The Dog & Partridge Country Inn, Ashbourne

Town End Lane, Swinscoe, Ashbourne, DE6 2HS

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This splendid 17th century inn is peacefully situated in the hamlet of Swinscoe on the Derbyshire/ Staffordshire border. Situated on the edge of the Peak distri... more

 

£ Rooms from £55 (approx. $83) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
8/10 Check-in process
7/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
9/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
8/10 Overall value for money
  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  August 31, 2008

    Had a really nice stay, very welcoming with good food

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  August 22, 2008

    "Would definatly recommend and will certainly be back!" (107210684)

    Fantastic Meal in the Restaurant, Good Service, Nice and Clean

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Dominic ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Hythe kent , GB  on  August 18, 2008

    "Good value.Breakfast out of this world" (107273024)

    Excellent service, cannot find any bad points.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 N m ( Family with older children) 

    from Mynyddygarreg, kidwelly, carms , GB  on  August 1, 2008

    excellent all round accomodation.

    no bad points

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Seida ( Family with older children) 

    from Brixton , GB  on  August 11, 2008

    "the room, food, enviroment, service everything was Excellent my self and my family will love to go back for a longer break." (107152661)

    The accomondation was very good,also the food and how the breakfast was served was Excellent. My family realy enjoy the short stay.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  November 2, 2008

    the staff at the hotel were very friendly,efficient and accommodating to our needs. the rooms were clean. the breakfast choice was excellent and overall value for money was very good. i would stay at this hotel again and recommend it to friends.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  November 2, 2008

    "Staff very help full as daughter not well after visit to Alton Towers. Had food delivered to chalet,(nice and hot). Room was cold but it was very cold outside, other wise room basic but clean. Breakfast was nice good selection." (107978620)

    Staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean, but basic. Food was nice and breakfast had a good selection of food.

    The weather was very cold and the chalet only had small heaters.The windows let in a lot of draught.

  • 8/10 Colin ( Mature couple) 

    from Warrington , GB  on  June 28, 2008

    "A pleasant weekend only spoilt by the weather!" (97909568)

    Very friendly staff, good food, spacious accommodation

    Room was clean but corridor needed cleaning. Uncomfortable bed. Remotes for television didn't work

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Andrew ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Bournemouth , GB  on  October 29, 2008

    "I would consider staying again if I could ensure that the problem referred to above was resolved." (107552750)

    Food quality was good as was the attention of the stafff, very helpful.

    The shower in the en-suite bathroom was useless. Very little pressure and the hot water was very tempramental

  • 10/10 Janette ( Family with older children) 

    from Wigan , GB  on  October 22, 2008

    "nice, clean, homely hotel" (107460715)

    friendly staff

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  March 26, 2008

    Accommodation was good considering that dogs were allowed in rooms and bar. Food was good and staff very friendly.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  October 2, 2008

    "Enjoyable. Very pleasant staff who were helpfull without being 'in your face' or false. Again, the food was fantastic. Not far from alton towers, less than 15 mins. Rooms are small 'chalets' and self contained without adjoining rooms or walls." (107133608)

    Very pleasant staff, very polite. Good atmosphere. Fantastic food, couldn't recommend eating in the hotel enough. Very good selection on the menu, even for vegetarians and everything we had was done to a very high standard.

    No stand in shower, seemed to be a hot/cold water balance issue on the bath mixer tap.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  March 11, 2008

    the cleanliness of accmmodation

    would have prefered a shower instead of bath

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Jean ( Other) 

    from Aylesbury , GB  on  November 7, 2007

    "The hotel is friendly and staff are plentiful and very helpful. The bar and restaurant are cosy, with an excellent menu. The views from the hotel itself are lovely. It is an excellent base for exploring the Derbyshire Dales." (97022248)

    warm and comfortable. Being able to park right ooutside the room was a bonus. Also very quiet location

    The rooms are in the grounds of the hotel and the path was badly lit.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  July 29, 2007

    "The people were friendly, the front of the pub looked friendly, and the entrace was cosy and welcoming. The food was okay, and breakfast was fine. The rooms were a bit basic, and the noise from the air con was annoying. The breakfast staff had trouble understanding our order (polish speaking)" (97454649)

    it was available

    the noise from the air conditioning from the hotel behind our room

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Andrew ( Family with young children) 

    from Swansea , GB  on  November 4, 2007

    "I would reconmend the Dog and Partridge to anyone, its location is very good for a variety of activities including Alton Towers, The room had everything we needed was clean and everything worked The owners and all staff very helpfull and friendly highly reconmended." (97760183)

    Very friendly and polite owners and staff very good accomodation great value for money

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Jane ( Family with older children) 

    from Kettering , GB  on  November 2, 2007

    "An exceptionally family friendly place with an unusually exstensive childrens menu which was excellent. Adult menus were a little ambitous and this was reflected in the quality of the main courses although veg was excellent! Furniture was a little dated however the DVD player in our family suite was great. It was clean and the staff were very friendly." (97123102)

    Very family friendly and spacious

    Bit dated and needed a new mattress

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  October 30, 2007

    "Generally very happy. Room was very quiet but we did not sleep well because of the beds (as we never do in hard beds). Also, room price was a little high considering the accommodation (although I do note there are discounts for longer stays, and we were staying at a very popular date - end of half term week and very close to Alton Towers!)." (97317934)

    Friendly and helpful staff. A good welcome. Good food (especially the cooked breakfast). Easy to find.

    Beds were very hard (not to our liking - although this would undoubtedly suit other people).

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Margaret ( Mature couple) 

    from Ormskirk , GB  on  September 29, 2007

    nice and clean and very comfortable, also a short distance from hotel,you could also take your pet,very friendly staff who made you very wellcome, and cold'nt do enough for your requirements.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  June 27, 2007

    "Quirky country pub feel with homely feel about it. Lots of levels and small rooms to sit in and enjoy. Interesting Teddy Bear filled reception area. Staff were helpful and always available. Standard of finish in the separate sleeping accommodation annex was OK but decoration needed a serious update (flowery wallpaper and badly worn stained timber finish) Steel frame to bed was dangerous (sharp metal projecting at floor level causing ankle/foot injury) Noisy water services in room from adjacent Laundry building. Direct access to private seating area overlooking fields was good." (99853573)

    Independent of hotel building. Separate access to small patio externally.

    Poor quality internal furnishings. Dangerous metal frame to bed. mean coffee making facilities - not enough milk and only one spoon between three. No shampoo

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 David ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Downham market , GB  on  April 22, 2008

    had to hold shower to shower, no fitting to hold shower

    2 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  May 14, 2008

    "Massively over priced to stay in a wooden prefab with doors hanging off wardrobes, drinks satchets out of date. Standard of food not reflected in the price. Again sweets bought for children at the bar were out of date and had to complain about. Could stay in a Marriott golf resort in a city centre for the same or less money but far superior quality of accomodation and food. Overall charging high prices but certainly not spending any of it on the upkeep of the hotel which looked tired and dated." (97541264)

    The staff were very pleasant and helpful

    Cost / quality

    3 of 5 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Jackie ( Young couple) 

    from London , GB  on  July 12, 2007

    "I thought this was somewhat overpriced especially considering the other facilities - ie the bar was not great and neither was the restaurant. The hotel seemed to give over quite alot of space to selling gifts and tourist novelties which could have been used to enhance the atmosphere. we had not realised how isolated the village was, so would do more research if booking online again." (99471114)

    self contained room (so no direct neighbours) and able to part car right outside

    4 of 5 people found this review helpful:

  • 3/10 Nigel ( Family with young children) 

    from Halifax , GB  on  April 23, 2008

    "The online description of this hotel gives the impression of an olde world coaching inn steeped in charm. Don't be fooled, the accomodation is that of a 1970's old person bungalow. Very uncomfortable, very dated. Although generally helpful, the staff were not overly competent, we orders forgotten and requests not met. We booked this hotel as we thought at twice he price of a chain hotel we would get something a little more special. Unfortunately we were left disappointed and longing for a Premier Lodge." (97250788)

    Close to Alton Towers

    Dated and uncomfortable rooms.

    2 of 4 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Alan ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Sunderland , GB  on  October 16, 2007

    "It was fine" (97726612)

    It was clean and spacious

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 11, 2008

    "It would have been better described as a Motel eather than a hotel." (97728125)

    It was warm and cosy, the staff were very pleasant. It was good to be able to park the car by the room.

