New Year Celebrations in the Peak District

After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.

Crossing the stunning Peak District National Park, we first head to Eyam, known as the ‘Plague Village’ due to the events of 1665-66 when the plague was brought from London to this tiny community. Learn more in the museum, or the village has craft workshops, a gift shop and tea rooms to enjoy. We then continue to the beautiful market town of Bakewell, set on the banks of the River Wye. Best known for its Bakewell Pudding (be sure to treat yourself in The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop!), the town boasts an ancient five-arched bridge, riverside walks, independent shops and cosy cafés: it's a lovely place to spend the last afternoon of the year. Later, we enjoy our New Year celebrations at the hotel, including a Hogmanay buffet dinner.

Our New Year begins with a scenic drive through the Peak District National Park on our way to the picturesque spa town of Matlock Bath, set in the beautiful gorge of the River Derwent with wooded hillsides and rocky limestone crags. The riverside promenade offers a lovely space for some fresh air, while the Temple Mine and the Peak District Mining Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich heritage, or the historic building once used to house Victorian thermal baths now boasts a range of unique exhibitions, from one of Europe's largest public displays of holograms to the gemstone and fossil collection plus the natural wonder of the petrifying well. The town is also renowned for its abundance of fish and chip shops – so go on and treat yourself! Our next stop is the market town of Ashbourne, known as the gateway to Dovedale, with its historic architecture (think old coaching inns, Elizabethan buildings, Georgian facades, elegant townhouses and quirky statues) along with independent shops, cobbled marketplace and hidden alleys. This evening we enjoy the chef’s buffet dinner back at the hotel.

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and spend some free time in Buxton before heading home.