The Seasonal Colours of Cheshire & the Peak District

Check into the Cottons Hotel & Spa, Knutsford in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager, followed by dinner.

We enjoy a guided tour of the Mill at Quarry Bank Mill, where the sights, sounds and stories of the Industrial Revolution come alive. Wander through the impressive cotton mill and experience the powerful machinery in action, filling the air with the authentic rhythm of a working 18^th-century factory. Children as young as nine years old were once employed at Quarry Bank Mill, sent here as indentured labour from the poor workhouses, and today we see the fascinating Apprentice House, where they lived from the 1790s until the practice was ended in 1847. There's also the chance to stroll along woodland paths beside the River Bollin and explore the colourful gardens.

Our next stop is Capesthorne Hall, a beautiful family-owned stately home set in 100 acres of the glorious Cheshire countryside. The striking example of Jacobean architecture dates back to 1719, yet the hall contains a range of treasures, paintings, furniture, Greek vases and the Bromley-Davenport family heirlooms from 1153, which we discover on our guided tour. The peaceful gardens are also a delight to explore, featuring three serene lakes, rhododendron woods and colourful herbaceous borders bursting with a variety of perennials.

At Chatsworth House, we’re treated to a house and gardens tour plus a light buffet lunch. This magnificent estate is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has witnessed 16 generations of the powerful Cavendish family after they acquired it in 1549, featuring grandiose interiors and a superlative art collection. Chatsworth also boasts a 1,000-acre park, chiefly designed by Capability Brown, and the impressive property also appeared as Pemberley in the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

Later, we immerse ourselves in the sweeping splendour of Lyme Park, where wide, open landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Situated on the edge of the breathtaking Peak District, this grand estate is set within 1,400 acres of rugged moorland, ancient woodland and beautifully designed formal gardens. A guided tour of the house reveals a glimpse into its rich history and its remarkable collection of treasured possessions and family heirlooms. There is also time to explore the elegant formal gardens, where carefully planned symmetry and structure showcase a deep appreciation for geometry. Stroll among neatly trimmed hedges and towering yew columns before venturing into the historic parkland, home to roaming deer and diverse wildlife, as well as notable landmarks such as The Cage, The Lantern and Paddock Cottage.

We make our way to Dunham Massey, a fine Georgian house set in a tranquil 300-acre deer park, where we delve into the colourful stories of past owners and servants alike, including tales of the house's role as Stamford Military Hospital during the First World War. We can also take a stroll around the magnificent gardens that surround the house, where the ancient trees and roaming fallow deer create a wonderfully tranquil setting against the backdrop of scenic landscapes.

From here, we continue on to Tatton Park, a renowned Neo-Classical mansion. Built by Samuel Wyatt, this is one of Britain’s most complete historic estates, with a landscaped deer park and exquisite formal gardens. The opulent interior is crammed with collections of silver, china, glass and fine furniture made by Gillows, reflecting the wealth and status of the Egerton family during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Along with the extensive array of domestic offices and servants’ quarters, the house offers a comprehensive view of life in days gone by. The sense of grandeur continues outdoors, where the beautifully maintained gardens offer year-round colour through the Rose, Italian and Japanese gardens. Admiring the beautiful blooms on our History of the Gardens tour is the perfect way to end our last full day.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.