The Peak District

Meet in Derby

Your holiday begins as you meet your Tour Manager and group at your hotel for the next 4 nights, the 4* Hallmark Hotel Derby Midland. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed building, this unique hotel is regarded as one of the first ever purpose-built railway hotels, and is well-placed just opposite Derby Railway Station.

Discover the Peak District

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.

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Travel to the elegant spa town of Buxton after breakfast this morning. The highest spa town in the country at around 1,000 feet above sea level, Buxton is known for its Victorian and Georgian architecture as well as its natural thermal springs. Discover its many charms on a guided sightseeing tour which includes Buxton's famous opera house, an ornate Edwardian creation built in 1903, and designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham - famous for designing prestigious theatres such as the London Palladium and Hippodrome. Following your tour, you have some free time for lunch in one of the town's cafés or restaurants.

This afternoon, travel by coach to Wirksworth for a journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Your journey takes you through the pretty valley, taking in views across the attractive countryside to Duffield, where you meet with your coach.

Bakewell and Chatsworth House

Discover Bakewell today, a delightful market town on the banks of the river Wye, famous for its delicious Bakewell puddings. You have time at leisure to discover the town at your own pace. There are a multitude of bakeries offering a variety of tempting treats, and the town's Bakewell pudding - a flaky pastry, jam and almond confection - is a must-try.

Your next visit is to Chatsworth House. This beautiful stately house, set in acres of stunning parkland, has been the home of the Cavendish family since 1549 and was the inspiration for Pemberley in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Enjoy some time to explore the regal halls, grand corridors, and opulent state rooms of Chatworth House, discovering a host of magnificent artworks, some of which date back thousands of years. The beautiful grounds are also a joy to stroll through. Unwind in the tranquil park, seeing pretty water features, fruit and vegetable gardens, and resplendent floral arrangements.

Homeward bound

Your tour concludes after breakfast, and you are free to depart at your leisure. Alternatively, you may like to explore this beautiful part of the country further.

Departure Times

On many of our UK & Ireland tours, you may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between 16:00 and 18:00. However, if you are arriving later, you can meet your Tour Manager before dinner from 19:00.