Day 1: Following your home taxi collection you will join our luxury tour coach and we will head to Derbyshire and our hotel for the next 4 nights, the Best Western Mickleover Court Hotel on a dinner bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: We start the day with a drive to the City of Lichfield. Here you can explore Lichfield's rich and varied history, with Georgian museums including the Samuel Johnson Birthplace and Erasmus Darwin House, through to the stunning medieval Lichfield Cathedral. With over 1300 years of history, Lichfield has the only medieval three spired Cathedral in the UK where you can see a medieval wall painting, the famous Herkenrode stained glass as well as visit The Close. The Close surrounds the Cathedral and has its own story to tell, with picturesque gardens, stunning buildings and a vibrant history. A visit to Vicars' Close will leave you feeling like you've stepped back in time as you take in the row of quintessential medieval houses. (attractions in Lichfield subject to individual choice and payment)
This afternoon we head to the stunning Shugborough Estate, the former home of the late Lord Patrick Lichfield. Set on the banks of the River Sow, the magnificent Georgian mansion house is full of unusual treasures to explore. Discover life below stairs in the servants’ quarters or see the glamourous apartments of the 5th earl and famous photographer, Patrick Lichfield.
Out in the beautiful gardens there are formal terraces with lavender, yellow roses and grey foliage, as well as a Victorian style rose garden. Temples and monuments extend into the landscape and are among the first neo-Greek style buildings in England.
Day 3: Our first visit today is to Bakewell where Jane Austen resided whilst writing Pride and Prejudice. Bakewell may, perhaps, be best known for its famous Bakewell pudding - or should it be tart? and no doubt that is what attracts many tourists, but the town has much more to offer than this tasty culinary treat. The town is full of rich heritage and tradition. Why not visit one of the many tea rooms or country pubs or perhaps feed the local ducks and geese by the River Wye. Bakewell also has some great independent shops and art galleries. Later we continue to the inspiration for Mr Darcy’s home of Pemberley. Chatsworth House is a historic English country estate that has served as the home of the Dukes of Devonshire and their ancestors since the mid-16th century. It is one of the finest country houses in the Peak District, drawing countless visitors into its opulent halls every year. This magnificent house will leave you feeling mesmerised by its beauty and innate grandeur. Wander from room to room steeped in history, marvel at the beautifully manicured gardens and soak up the history of this grand house.
Day 4: This morning we head to Crich Tramway village. Situated high up in the Peak District in the beautiful village of Crich is the home of the National Tramway Museum. You will be transported back in time on their vintage trams and soak up the atmosphere in their period street. A selection of trams depart regularly from the town end and head off up to the Glory Mine for some spectacular views of the rolling hills and Crich Stand. Your ticket will give you access to ride the trams as often as you wish. Halfway up the track this is the Wakebridge stop. Here you will find a lead mining display and the start of the woodland walk which heads back towards Victoria Park and the town end. Back in the town end, you can learn more about the history of the museum and trams in the Stephenson Discovery Centre and make sure you visit the Exhibition Hall to view a fascinating display of trams from 1860 – 1960. Take a look at the story of Blackpool’s trams which features some of the earliest archive film footage the Museum holds or see the last days of the tramway systems from the 1950s and how the Museum came to be the home of these vintage vehicles.
Rejoining the coach, we head for Matlock in the Derwent Valley, where you will have free time to explore before we make our way back to our hotel.
Day 5: Sadly, after breakfast we depart our hotel and head back to Norfolk making suitable stops en-route. Upon arrival, our door to door taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will be table service)
Price: £609pp
Single Supplement: £Nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £132 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Tour Reference: AWE5151
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure