Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our luxury tour coach and make our way to the Peak District, arriving mid afternoon at the Shrigley Hall Hotel. Tea and Coffee will be served on arrival while your luggage is taken to your rooms.
Day 2: We start the day with a scenic journey through the north of the Peak District, passing through Glossop, before heading along snake-pass, arguably one of the most scenic routes in England. This takes us to the Ladybower Reservoir. We then head towards Castleton where we stop for lunch. Overlooked by Peveril Castle, Castleton lies at the western end of the Hope Valley, within sight of the former hillfort of Mam Tor and the spectacular limestone canyon of Winnats Pass. The village is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Peak District, boasting no less than four magnificent show caves – Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Mine – as well as Peveril Castle itself. (attractions in Castleton subject to individual choice and payment)
This afternoon takes us to the fantastic Lyme Park and its House & Gardens. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District in Disley in Cheshire, Lyme Park was originally a hunting lodge and family home, owned by the Legh family for just under 600 years. The house underwent extensive alterations in the 15th Century, with notable architects employed to transform it into a glorious Regency mansion.
Lyme Park today is a feast for the senses. It boasts lavish interiors, fascinating collections of art and a magnificent 1,400 acre estate, complete with a medieval herd of red deer. Try out the billiards table in the Long Gallery, read a book in the library, or visit the Dressing Room to try on the finest Regency regalia.
Outside, explore the elegant Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
Day 3: Our first stop this morning is the Trentham Estate. The gardens have been transformed over the last 15 years and are now some of the some of the finest in Britain with the revival being led by multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith. The Italian Garden planting is designed within the historic framework of Sir Charles Barry’s original Italianate Garden of the 19th Century and the transformation was one of the largest contemporary perennial plantings in Europe. This fantastic revival of the gardens led the Telegraph newspaper to describe Trentham Gardens as ‘The garden makeover of the decade’. The gardens lie against a backdrop of historic parkland and Capability Brown designed lake where you can enjoy the circular lakeside walk all the way round as it takes you aside the River Trent, by the bird hide, through the cascading weir and along atmospheric trails, featuring vast meadow schemes by Nigel Dunnett and the team who were responsible for the stunning wildflower plantings at the Olympic Park. Afterwards there will be time to explore the shopping village where there is an extensive garden centre, as well as over 80 timber lodges of independent and highstreet retailers.
Later, we visit the World of Wedgwood Visitor Centre where you will enjoy an afternoon tea! Afterwards, the rest of the afternoon is yours to guide yourself through the museum and factory to see craftsmen at work in Britain’s greatest luxury ceramics company, utilising techniques honed over 250 years at Barlaston.
Day 4: Today we travel through the heart of the Peak District, passing by the quaint villages of Sparrowpit, Tideswell and Baslow, arriving at the market town of Bakewell. Bakewell may, perhaps, be best known for its famous Bakewell pudding, but the town has much more to offer than this tasty culinary treat. Surrounded by glorious countryside, the town offers charming tea rooms set in cosy courtyards, impressive stone buildings, a traditional weekly market, a quaint five-arched bridge that goes back to Roman times, a Grade I listed church, a museum, historic almshouses, and various riverside
Later, we travel to Buxton. At a height of over 1,000ft, Buxton is the joint highest market town in England, but is perhaps most famous for its 'healing' spa waters. Visitors have travelled to bathe in Buxton's mineral waters for thousands of years but Buxton is also deservedly renowned for its beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture - much of it linked with the 5th Duke of Devonshire's ambitions to create a spa town to rival Bath back in the 18th century. Here you will also find the beautifully-landscaped and restored Pavilion Gardens, a range of independent retailers, plus a choice selection of cafés, tea rooms and restaurants.
Day 5: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and make our way back to Norfolk where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to return us to our homes.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £712pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE4788
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure