Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will join our luxury tour coach and head to Derbyshire making suitable stops en route.
Day 2: Our excursion today takes us firstly to Kedlestone Hall. Kedleston Hall is an extravagant temple to the arts designed by the architect Robert Adam. Commissioned in the 1750s by Nathaniel Curzon whose ancestors had resided at Kedleston since the 12th century. The house is framed by historic parkland and boasts opulent interiors intended to impress. Designed for lavish entertaining, Kedleston Hall displays an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and original furnishings, reflecting both the tastes of its creators and their fascination with the classical world of the Roman Empire. Inherited by George Nathaniel Curzon, Viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905, the hall also houses the many objects he amassed during his travels in South Asia and the Middle East, and in his role leading British rule in India. There are displays of religious, military and domestic objects, arranged from the perspective of the coloniser, along with ceremonial gifts which speak of the power relations inherent in the British Empire. This afternoon we head to Ashbourne & Carsington Water visitor centre. With nearly 8 billion gallons of water – fed by the River Derwent, Carsington Water is the ninth largest reservoir in England! But it offers so much more. t was built by Severn Trent Water and opened in 1991. The reservoir is used to store the water supplying homes in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Carsington cost around £107 million to build. The reservoir is 31 metres deep – the height of seven double decker buses! At maximum capacity the reservoir is 300 hectares (741 acres) – 700 football pitches could fit on the surface!
Day 3: After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we travel to Froghall station where we board the Churnet Valley Railway. You will journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire's "Little Switzerland". The picturesque stations offer lots of interest and there's plenty more to see and enjoy along the way.
This afternoon we travel to Buxton - known as the capital of the Peak District. 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 4: Our first port of call this morning is the town of Matlock, in the Derwent Valley, where you will have free time to explore. We then enjoy a scenic drive through the Peak District to the picturesque market town of Bakewell, perhaps 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 quaint five-arched bridge that goes back to Roman times, a Grade I listed church, and much more.
We leave around midday for Chatsworth House, 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 5: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and head back to Norfolk, making suitable stops along the way. Upon arrival our taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Evening meals will be table service)
Price: £655pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £88 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Referece: AWE4963
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure