I dont usually do reviews - but I had to for this amazing place.
We took the whole family to the Gathering on a whim ( i'm not usually a happpy camper) and had the very best sort of family holiday possible.
Such comfort and homeliness deep in the heart of the high peaks.
Room for a family of six with animals to spare.
For an amzing price you get your own suite of hotel rooms - In the middle of gods own country.
Just gonna make a list:
Beds - Moooooost comfortable beds known to mankind. Espeially after a day spent trecking through breathtaking back yard(the high peaks)
Bathroom - Hot water on tap!
Wood burning Stove for cosy heat and easy cooking - wood stocked up every day by Geoff.
Ice bucket delivered each evening for cocktails! Come on - I would go again just for that.
Fire bowl for glowing evening meals and games.
Power socket in the tent if you need - but lots of power and wifi in the barn for grumpy teens.....
waterfalls and pools to swim in nearby and biking and walking to fill your boots.
Tom and Kirsty always on hand for help and advice.
We caved and gorged with acclimbatize who were fantastic - we did an amazing whole day with them deeep underground and high above ground and covered in water - at a great rate.
we did a lazy day on the monsal trail hiring excellent bikes at the station and cycled the beautiful abandoned train track, over viaducts and through tunnels, ate a long easy delicious meal at the Monsal Head, and then a lazy afternoon swimming in the river under the viaduct.
Great meal at the Heathersage Social Club - I got Jane Fonda, she got Bob Marley and the teens got bands from the 80's they had never heard of but their parents had - you will understand if you go. (dont miss Little John's grave - he's really buried there - no, really!)
And every evening back to warmth and comfort and fire side food and hot water and happy teens.( amazing meat from the Hope Butchers)
Thank you to Kirsty and Tom for redefining "camping " for me - I think I could do it again....

ps. dont forget to order a shop to arrive before you get there - we had cold beers and Rose (and foood) waiting our fridge with ice bucket filled - on arrival!

We hired one of the safari tents for four days to celebrate a special birthday - booked at the last minute as usual and how lucky! It was glorious.
Arrived in the dark. We didn't get lost as we followed the travel instructions to the letter - there really is a gate and private lane up to The Gathering to the left side of the Old Nag's Head. We were able to offload right next to the tent before parking at the top of the drive and walking back.
The tent has three bedrooms, separated by canvas 'walls' and heavy curtains offer privacy. First job is to warm the lounge/diner/kitchen area with a wood burner that doubles as the oven and a second wood burner which heats the water and bathroom. Lighting is by paraffin lamps and some battery powered LED lamps. There is one socket in the tent for charging. It's all very easy to use and very comfortable.
It is dark in the tents even during the day so a head torch is useful but then you spend most of the time outside. The surroundings are beautiful for walking or mountain biking (all right on your doorstep) or just relax by the outdoor fire on the decking. The beds are simply amazing. Our only problem was gales which sounded like there was a hurricane outside - that's the joy of camping, even when as glamorous as 'The Gathering'.
Definitely recommend going to Hathersage Social Club - it's a must. We had an amazing Persian 5 course feast. The breakfasts at Coopers Cafe are also a highlight.
Finally, Tommy, who runs the Gathering, is such a lovely person, incredibly kind and hospitable, from the start of the booking process through to our waving a sad goodbye. You really must stay there!