    The accommodation was in need of refurbishment.It was fairly clean but there were a lot of dogs hairs still on the carpet.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  July 27, 2007

    "generally fair value for money. No complaints" (99090784)

    good breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.

    hot water pressure inadequate for showering.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 21, 2007

    "It was our Golden Wedding anniversary and we had a wonderful time" (99068034)

  • 10/10 Sally ( Family with older children) 

    from Gosport , GB  on  July 15, 2007

    "Overall the whole package was exellent, the staff were friendly and the food was exellent with a good variety to choose from, the apartment was in the grounds of the inn, with french windows which looked out over fields. Because the apartment was more like a little bungalow we were able to sit round a large dining table where we played games. This made the visit much more enjoyable for the boys. We had spent the day at Alton Towers and the overnight stay in the Inn just added the finishing touch to a fun packed day. which was a special treat for my newphew and his friend who had just finished their exams. I would definately recommend the hotel to anybody and will most certainly use it again. Thank you to the owner and staff for a most enjoyable stay." (97666084)

    It was clean, beds were comfortable, the view was of countryside, room for the family to sit round table to play games, the food was excellent and good value for money, (we bought an evening meal)

  • 5/10 Nigel ( Family with older children) 

    from Sherborne , GB  on  July 28, 2007

    "The hotel is well situated and in a good location. The bar and dining areas were good and the staff were very friendly and helpfull. The evening meal was very good. The downside was the general condition of the room which was in need of updating. The furniture was old and worn. With a little time, attention and money invested into the accomodation would make a big difference. The cooked breakfast was dissappointing, although the choice of cereals, fruitetc was very good. Overall because of the room I would not book again." (97597484)

    Good size room, Very helpful staff and a good evening meal.

    The room was tired, dated and in need of some investment to bring it up to modern standards.

    3 of 5 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Melanie ( Family with older children) 

    from Bury , GB  on  August 17, 2008

    Room ok

    Staff inatentive, food terrible.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 10, 2007

    "The room was comfortable and fulfilled our needs. The food was very varied and well cooked and presented. The staff went out of their way to be helpful and to please." (99866081)

    The staff were extremely helpful and friendly

    The outsdie walk from the room to the dining room was uphill and involved steps which my wife found difficult. We used the car.

  • 9/10 Russell ( Family with older children) 

    from Rhoose , United Kingdom;GB  on  November 2, 2006

    "We arrived late in the evening but the check in was welcoming and swift. We were presented with a lovely meal even at the late hour and the staff were friendly and accomodating. The breakfast was very enjoyable with a nice selection including full English and kippers. I have nothing negative to add we all had a really enjoyable stay. Thanks Dog and Partridge." (99408705)

    The suite had plenty of room and very quiet

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 3/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  August 10, 2008

    Lovely garden and childrens play area. nice veiws from property.Breakfast was good with a wide variety of fruit and cereal. cooked breakfast was nice.

    The rooms smelt damp on arrival and I felt they were not particularly clean.The shower in my mothers room couldnt be used properly as no shower curtain. We also felt that the food in the restaurant was overpriced for what it was and not particularly nice.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  June 20, 2007

    "clean and tidy but no Wow factor." (99988305)

    close to many sights

    some rooms are portacabins.

  • 4/10 Sam ( Mature couple) 

    from Shepton mallet , GB  on  July 15, 2008

    "Over priced for what it was." (97106883)

    Room very clean, very friendly dogs

    Staff very unfriendly and moaning amongst themselves in front of everyone. Food not "home cooked" nor local produce. Sausages obviously frozen and of cheap quality, chef's fishcake ditto, steaks very disappointing. Lack of flexibiity over breakfast items.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Helen ( Family with older children) 

    from Hitchin , GB  on  May 31, 2007

    "The hotel is a cosy, family hotel, ideal for a short stay when visiting the area. It is possible to arrange discount tickets through the hotel for Alton Towers, which we may consider in the future. We only ate breakfast there, but it was plentiful and very tasty - especially the savoury oatcakes. The staff were friendly, but not overwhelming and everywhere was clean and pleasant." (99782422)

    Access not via hotel made it easy for a late-night return. The family room was spacious and comfy.

