Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Peak District

The Peak District, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Uncover some of the best landscapes that rural England has to offer in Derbyshire and the Peak District on this rail tour with Rail Discoveries.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Derby

    Meeting up in the Cathedral city of Derby

    Your holiday begins in the historic city of Derby where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group at the hotel in the Cathedral Quarter. Free to explore the local area at your own pace, visit the Derby Arboretum, meander along the riverbank of the Derwent, or explore the Cathedral Quarter's shops, restaurants and cafés. First group dinner served at the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Derby

    The market town of Bakewell and magnificent Chatsworth House

    After breakfast, travel by coach to the charming market town of Bakewell on the banks of the River Wye, wander quaint courtyards, admire stone buildings or sample a famous Bakewell tart. Continue by coach to Chatsworth House, a grand stately home nestled in acres of parkland, home to the Cavendish family since 1549. Entry included to explore the regal halls, grand corridors and opulent staterooms. Lunch independently from cafés and restaurants on site. Stroll through the 105-acre historic garden with striking water features, sculpted landscapes and Victorian Rock Garden. Return by coach to the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Derby

    Touring Buxton and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

    Explore the elegant spa town of Buxton after breakfast, joined by an expert guide at the Edwardian opera house who brings Buxton's history to life, Roman origins, rise as a spa destination, the Georgian Buxton Crescent and Pavilion Gardens. Free time over lunch, then continue to Wirksworth for a scenic roundtrip journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (Derbyshire's longest heritage line), winding through rolling hills, peaceful meadows and charming countryside. Return to the hotel by coach. Note: trains are steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may run instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Derby

    Discovering the Peak District on a Peak Rail heritage journey

    Transferred by coach to Rowsley South station to board a beautifully restored steam-hauled Peak Rail heritage train through the Derbyshire countryside. Continue by coach to Peak Village for free time and independent lunch. Joined by a local guide for a tour through valley villages of Baslow and Calver into dramatic moorlands to Surprise View, sweeping views over the hills above Hathersage. Continue through Hope Valley, stopping in Castleton and Bradwell, ending at Eyam, a quintessential English village with a dark history from 1655. Return to hotel by coach. Note: on the 17th September departure, Peak Rail will be running their popular Mixed Traffic Gala Event.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, the holiday comes to an end and guests are free to make their way home or continue exploring the area independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All tour excursions including heritage rail journeys
  • Entry to Chatsworth House
  • Guided tour of Buxton
  • Guided tour of the Peak District
  • Ecclesbourne Valley Railway roundtrip journey
  • Peak Rail heritage railway journey

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Lunches
  • Personal expenses

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