Railtrail Annual Brochure 2021

T reasures of the P eak D istrict

This totally unique tour combines the stunningly beautiful Peak District and its fabulous attractions. We visit Chatsworth House the ‘Palace of the Peaks’, step back in time steaming through the Derbyshire Dales and Staffordshire Moorlands, visit the period setting of Crich Tramway Village, and much more on a unique journey through time enhanced by a plethoric treasure of local knowledge and folklore. All of this from a traditional hotel based in the Derbyshire Spa town of Buxton.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Arriving in the spa town of Buxton in the heart of the Peak District, we make our way to the conveniently located Palace Hotel, close to the railway station. Explore this spa town or enjoy the hotels leisure facilities* ahead of dinner. (D) DAY 2 This morning we travel by coach to Chatsworth House , the ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire since the 1500’s. Renowned for the quality of its art that spans 4,000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt and Reynolds. Famous for its rich history, historic and modern waterworks and sculptures, its Victorian rock garden and maze, there is something for everyone in the 105-acre Chatsworth Garden . We then take an afternoon break in the market town of Bakewell , perhaps best known for its unique and delicious pudding. This cosy, riverside, town is a well known tourist venue with a most pleasant riverside walk and inviting souvenir shops. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we take a scenic circular tour which on a fine day is possibly one of the most fascinating and beautiful in Britain. We commence with the steep climb over the wild hills of Derbyshire into the Staffordshire Moorlands where overlooking a beautiful lake you will ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Discover the stunning scenery of Staffordshire & Derbyshire’s Peak District ★ ★ Visit magnificent Chatsworth House and Gardens ★ ★ Head back in time at Crich Tramway Village ★ ★ Steam through the Derbyshire Dales on Peak Rail ★ ★ Take a steam train ride through ‘Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland’ ★ ★ Visit a waterwheel-operated former 18th century corn mill. ★ ★ Celebrate the work of James Brindley the pioneer of Britain’s canal system ★ ★ Enjoy free time in the Derbyshire spa town of Buxton, delightful Bakewell, and Leek the ‘Queen of the Moorlands’ Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £529

Chatsworth House & Gardens

5 DAYS

© Chatsworth.org

learn the true story of Rudyard Kipling’s association with the area. An atmospheric visit to a former water- operated corn mill designed by the great engineer, James Brindley is enhanced by illustrations featuring his life and work and the history of milling. We take a lunchtime break in the market town of Leek , known as the ‘Queen of the Moorlands’ and home to Railtrail Tours. Our afternoon commences with a steam train ** ride through ‘Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland’ as the journey through the Churnet Valley was described by the original North Staffordshire Railway Company. We conclude our day travelling high along Morridge Edge for a viewing stop overlooking the Roaches whilst discovering the story of the wild wallabies and the mysterious folklore of Mermaid Pool. This stunningly picturesque moorland tour is completed by our return across the border back into Buxton. (B,D) DAY 4 Today is vintage transport day as we retrace our steps through Bakewell to Rowsley to board the Peak Railway for a steam train** ride to Matlock . The line which has been re-instated forms part of the old Midland Railway line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras which was closed in 1968 and currently operates for a distance of 4 miles between Rowsley South Station and Matlock. After our visit to the railway we re-board our coach for the short journey to the historical Crich Tramway Village ! Step back in time along the recreated period street and join one of the vintage trams for a ride into yesteryear. Many of the buildings along the street have been rescued from towns and cities across the UK. Perhaps enjoy a drink in the Red Lion pub the façade of which came from Stoke-on-Trent, and was rebuilt brick by brick. (B,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to beautiful Buxton and the Peak District as we make our way homeward. (B) **we reserve the right to travel by heritage diesel train should the steam locomotive not be available / timetabled at the time of our visit.

DEPARTS

Thursday 1 July 2021 Thursday 2 September 2021

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD

£749 £759 £799 £695 £765 £675 £605 £629 £755 £615 £865 £675 £795

£625 £639 £669 £635 £645 £599 £565 £585 £655 £585 £635 £589 £659 £529 £200

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Join & Leave at Hotel

Single Room Supplement

4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach transfer as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

HOTEL

Palace Hotel, Buxton The Palace Hotel is situated in the centre of Buxton, close to the railway station. The hotel has been an important building in the spa town since 1868 and is perfectly located for exploring the Peak District National Park. The hotel has retained much of its Victorian character and meals are served in the elegant Dovedale Restaurant. The hotel has leisure facilities including indoor pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam room (please note additional charges apply).

Crich Tramway Museum

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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