Peak District, Grand Houses & Idyllic Bakewell

Chatsworth House & Gardens

Chatsworth House is renowned for the quality of its art, landscape and hospitality, and it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations. It is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family.

Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4,000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash. There are over 25 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery.

Chatsworth Garden is famous for its rich history, waterworks and sculptures, and its Victorian rock garden, there is something for everyone in its 105-acres.

Lyme Park National Trust

The 1,400 acre estate with its medieval herd of red deer offers fantastic walks and stunning views. For a more tranquil walk explore the elegant Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'.

Head in to the house to step back in time to the Regency era - a time which saw great rejuvenation for Lyme. You can view online some of the items that Lyme has in its collection. The site catalogues approximately three-quarters of a million National Trust objects with more being added daily.

©National Trust Images/Megan Taylor/John Millar

Kedleston Hall

Kedleston Hall is a neo-classical manor house, and seat of the Curzon family, located in Kedleston, Derbyshire, aprox 4 miles north-west of Derby. The medieval village of Kedleston was demolished in 1759 by Nathaniel Curzon to make way for the manor. 

©National Trust Images/Steve Franklin & Paul Barker

Sudbury Hall & the Museum of Childhood

George Vernon inherited Sudbury in the 1660s and spent the next 42 years transforming his ancestor’s smaller mansion into the present Hall. Although Vernon was a member of a modest county family he married advantageously into wealthy families, boosting his political and social ambitions while providing the funds necessary to achieve his grandiose architectural vision. Whilst Sudbury dates from the reign of Charles II, it is Jacobean in conception with a long gallery and a great staircase.

Museum of Childhood George Devey added a servants’ wing to Sudbury Hall in 1874-83. Today, this wing houses the National Trust Museum of Childhood.

©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Hardwick Hall 

A spectacular Elizabethan house filled with rich furnishings and tapestries preserved by successive generations of the Devonshire family.

It was the formidable 'Bess of Hardwick' who first built the house and developed the surrounding estate in the late 1500s. Her descendants, the Dukes of Devonshire, treasured Hardwick, while lavishing much of their attention and money on nearby Chatsworth. 

In the 20th century, keenly aware of Hardwick’s great significance and unique appeal, the Devonshires ensured that this remarkable building was passed on to the nation with its Elizabethan splendour intact.

©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Buxton

This special thermal spa town is nestled in the centre of the beautiful Peak District, surrounded by the UK's oldest National Park. It is the highest market town in England at 1000ft above sea level.

Bakewell

Idyllically situated on the banks of the river Wye, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park's mellow stone buildings, medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards are a magnet for painters, photographers and sightseers alike.

Nostalgic Peak Rail - Matlock

Whether it’s simply a nostalgic journey back to a bygone age or a discovery of the sights and sounds for very first time of a steam or diesel locomotive Peak Rail welcomes you to experience the thrill of our preserved railway whilst travelling through the delightful Derbyshire countryside.

All excursions are suggested

• 4 nights at Old Hall Hotel, Buxton
• Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
• Private coach travel
• Services of an experienced driver throughout your stay
• 10 single rooms at no supplement
• Cancellation protection includes covid and pre-existing medical condiiton

N.B. National Trust entrance fees included for NT members

Risley Hall Hotel, Derby

The Risley Hall Hotel is a wonderful 11th-century Saxon house set among 10 acres of private landscaped gardens.

Situated in the idyllic Derbyshire countryside, the hotel has a total of 35 luxurious rooms and suites, each individually decorated. 

11th September 2023