Unwind in scenic nature
Enjoy the marvellous walking tours through one of the most beautiful areas in England. The Peak District is Britain's first national park in the heart of England. Explore the breathtaking landscapes, bustling market towns and the area's outstanding cultural and historical heritage.
The New Bath Hotel is the perfect venue from which to explore the picturesque spa town of Matlock Bath, just down river from the county town of Matlock, enclosed by the majestic limestone cliffs of the Derwent Gorge. With the magnificent Peak District National Park on the doorstep, you can explore some of England's most spectacular scenery with such varied landscapes, a wealth of cultural heritage and some of the most scenic towns and villages in the country. The New Bath Hotel houses an 18th century spa, fed by natural mineral springs. The Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a first class sauna and a tennis court, too.
Day 1: Welcome to England!
Journey by ferry to Hull. You will visit the historic walled city York. Drive to your Hotel. Alternatively take a plane to East Midlands or Manchester or Leeds/Bradford Airport.
Day 2: Edge - Peak District National Park - Lyme Park
On your way to the Peak District National Park, we recommend to have a break at the 'Edge' - soft red sandstone where you can enjoy the stunning views over Cheshire, Peak District and Manchester. You will pass stone walls, old barns and sheep runs on your circular route close to Macclesfield (3-4 hours).
Shutlingsloe is the second highest peak in the county with an elevation of 1,660 feet (506 m) and commands excellent views over Cheshire. On your way back to your hotel you have to stop at Lyme Park, a medieval deer-park with an imposing stone mansion.
Day 3: White Peak – Dove Dale
Today you will start with a walking tour through Dove Dale - a very popular route (grade: easy/moderate). This walk can be extended by combing it with Wolfscote Dale (13 miles/21,5 km, 8 hours, 3,198 feet/975 m).
From the idyllic village you will past Dovedale Castle and the impressive limestone features called Tissington Spires. Your walk will take you to the Dove Holes caves and to the lovely village of Milldale. You can pick the walk back to Ilam or take the long-distance route through Wolfscote Dale. After you have passed Narrowdale, Stanshope and Hall Dale, you will reach Ilam.
Day 4: Matlock - Heights of Abraham
The Matlock Bath Walk, a short walk, guarantees superb views (2,8 miles/4,5 km). Don't miss to visit the 'Life in a Lens Museum' and the charming 'Victorian Teashop' in Matlock, where you can taste the delightful ice cream with apple pie.
A very special attraction are the 'Heights of Abraham' in the Peak District, where you can take a spectacular journey by cable car to explore two caverns, follow woodland trails and enjoy the magnificent views.
Day 5: Dark Peak
The Valley of Hope
One of the most popular walking routes is a hike through the Hope Valley in the Dark Peak (8,4 miles /13,5 km, 4 hours, 1,656 feet/505 m). On your limestone way you will pass Peveril Castle and Old Moor until you reach the peak 'Heights of the Mother' (1696 feet/517 m). Head off to Hollins Cross, Black Tor and Lose Hill until to reach your starting point in Hope.
Day 6: The south west of the Peak
Lud's Church and Roaches
The Roaches form a gritstone escarpment which marks the south-western edge of the Peak. Explore the variety of this walk between Buxton and Leek (12,5 miles/20 km, 6 hours, 2,559 feet/780 m). The Dane Valley Walk takes you to the Gradbach Wood and to the 'Hanging Stone'.
'Lud's Church' is a natural narrow cleft about 100 metres long with both sides rising to 15 metres high. You will have a spectacular view over Cheshire and the Snowdonia National Park. Your way over the Ramshow Rocks will take you back to Gradbach.
Day 7: Pride and Prejudice
Explore the Peak District in a different way
Today we recommend to visit one of Britain's most popular stately homes and one of the largest private houses in England - Chatsworth is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
Follow in the footsteps of the stars by visiting the real life movie set of 'Pride & Prejudice'. Chatsworth House sets in the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park and offers famous works of art, spectacular fountains in the garden and many miles of free walks.
Haddon Hall is a fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12th Century, and is the home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners whose family has owned the property since 1567.
Day 8: Return journey
Continue your journey home by ferry or plane.