Day 1: Following your home taxi pick up we make our way to the Mickleover Hotel Signature hotel in Derbyshire for our 4 nights stay on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: 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. We then make our way Wirksworth station where we board the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for a journey to Duffield station. The EVR runs heritage journeys along Derbyshire's longest railway line and is named after River Ecclesbourne and follows the path of the riverbank.
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 make our way to Ashbourne. With its winding cobbled streets, welcoming Market Place and handsome Tudor and Georgian heritage, picturesque Ashbourne is known as 'The Gateway to Dovedale'. With more than 200 listed buildings - including historic alms-houses, fine coaching inns and genteel town houses - it's a visual feast for the discerning visitor. Don't miss the splendid facade of the Grade I listed Old Grammar School, the 'longest inn sign in the world' at The Greenman public house on St John Street; or the beautiful St Oswald's Parish Church with its striking 212 feet high spire, described by classic author George Eliot as the 'finest single spire in England'. Later we head to Buxton which has been welcoming visitors to enjoy its natural thermal springs and superb setting 300 metres above sea level since Roman times. Buxton is deservedly renowned for its 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. Among its finest gems are the striking Devonshire Dome, which has a larger span than St Paul's Cathedral. Another masterpiece is the exquisite Edwardian Opera House. Close by is the historic Old Hall Hotel, where ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in the 16th century, while a short walk leads to mysterious Poole's Cavern.
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
Price: £672pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £200 (Will be allocated a double room for sole occupancy)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance currently not available)
Tour Reference: AWE4796
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure