The Peak District

Your holiday begins in the historic city of Derby where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group at our hotel in the Cathedral Quarter this afternoon. Perfectly placed for exploring the main attractions of the Peak District, you are free to start getting to know the local area at your own pace.

Derby is described as a 'city in the countryside' and if you fancy a stroll, you could visit the first public-owned urban park in Britain - the wonderful Derby Arboretum, a vast open space within a mile of the city. Or you could choose to meander along the riverbank of the Derwent. The Cathedral Quarter is a vibrant area of shops, restaurants and cafés where you might like to stop for a cup of tea this afternoon.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner as a group served at the hotel restaurant.

• Dinner

Today after breakfast, we travel by coach to the charming market town of Bakewell, the capital of the Peak District on the banks of the River Wye. With time at leisure here, you can wander the quaint courtyards, admire the impressive stone buildings or indulge in one of the town's famous Bakewell tarts.

Later, we continue by coach to the iconic Chatsworth House, a grand stately home nestled in acres of idyllic parkland. Home to the Cavendish family since 1549, Chatsworth has a rich history and timeless elegance that famously inspired Pemberley, the beloved estate in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

With entry included, you're free to wander the regal halls, grand corridors and opulent staterooms at your own pace. When it's time for lunch, take your pick from a range of inviting cafés and restaurants, including the charming Chatsworth Farm Shop Café. Afterwards, you may choose to stroll through the estate's breathtaking grounds. The historic 105-acre garden is renowned for its striking water features, sculpted landscapes and Victorian Rock Garden. Later, we return by coach to our hotel, with time to unwind before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We explore the elegant spa town of Buxton after breakfast this morning. At the town's beautiful Edwardian opera house, we're joined by an expert guide who brings Buxton's fascinating history to life. As we stroll through the town, we hear stories of the town's Roman origins and rise to prominence as an iconic spa destination. Along the way, we admire the stunning Georgian architecture of the Buxton Crescent and enjoy the Pavilion Gardens.

After some free time over lunch, we continue to Wirksworth for a scenic roundtrip journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway*, Derbyshire's longest heritage line. Sit back and relax as the train winds through rolling hills, peaceful meadows and charming countryside dotted with rivers and farmlands.

From Wirksworth, we travel back to the hotel by coach, with time to relax before dinner.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a journey on the Peak Rail heritage railway. After breakfast, we are transferred to Rowsley South train station by coach to board a beautifully restored steam-hauled train, where we ride through the charming Derbyshire countryside.

Following our scenic rail journey, we continue by coach to Peak Village, where you'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch independently. Later, we're joined by a local guide for a tour of the Peak District, travelling through the valley villages of Baslow and Calver into the dramatic moorlands to Surprise View - one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region, offering sweeping views over the hills above Hathersage.

Continuing through the picturesque Hope Valley, we stop in Castleton and Bradwell. We end the afternoon in Eyam, a quintessential English village of stone cottages and flower-filled gardens, where we learn about the town's dark history during 1655.

As the day draws to a close, we return to the hotel by coach, with time to relax before the final dinner of the holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From the rolling green hills to its characterful market towns, the Peak District has swept us away with its timeless charm. We've explored the picturesque town of Bakewell, stepped into history at the iconic Chatsworth House and taken in the scenic countryside aboard the heritage journeys of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and Peak Rail. Our guided tour through the Peak District introduced us to the natural beauty of Hope Valley and Surprise View, as well as the quaint town of Eyam.

As your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, you are free to make your way home. Alternatively, you may decide to continue exploring the area independently.

• Breakfast