Railtrail Main Brochure 2022

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 Best Western Leewood Hotel. We can explore the beautiful spa town before we enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 This morning we travel by coach to 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. Following our visit we travel the short distance to Chatsworth House , the ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire since the 1500’s. Renowned for the quality of its art that span 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. (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 ★ ★ 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 £685

Chatsworth House

5 DAYS

© Chatsworth House Trust/David Vintiner

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 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 30 June 2022 Thursday 8 September 2022

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST*

STANDARD

£905 £915 £955 £985 £925 £829 £765 £785 £915 £769

£779 £795 £825 £835 £799 £759 £719 £739 £809 £739 £795 £745 £815 £685

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

£1045

£829 £949

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

HOTEL Best Western Plus Leewood Hotel, Buxton The family-run 4-star Leewood Hotel dates back to 1830 and is situated close to the centre of town, just a five minute walk from the famous Buxton Opera House and perfectly located for exploring the Peak District National Park. The bedrooms are traditional in style combined with modern comforts including TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel restaurant serves quality local produce and has been awarded a Rosette Award for fine dining. The hotel also offers a comfortable bar and a small gymnasium. £100 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 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 Single Room Supplement

Crich Tramway Village

© Chris Jenner - shutterstock

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

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