Social Break: Steam Trains Peak District Bakewell, Buxton, Chatsworth House plus more
Overview
Uncover some of the best landscapes that rural England has to offer in Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Visit the pretty town of Buxton and discover its Roman origins with a local guide, explore Bakewell's historic buildings and maybe try its famous tasty treats, before visiting the majestic Chatsworth House, and travelling back in time on a nostalgic Peak Rail journey.
Based in the historic heart of Derby's attractive Cathedral Quarter, there's also time to explore the city's heritage and culture.
Peak Rail heritage line
Travel on the Peak Rail heritage line, enjoying a nostalgic journey through the Peak District.
Peak Rail offers you a journey back to a golden age and experience the excitement of steam and diesel on a preserved railway, operating between Rowsley South and Matlock Platform the line forms part of the old Midland Railway's line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras which was closed in 1968.
Peak District
Enjoy a coach tour of the Peak District, taking in some of the most striking scenery in the country.
Soaking up the atmosphere in the spa town of Buxton
Visit the elegant spa town of Buxton and discover its stunning Georgian architecture with a local guide.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Derbyshire’s longest heritage railway, travelling through beautiful rural countryside.
We travel on the heritage Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Derbyshire, which take us along one of the most beautiful valleys in the United Kingdom - the Ecclesbourne Valley. The line travels 9 miles along the Valley, between Wirksworth and Duffield. The railway mainly uses diesel hauled railways, however on selected days, there can be a steam hauled service on the new line between Werksworth and Ravenstor. The line first opened in 1867, closing for passenger use in 1947, and closing down completely in 1989. In 2002, after 13 years of disuse, the line re-opened, and is now used as a passenger service, staffed mostly by volunteers.
Chatsworth House- Ticket included in this weekend
Visit Chatsworth House and explore the elegant house and gardens of this fine stately home.
There are so many things to do and see every time you visit Chatsworth. Discover elegant interiors and one of Europe's most significant art collections in the house, while in the garden you'll find historic and modern waterworks and sculpture at every turn.
Includes
- Peak Railway Heritage line Tour from Rowsley South Station
- Touring Buxton and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
- Tour to Bakewell
- Entrance to Chatsworth House
- 4 nights’ 4-Star accommodation in the Historic Cathedral Quarter of Derby
- Breakfast and Dinner each day
- Spice Host & UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- Spice Walks
- Spice Drinks and Lunches meet ups at your own expense
Extras
- Any other food and drink
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour
Please Note: the balance due date on this event differs to our standard Overnight Events cancellation policy for Spice Breaks. The balance is due on 11th May 2026 after which we are only able to issue a Spice Credit in accordance with our cancellation policy if we manage to sell all contracted places on.
Guests & Non Members who are new to Spice are welcome to book at a £36 supplement though they may prefer to join to register to book at the member rate .
Please call Tel 020 3 950 7978 to enquire about booking as a guest.
Location & Itinerary
Day 1 – Meeting up in the Cathedral city of Derby
Our holiday begins in the historic city of Derby where all the Spice Group get together at the Hotel in the Cathedral Quarter from 5pm and then later with the Tour Manager and the rest of the group on this shared tour.
The Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the main attractions of the Peak District, you are free to start getting to know the local area at your own pace.
Derby is described as a 'city in the countryside' and if you fancy a stroll, you could visit the first public-owned urban park in Britain - the wonderful Derby Arboretum, a vast open space within a mile of the city. Or you could choose to meander along the riverbank of the Derwent. The Cathedral District is a vibrant area of shops, restaurants and cafés where you might like to stop for a cup of tea this afternoon.
Tonight and each evening of our tour, dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 – The market town of Bakewell and magnificent Chatsworth House
Today we discover Bakewell, the capital of the Peak District, on the banks of the River Wye. After breakfast, we travel by coach to this characterful market town, where you are free to explore. You'll find bakeries with many tempting treats including the famous Bakewell tart, impressive stone buildings, and historic alms houses.
Our next visit is to Chatsworth House. This stately home, set in acres of parkland, has been the residence of the Cavendish family since 1549 and was the inspiration behind Pemberley in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
With entry included, you're at leisure to look around Chatsworth's regal halls, grand corridors, and opulent staterooms. There are several restaurants and cafés to choose from for lunch, including the Chatsworth Farm Shop Café. You could also wander through the grounds of the estate. The historic 105-acre garden was established in 1555, and is known for its unusual water features, a remodelled Rock Garden, sculptures, and the redeveloped Trout Stream and Jack Pond. Later, our coach transfers us back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.
Day 3 - Touring Buxton and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
This morning, we transfer to the elegant spa town of Buxton where - at the town's Edwardian opera house - we meet an expert guide who takes us through the town's history, culture, and natural beauty. Hearing tales of the town's Roman origins and its significance as a spa destination along the way, we see the iconic Buxton Crescent with its stunning Georgian architecture, and the peaceful Pavilion Gardens.
After free time over lunch, we transfer to Wirksworth for a roundtrip journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway*. Aboard Derbyshire's longest heritage railway, you can gaze out at the rolling hills, farmlands and small villages of picturesque Derbyshire as we pass pretty meadows and sparkling rivers. From Wirksworth, we transfer back to our hotel by coach, with free time before dinner.
*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.
Day 4 – A heritage trip on Peak Rail, discovering the dramatic Peak District
Our day begins with a journey on the Peak Rail heritage railway. After breakfast, we are transferred to Rowsley South train station by coach to board the steam-hauled preserved railway.
After travelling into delightful Derbyshire countryside by heritage train, we continue by coach to the Peak Village, where there's time to find lunch independently.
Next, we continue with our local guide on a tour of the Peak District by coach, travelling through the valley villages of Baslow and Calver into the dramatic moorlands to Surprise View. This viewpoint is one of the best in the Peak District, sitting just above the village of Hathersage.
We continue through the pretty scenery and picturesque villages of Hope Valley before discovering Castleton and Bradwell. Arriving in Eyam, a quintessential English village of stone cottages and flower-filled gardens, we learn about the town's dark history during 1665. At the end of the afternoon we transfer back to our hotel for the final dinner of our holiday.
Day 5 – Homeward bound
After breakfast it's time to say our goodbyes as we check out of the hotel in Derby and make our way home. Of course, you may decide to continue exploring the beautiful landscapes and impressive landmarks of the Peak District on your own. Whichever direction you head to next, you're sure to hold on to memories of this unique and scenic region of England.
Debra
Submitted 28/Apr
The group tours were well organised and punctual. Our tour guide Barbara was excellent. Also Carol, the guide to Buxton and our coach driver Roger. The hotel and meals were excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alison
Submitted 28/Apr
A lovely introduction to the Peak District, an area I hadn't visited before
Collected by Trustpilot
Annice Leech
Submitted 14 Oct 2024
The holiday was very well organised and informative. We enjoyed all the trips and look forward to maybe booking again.
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Julie
Submitted 14 Oct 2024
Great short break
Excellent tour guide Alan Lowe Certainly pack in a full day with knowledgeable tour guides and fun facts throughout! Great coach & lovely friendly driver Colin! Hotel good standard, warm welcome, helpful staff food good, good sized double room & clean room with great shower!
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K Laidlaw
Submitted 14 Oct 2024
Everything was well organised.
Collected by Trustpilot
P Douetil
Submitted 07 Oct 2024
Mobility information
Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility.
Travel & Stay
The 4-Star Leonardo Hotel is located in the heart of the city centre, in the historic Cathedral Quarter. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Derby's main shopping area and a four minute taxi ride from the train station. The hotel restaurant serves a hot buffet breakfast with Continental options, and the dinner menu is extensive and seasonal. There is also a Costa coffee bar, a gym and a bar. Guest rooms are ensuite and feature air-conditioning, a flat-screen television, a desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Derby Station is less than a 5 min drive or a 25 minute walk to our Hotel
There is a car park just 3 minutes walk from the Hotel where we can get a discounted rate of £8.40 per 24 hours - You need to get the ticket validated at the Hotel
Chapel Street, Car Park
DE1 3GU
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| FEMALE Member Twin Share 4nts DBB & Tours | £649.00 | Sold Out |
| MALE Member Twin Share 4nts DBB & Tours | £649.00 | Sold Out |
| Member Double Share 4nts DBB & Tours | £649.00 | Sold Out |
| Member Twin Share 4nts DBB & Tours | £649.00 | Sold Out |
| Member Single 4nts DBB & Tours | £849.00 | Sold Out |
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Host & Everything Else
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