Peak District Breaks
action packed or relaxed
you decide!
Calke Abbey, near Ticknall. When the National Trust bought Calke in 1985 it took some time to discover exactly what they had in the ‘house that time forgot’, hidden away on its own private estate. Its owners wanted nothing to do with the 20th century; living in the past, they never threw anything out, including a Chinese silk slate bed which had never been unpacked!
Elvaston Castle, is a 19th Century listed building and gardens. Over recent times the castle has suffered neglect, but a recent group called the ‘Estates Trust’ intends to preserve and restore Elvaston Castle to it former glory. Along with the castle there are various gardens that are a spectacular feature to view; this also offers various walking routes around the grounds.
Kedleston Hall is within easy reach of the city of Derby. A Magnificent National Trust property, considered to be the finest work of Roberts Adam. This neo-classical mansion with Adam interiors, also boasts open parkland with cascades, lakes and displays of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Melbourne Hall is also near Derby, once home to both Queen Victoria’s Prime Minister Lord Melbourne and to Byron’s friend Lady Caroline Lamb. Although the house is only open to the public in August, the famous formal gardens are a joy to visitors throughout the summer season.
Sudbury Hall Near Ashbourne stands Sudbury Hall, a late 17th century house, also owned by the National Trust. Noted for its fine plasterwork and contains some fabulous interiors that include the superb Great Staircase. There is also a Museum of Childhood and a recreated Victorian schoolroom which is located in the stable block.
Hardwick Hall Chesterfield and Bolsover has come to be known as Bess of Hardwick Country, taking its name from the Countess who is said to have been the richest woman in England after Elizabeth I. Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield is another National Trust property and was the last and greatest of the houses built by Bess of Hardwick. Its collection of tapestries and needlework is second to none and its beautiful gardens include an orchard, a nuttery and a herb garden.
Bolsover Castle High above Bolsover stands a castle, which is actually a miniature mansion. Built in the 17th century with mock medieval fortifications, Bolsover Castle is decorated in Jacobean style with carved fireplaces and impressive rooms. The riding school at Bolsover Castle is one of the oldest in Europe and was, in its time, one of the most famous. Today its lovely grounds provide the perfect setting for open air performances of operas and plays.
Haddon Hall Dates back over 800 years, it is a fine example of both medieval and Tudor architecture. There is a chapel and fine gardens which boasts the oldest rose garden in England.
Renishaw Hall near Eckington,is where the garden, park and lake were created by Sir George Sitwell, father of the famous literary trio Edith, Osbert and Sacheverall. Terraces, statues, yew hedges and pyramids combine to make the beautiful Italianate gardens a delight to visit.
Tissington Hall is located in Ashbourne, built by Francis FitzHerbert in 1609 to replace the moated manor house to the north of the church, it has served the FitzHerbert family as the main home for the best part of 400 years. Apart from the Hall are the stunning grounds and gardens which are open to the public all year round.
which nobody can deny deserves its title ‘Palace of the Peak’. Everything here is built on a grand scale - the great house on the banks of the River Derwent, the gardens with the emperor fountain and ornamental cascade, and the park with its hunting tower, lakes and network of paths. Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of the finest collections of furniture and fine arts in the world and hosts various special events during the year while for the younger visitors there is also an adventure playground.
Peveril Castle The castles imposing ruins stand high above the pretty village of Castleton in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District. Mentioned in the Domesday survey, Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. The keep was built by Henry II in 1176. A climb to the castle at the top of the hill to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Hope Valley is a highlight of a family day out in Castleton. Explore the remains of the keep including the garderobe (medieval lavatory)!
