TRAMS, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES IN DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT

After our local pick ups we continue towards the Peak District. Before heading to our hotel we enjoy a visit to Peak Village in the village of Rowsley, just a few miles from Chatsworth. In this relaxed and accessible environment, enjoy browsing a blend of well known brands, independent shops and local makers offering a compelling choice in fashion and accessories, home and garden ware, outdoor clothing and equipment. Afterwards we continue to our hotel in Buxton.

Today we offer an Optional Excursion. We start our day with a visit to The Great British Car Journey Museum. This is a unique museum where you will go on a journey which starts in the early 1920s, when the working family could only dream of owning a car. The journey ends as we venture into the new millennium and most of Britain’s great car factories fall silent, overwhelmed by the same process of globalisation which swept away our once proud ship building and aviation industries. This afternoon we head to Chesterfield for a fascinating afternoon. The distinctive Crooked Spire dominates the skyline. Chesterfield is a paradise for shoppers, with its handsome Market Hall and cobbled Market Place, home to one of the largest open-air markets in England. £30

We start the day with a visit to Leek on market day. A delightful historic market town brimming with unusual architecture and fascinating history, Leek’s unspoilt town centre is a relaxing change from modern shopping centres with a refreshing mix of unique independent speciality shops and boutiques, cafés, traditional pubs and craft ale bars. This afternoon we relocate for a visit to Peak Rail. We step aboard a lovingly preserved section of the former Midland Railway line, once connecting Manchester Central and London St Pancras. Closed in 1968, this historic route now operates a 4-mile stretch between Rowsley South Station and Matlock Platform 2 — a charming ride that everyone will enjoy.

Today we visit Crich Tramway Village. You will have the whole day to explore this fabulous visitor attraction. Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, is a unique open-air museum and heritage attraction that combines a recreated period village with a working tramway, allowing visitors to explore tramway history and ride vintage trams.

After breakfast we leave our hotel for the last time. We make one more stop in Historic Banbury. Although Banbury is a small town, it has a good range of shops. Later we start our journey towards home, arriving late afternoon.

The Palace Hotel Buxton and Spa is located in the spa town of Buxton. Since 1868, the Palace Hotel has been a prominent building in Buxton, set in five acres of stunning landscaped gardens and an easy walking distance from the town centre. The hotel features a chargeable leisure club with an indoor pool, gym, spa, sauna and steam room. All the ensuite bedrooms feature hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, ironing and tea/coffee making facilities.