  • 3/10 Stephen ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Petersfield , GB  on  July 1, 2008

    "The management and staff have a duty of care to all those who use these facilities; I regret to say, that I feel this was not the case with this establishment. I/We felt that the cost of staying at this hotel was not reflected in the standards and facilities met. we as a group would like the express our disappointment in the standards experienced. Paying what we did should have afforded us a much better standard." (99948424)

    Food was of reasonably quality. Selection of beers and other drinks adequate. Staff were polite and cheerful. Bedroom was a good size and the decoration reasonably, the bed was comfortable.

    A hair dryer blew up whilst being used; it was reported to the management, who did not apologise for the stress and inconvenience caused and made no attempt to replace the faulty hair dryer. The electrical equipment was in poor condition ( I am a qualified electrical technician )and no sign of P.A.T. certificates. No instructions on using the television or DVD player. The bathroom was in very poor condition. Black mould, particularly on the shower screen and the underside of the shower control wall unit.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  May 28, 2007

    "as expected from website description" (99138928)

    being in grounds of hotel

    need updating externally

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  April 19, 2007

    "The rooms were clean and comfortable inside, though not attractive from the outside. Breakfast time was generous, meaning that the day got off to a relaxing start. Staff were friendly and helpful." (99366431)

    comfortable

    prefab building

  • 8/10 Brian ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Washington , United Kingdom;GB  on  April 4, 2007

    Roms are in the grounds and nice and quiet. Can park outside the room door.

    Aging a bit, some rooms need refurbishing.

  • 8/10 Peter ( Mature couple) 

    from Chester , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 28, 2007

    "Nice pub, nice surroundings, cost of meals would have been nice to know, overall nice couple of days" (99374027)

    Homely nice pub

    Price of the meals was quite high

  • 9/10 Anthony ( Mature couple) 

    from Liverpool , United Kingdom;GB  on  January 9, 2007

    "staff very helpful food excellent" (99867392)

    plenty of room and comfortable.

    room cold on our arrival but did warm up noisy bathroom fan

  • 9/10 Ivan ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Soham , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 17, 2006

    "Brief stay enjoyable" (99401309)

    Atomosphere

  • 8/10 John ( Young couple) 

    from Preston , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 14, 2006

    "The staff are exceptionally helpful, friendly and flexible. The rooms are self contained and clean, although there were dog hairs on the carpets; however we knew the hotel was pet friendly when we booked so there were no issues there. Fantastic view from the hotel room." (99000214)

    Secluded, peaceful country break.

    Dog hairs on room's carpets.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  December 6, 2006

    It was a bit basic and in bad weather the walk to the main building is not pleasant

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  November 20, 2007

    Dog friendly. Good Menu

    Althouh food was good, it was served on cold plates which meant that the food cooled before we could finish it. The room was a bit cramped and basic

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Robert ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Ashford , United Kingdom;GB  on  November 24, 2006

    "good value good food nice people" (99401103)

    It was not summer the views must be incredible

  • 5/10 John ( Family with older children) 

    from Ladybank, fife , GB  on  July 28, 2007

    "At the time of booking we wanted somewhere a bit special that offered an exiting menu that we were prepared to pay a little more for; we thought we had found this, however, whilst the menu was interesting the quality of food did not match expectations or the expensive prices; for example the peppered steak with red peppers and onions came with a thick grain mustard coating topped with mushrooms!This was disappointing as the staff were pleasant and attentive and the place clearly has charm and great potential. I wonder if they rely too heavily on passing trade and do not take account of their developing local reputation and regular repeat business?" (99974827)

    The accomadation provided good space with good countryside views.

    A little tired and run down and not as clean as it perhaps could have been; the countryside views were a little obscured by dirty windows!

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 3/10 Sandra ( Other) 

    from Manchester , GB  on  June 13, 2007

    "The concept of the hotel is very good but is poorly executed. The accomodation, restaurant and bar are expensive for the quality of room, food and service received. The prices indicate a level of quality that is not delivered." (99720863)

    The idea of the hotel is very good, however execution does not match. The lay out of the 'chalet' accomodation was good with adequate parking for each chalet and there was a large outdoor area with play area for children.

    The accomodation was very outdated. The bathrooms were good, although not all have a proper shower. We ate an evening meal in the restaurant which was very below the standard expected for the price. The cold elements of the breakfast were ok with a wide choice but again the quality of the hot choices let it down.

    0 of 2 people found this review helpful:

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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