Pretty Peak District, Chatsworth House and Lyme Park

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service and then on Buxton and the 3-star Old Hall Hotel for a four-night stay.

Today we visit Chatsworth House, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire and one of the country's grandest stately homes. Chatsworth boasts a magnificent art collection, with masterpieces and objects that span 4,000 years of history from across the world. With over 25 rooms to explore, marvel at the splendid Painted Hall, admire the regal State Rooms and wander the beautiful Sculpture Gallery, before venturing into the spectacular grounds and gardens.

This morning we make our way to the National Trust's Lyme Park, another of Derbyshire's fine stately homes with coffee and cake on arrival. The 1,400 acre estate was a great sporting estate in its heyday and you can step back into Regency times in the house or enjoy a stroll in the tranquil Rose Garden. Be sure to explore the herbaceous borders next to the lake, which you may recognise from the BBC's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Later in the day we return to Buxton, where there will be free time to relax at the hotel or discover the town at your own pace. Stunning ornamental gardens and Georgian and Victorian architecture provide an impressive backdrop to this charming town.

Our included excursion today takes us to the pretty town of Bakewell, best known for its famous tart and beautiful location on the banks of the River Wye. There's a whole host of specialist, local shops selling everything from high fashion to hand-made chocolates and rare tipples. Why not sample some of the local delicacies in one of the many quaint cafés and tearooms?

Our day continues to Matlock Bath, one of the country's first tourist destinations. Matlock Bath retains much of the character and interest that impressed those early visitors – perhaps take the cable car up to the Heights of Abraham, admire the Grand Pavilions or take a riverside walk.

Return home.