Day 1: We make our way to the ideally situated Eastwood Hall Hotel, arriving in time for dinner.
Day 2: After a leisurely morning, we embark on a 2-hour return narrow boat cruise through the picturesque Derwent Valley countryside. During the voyage you will enjoy entertaining commentary about the local area and its history, whilst taking in the tranquil scenery. After our cruise we travel to 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!
Day 3: Our day begins in Derbyshire as we make our way to Bolsover Castle, the fantasy hilltop pleasure palace of a horse-mad Cavalier Playboy, and lavish party home designed for courtiers to entertain influential guests. This Stuart mansion continues to impress today with is aristocratic elegance, lavishly decorated rooms, wonderfully recreated gardens and one of the finest riding schools in the country. This afternoon we make our way to Newark in Nottinghamshire. Situated on the River Trent and steeped in rich history the town is famous for its striking castle ruins, vibrant Georgian marketplace and role in the English Civil war.
Day 4: This morning we cross into Staffordshire for our visit to Trentham Estate and 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 Estate, Trentham Shopping Village offers a unique retail experience with its stores housed in timber lodges. This afternoon we travel to the National Memorial Arboretum, a captivating site for remembrance, honouring the fallen and recognising the service and sacrifice of the British Armed forces. A beautiful and inspiring place for peace and tranquillity, the 150 acres of the Arboretum form a living landscape and is home to more than 400 memorials.
Day 5: After breakfast we begin our journey home.