Cateys 2025: Hotel of the Year – Independent: Wildhive Callow Hall

One of the highest compliments a hotel can receive is to be described as “a very rare special place indeed”. Wildhive Callow Hall in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, has certainly earned that praise, dazzling both guests and judges alike since opening in September 2021.

The independent property, located on the cusp of the Peak District, consists of 15 individually designed bedrooms within the Victorian manor, 11 woodland Hives with private decks, kingsize beds and rainfall showers, and two boutique Treehouses, with copper baths and kitchens. Guests are well looked after through Wildhive’s extensive selection of facilities, ranging from the Coach House wellness area to the Wild Herb steam room and the Garden Room restaurant and bar, led by executive chef David Bucowicki.

The hotel has had a stellar year, having already secured an award from Visit England and a listing in The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2025. Closer to home, Anne Wright, business owner and chair of Ashbourne Town Team, recognised the importance of the hotel to the local community: “The investment and profile Wildhive Callow Hall has brought to Ashbourne has resulted in, once again, the town being a destination for visitors to the Peak District.”

Keen to build on its success, the property has added a Wild Dining area, a woodland venue suitable for private gatherings, where the kitchen serves a variety of dishes, including Derbyshire tomahawk steaks and whole grilled bass stuffed with foraged herbs.

As much as Wildhive Callow Hall values guest satisfaction and contributes to the local economy (the hotel brought in excess of £1.5m indirect spend to Ashbourne), at the core of its success is its dedication to staff. The hotel’s people-first principles drove the creation of BeHive, which offers hospitality professionals healthcare coverage and performance-based rewards, as well as complimentary stays and treatments at the hotel. 

Since opening nearly four years ago, the team has grown from 30 staff to now over 100, 90% of whom are local. An overwhelming majority (85%) of staff have stayed at the hotel for two years or more, demonstrating its strong retention rate and commitment to career development. Four key members of the Derbyshire team have relocated to work alongside a Northumberland team to ensure greater continuity at the soon-to-open Eshott Hall in Morpeth, which will mark Wildhive’s second property.

It’s no wonder that judges were captivated by Wildhive Callow Hall, hailing it as an “inspiring rural retreat” that delivers an “exceptional” experience from start to finish.

What the judges said

“A worthy winner showcasing the independence and inspiration to create a rural retreat in Derbyshire. Their investment in creating a special place to work and visit is clearly reaping success.” Dan Rose-Bristow

“Inspiring rural retreat in the heart of the Peak District, wrapped in nature. The whole product has been thoroughly developed to create and exceptional ambience and customer experience!” Neil Kedward

The shortlist

• The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield
• Lympstone Manor, Exmouth
• The Nici, Bournemouth
• Swinton Estate, Ripon
• Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne

The judges

• Laurence Beere, the Queensberry hotel and the Olive Tree
• Kevin Brooke
• Gordon Campbell Gray, the Wee Hotel Company
• Neil Kedward, Seren
• Andrew McKenzie, Donnington Group
• David Morgan-Hewitt, the Goring
• Claire Randall, Ballyfin Demesne
• Jonathan Raggett, Red Carnation Hotels
• Dan Rose-Bristow, the Torridon

 If you would like to enter the 2026 Cateys, or you know someone who you would like to nominate, register your interest for updates