Derbyshire
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The Perfect Weekend in South Derbyshire: Top Attractions & Tips
We’ve enjoyed numerous lovely weekends away in Derbyshire’s Peak District so for a change we decided to explore South Derbyshire which is noted for its gently rolling countryside and characterful villages. Follow my suggested itinerary for the perfect short break. Day 1: Getting to South Derbyshire We planned to base our trip in the historic…
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Review: The Pilsley Inn, Derbyshire
Hotel Review Location: The Pilsley Inn located on the scenic Chatsworth Estate owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, in the picturesque village of Pilsley, Derbyshire. The hotel is easily accessible by car being just 16 miles from the M1 motorway and a 40 minute drive from Sheffield. The nearest rail station is Chesterfield…
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Celebrating 50 years of the Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham is Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attraction first opening to the public in 1787. Since 1974 it has been owned by the Pugh family who commenced a period of much needed restoration across the 60 acre site sympathetic to the historical importance of the estate. 2024 is actually a double celebratory year for…
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Review: CASA Hotel, Chesterfield
Hotel Review Location: The CASA Hotel is one of Derbyshire’s leading four star hotels and is conveniently located on the outskirts of Chesterfield, 6 miles from Junction 29 of the M1 motorway. For guests arriving into Chesterfield by train, East Midlands Railway offer regular services to the town from Norwich, London, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leeds. The…
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Exploring the Heights of Abraham and Crich Tramway Village: A Perfect Day Out
There are no end of lovely things to see and do in Derbyshire and we’d saved two of the Peak District’s top attractions for our final day. Our morning started with a 25 minute journey to Matlock Bath to visit the Heights of Abraham hilltop estate. Parking is available at the nearby railway station and…
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Exploring Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Enjoying a Chesterfield Canal Cruise
After enjoying a delicious breakfast of eggs benedict at the CASA Hotel in Chesterfield it was just a three mile drive to the Barrow Hill Roundhouse Museum at Staveley. This 19th Century Grade II listed building is the last remaining operational railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom. The Roundhouse was constructed in 1870 by the…
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Visiting Hardwick Hall and Chesterfield in Derbyshire: A Complete Guide
I’ve enjoyed numerous weekends in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District but this was the first time that I’d had an opportunity to visit during the warmer, summer months. We made an early start one Saturday in July and after travelling down the M1 in bright sunshine we arrived at Hardwick Hall just as it was…
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Review: Peak Edge Hotel, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Overview: The hotel’s history began way back in 1788 as a small pub known as the Red Lion on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District. The current owner Steve Perez used to live there as a child as his father restored the pub back in 1966. In 2018 Steve bought back the property adding…
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A Day Trip to Matlock Farm Park and Chesterfield: Family Fun & Historic Charm
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the Peak Edge Hotel we checked out saying goodbye to the friendly staff who had looked after us during our stay. With our luggage packed in the car we left the hotel at 10.30 a.m. and drove the short distance to Matlock Farm Park. This family oriented park is an…
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Denby Pottery Village & Thornbridge Brewery: A Perfect Derbyshire Day Trip
After a good night’s sleep at the Peak Edge Hotel, we popped down to the restaurant to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. I couldn’t resist my favourite of smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast whilst my husband started the day with a Derbyshire which also looked delicious. Two cappuccinos later and we were ready to start…
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The Perfect Winter Break in the Derbyshire Peak District
We planned another winter break to the Peak District National Park, this time basing ourselves just outside Chesterfield. The area is located high on the moors and surrounded by dramatic rocky scenery. Although rugged and rural it’s easily accessible being just 12 miles from J29 of the M1. Before checking into our accommodation we called…
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Review: The Cow at Dalbury Lees, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Hotel Review Location: The Cow at Dalbury Lees is a luxury boutique inn nestled along a leafy lane in the rural and tranquil Derbyshire countryside. Although tucked away, it’s only six miles from Derby and the M1 motorway making it easily accessible from most parts of the country. Arrival and check-in: The country inn has…
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Review: The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
Hotel Review Location: The Cavendish Hotel is located on the scenic Chatsworth Estate owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, in the picturesque village of Baslow, Derbyshire. The hotel is easily accessible by car being just 16 miles from the M1 motorway and a 40 minute drive from Sheffield. The nearest rail station is…
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Experience Derbyshire’s Heritage: White Peak Distillery & Cromford Mills
After starting the day with delicious plates of Egg Benedict we collected our belongings together and checked out of The Cow at Dalbury Lees. This charming country inn had been a delightful place to stay for a mid-winter break with its roaring fires and cosy, well appointed rooms. Our first stop of the day was to…
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Discover the Wonders of Treak Cliff Cavern and The Monsal Trail, Peak District
After starting the day with plates of smashed avocado and eggs cooked to perfection in The Cow’s attractive bar we set off to Treak Cliff Cavern just outside Castleton. Our approach took us through the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass with its stunning views as we drove along. The Castleton area is a designated…
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Experience the Best of Bakewell and Buxton in the Peak District
The Peak District was the first national park to be created in the United Kingdom back in 1951 and spans 555 square miles of the southern end of the Pennines, mostly in Derbyshire. The park receives more than 10 million visitors each year as it is within an hour’s drive of both Manchester and Sheffield…
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Discovering Hidden Chatsworth: Secrets of the Estate Uncovered
Chatsworth House is one of England’s finest stately homes, located on the east bank of the River Derwent in rural Derbyshire. The vast estate is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire and has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. After Chatsworth closes its doors following a busy Christmas period one might be…
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A Festive City Break in Derby: Christmas Markets, Museums, Pantomime & Local Charm
A surprise invitation dropped into my inbox inviting me to enjoy a festive break in Derby on the weekend before Christmas. It’s always fun to visit somewhere new and with the prospect of some sightseeing, shopping, eating, drinking and a night at the panto it took me less than a minute to decide to say…
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