Description
No other area in Britain offers such contrasting scenery as that found in the glorious Peak District National Park which combines steep limestone valleys, dramatic gritstone ridges, stark moorland plateaus and ancient stone villages. A day out at Chatsworth House, the 'Palace of the Peak' is included for you to admire the lavish house and explore the ornamental gardens. Based at the Sheffield Basin, this tour takes you on a journey through Sheffield's famous cutlery, the world of aristocratic homes and the stunning natural wonders and towns of the Peaks.
Itinerary
Heritage, History & The Peak District
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, enjoy a scenic drive north with comfort stops on the way. Welcome drink on arrival and 4 nights with breakfast and dinner included.\n\nDays 2 - 4 At leisure in Sheffield with three included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nCHATSWORTH HOUSE & BAKEWELL\nEnjoy a visit to the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House, set on the banks of the River Derwent. It was originally built in 1555 and is set in 1000 acres of parkland, this rolling estate has been home to the Cavendish family for nearly 500 years and is one of the most iconic stately homes in England. Packed with masterpieces, furniture and regal decorations in the State Rooms, Chatsworth is a delight to explore and no matter how many times you return you're sure to find something new. The glorious 105 acre garden is well worth a look too with giant water features, a Victorian rock garden, an arboretum, sculptures, flowers and beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Entrance to the farmyard is also included. NB the house lift allows visitors with restricted mobility to access the entire visitor route and garden footpaths are mostly wide and flat. A map is available showing accessible routes around the estate.\n\n\nPop into gorgeous Bakewell, birthplace of the delicious Bakewell pudding, and boasting charming honey-coloured buildings and a medieval bridge over the River Wye\n\nPEAK DISTRICT - CASTLETON & BUXTON\nFounded in 1951, the Peak District was England's first national park with 555 sq miles of glorious open English countryside. It is a natural playground of different sights and places to visit from old churches to the stunning natural wonder of the peaks, caverns and rocky gorges. Start your journey today via the tranquil Ladybower Reservoir, the large Y-shaped reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley, at the heart of the Peak District National Park. Work began on the reservoir in 1935 and during construction, the villages of Derwent and Ashopton were flooded. It was officially opened by King George VI on 24th September 1945. Make a stop in Castleton, one of the most beautifully situated villages in the White Peak. Lying in the lee of mysterious Mam Tor, locally known as the 'Shivering Mountain', you'll appreciate the fabulous views created by its location on the cusp of the Peak District's breath-taking limestone and gritstone landscapes. Onto lovely Buxton where you have time at leisure to explore. Set in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, Buxton's fortunes were built on its natural water springs which attracted health tourists at the turn of the century. Today, visitors can enjoy the flamboyant Regency architecture, Georgian terraces and manicured parks. Take a stroll through the lovely Pavilion Gardens and enjoy Buxton's wealth of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.\n\nMILLENNIUM GALLERY & CREAM TEA\nThe Millennium Gallery is Sheffield's premier destination for art, craft and design and was opened in April 2001 as part of Sheffield's Heart of the City project. The Metalwork Collection is one of the finest in the world and contains the cutlery, flatware and tableware that have made Sheffield famous, as well as beautiful objects collected from every continent. The Collection comprises some 13,000 items, thought to be the most extensive grouping of Sheffield-made cutlery, flatware (forks and spoons) and holloware (bowls, teapots, containers) in existence. An included guided tour will highlight some of the collection's star objects and key items. The Millennium Gallery is fully accessible. The remainder of the day is at leisure with a delicious cream tea served in the hotel in the afternoon\n\nDay 5 - Homeward today with lots of memories and with comfort stops on the way to interchange. You can expect to be back in your local towns mid-evening.
Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Entrance to Chatsworth House & Estate- Visit to Bakewell- Peak District Drive - Castleton & Buxton- Highlights guided tour of the Metalwork Collection at the Millennium Gallery- Afternoon at leisure in Sheffield- Cream tea in hotel one afternoon
Venue Information
4* Waterfront Hotel
Best Western Plus The Quays Hotel, Sheffield\nThis 4* hotel enjoys a scenic waterfront location overlooking the cobbled quayside in the former industrial heartland of Sheffield. The city centre is approx 10 - 15 minutes' walk away with its eclectic shops, Millennium Gallery and Winter Garden. The Quay Leisure Club features a large indoor pool, sauna and gym and there is a restaurant, bar and waterside terrace for an al fresco drink. Airy and bright guestrooms feature flat screen TV, free WiFi and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift to all floors