Day 1: We make our way to Derby and our hotel, arriving in time for dinner.
Day 2: We spend the morning in the market town of Bakewell. Idyllically situated on the banks of the River Wye with mellow stone buildings, quaint courtyards and a medieval five arch bridge it’s not surprising Jane Austen based Pride & Prejudice’s fictional town of Lambton on this delightful town. There will of course be time to treat yourself to an original Bakewell Tart! In the afternoon, we visit Crich Tramway Village, a charming period village museum where we can immerse ourselves in yesteryear. Take a vintage tram ride through time, along the traditional period village street and out into the open countryside with spectacular views. This captivating journey into the past is made complete with a visit to the Red Lion Pub and Barnett’s Sweet Shop.
Day 3: This morning we enjoy a visit to Trentham gardens with its vast perennial plantings and breath-taking vistas. Set within 725 acres, the award winning gardens incorporate designs from various Chelsea gold-medal winners and its spectacular lake, designed by Capability Brown, is home to an array of wildlife. At the entrance to the gardens Trentham Shopping Village offers a unique retail experience with its stores housed in timber lodges. Later today, we escape to the countryside on board Derbyshire’s longest heritage railway, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. It’s time to sit back and relax as the glorious scenery passes us by on the 90-minute return journey.
Day 4: We begin our day in Cromford, from where we enjoy a return 2-hour narrow boat cruise through the picturesque Derwent Valley. Meandering through the beautiful countryside, you will enjoy entertaining commentary about the local area and its history, whilst taking in the tranquil scenery and fabulous wildlife. In the afternoon, we visit Sir Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the first successful water powered cotton spinning mill. We enjoy a tour of the mill and village and hear the story of its key role in the 18th century Industrial Revolution.
Day 5: After breakfast we say goodbye and begin our journey home.