After breakfast, transfer by coach to Rowsley South Station for
a nostalgic, steam-hauled* journey on the Peak Rail heritage
railway. This line has a rich and fascinating history, forming part
of the Old Midland Railway Line which was closed in the late 1960s.
Continue by coach to the Peak Shopping Village, where you have some
free time.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Peak District by
coach, taking in the lush countryside and charming villages that
this part of the country is renowned for. Your journey takes you
through the expansive scenery of Chatsworth Park, home to stunning
Chatsworth House, and through the attractive valley villages of
Baslow and Calver. Continue through the dramatic high moorlands and
sweeping Burbage valley to Surprise View. This spectacular view
point sits just above the village of Hathersage, and is known for
providing one of the most stunning views in the whole of the Peak
District. The viewpoint supposedly received its unique nickname
back in the 19th century, when Queen Victoria paused a journey here
and was taken aback by the landscapes that stretched out before
her.
Continue your coach tour, taking in the bucolic scenery and
picturesque villages of Hope Valley. Discover pretty Castleton and
Bradwell, nestled amongst the striking limestone landscapes of the
area, before arriving in Eyam - 'the plague village'. Eyam has a
fascinating claim to fame; in the 1660s the village suffered a
horrendous outbreak of bubonic plague, and in a heroic act of
self-sacrifice, the villagers quarantined themselves in order to
stop the disease from spreading, with nobody allowed in or out of
the village. Many villagers sadly perished but the attempt proved
successful, saving those in neighbouring villages from the same
fate. Today, Eyam is a quintessentially English village, home to
lovely stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, and beautifully green
countryside.
*Steam-hauled where possible.
Includes
