Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

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 TramwayVillage, 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.

DAY 1 Arriving in the spa town of Buxton in the hear t of the Peak District, we make our way to the Lee Wood 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 shor t distance to Chatsworth House , the ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire since the 1500’s. Renowned for the quality of its ar t 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 in Britain. We commence with the steep climb over TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Discover the stunning scenery of Staffordshire & Derbyshire’s Peak District ★ Visit magnificent Chatswor th 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 water wheel 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: ★ Dinner every evening ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £799

5 DAYS

Chatsworth House

© Chatswor th House Trust/DavidVintiner

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 the life and work of James Brindley 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 Nor th 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 transpor t 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 reinstated forms par t 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 shor t 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 29 June 2023 Thursday 7 September 2023

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

FIRST* £1025 £1039 £1079 £1109 £1045 £955 £909 £879 £1009 £869 £1169 £939 £1059

STANDARD

£899 £915 £945 £955 £929 £869 £839 £845 £909 £845 £915 £849 £929 £799

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

HOTEL BestWestern Plus LeeWood Hotel, Buxton The family-run 4-star Lee Wood 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 comfor ts 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 comfor table bar and small gymnasium. £150 *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 toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach transfer as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Single Room Supplement

Crich TramwayVillage

© Chris Jenner - shutterstock

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

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