The beds were made up.Couldnt get the bottom oven to work as couldnt reset the clock. Instruction booklet not clear. Put everything in top oven and microwave.Lovely location for walks. Did the Tissington trail from Thorpe to Ashbourne. Had to abort plans for day 2 due to Storm Derragh!Well be back.Lovel location for walks
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Johanna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful family getaway

Lovely stay with family in a beautiful bungalow. Very cosy and had everything you could need. Views were stunning and wonderful walks. Will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place!

The cottage was perfect. Originally I was supposed to be travelling down with my wife and children for a catch up with wider family staying in a nearby hotel but unfortunately it ended up being just me due to one of the kids not feeling well! As a result the cottage was bigger than I needed but my interactions with the host and the warden's onsite were all really positive. The cottage was perfect and I would not hesitate to stay here again! Also the nearby walks and Dovedale are perfect for those who love getting outdoors.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good sized Bungalow

Excellent, generous sized bungalow with most things needed for your stay. Great area and surroundings. Ample parking. Would we stay again....most definitely!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect property and location

Have stayed at this cottage in Ilam 4 times now. The cottage is always clean and tidy. The location is amazing and check in and out process is very simple. Only small thing I would say could be improved is the wifi. The property does have good Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t reach into the bedrooms. Can be a bit frustrating if you are travelling with children. Could just do with a WiFi extender in the hallway so the signal reaches into the bedrooms.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024