Buxton, a lovely Spa town in the heart of the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District is blessed with stunning scenery, a wealth of shops and a thriving arts scene. The magnificent architecture dating from the sixteenth century includes a fine Georgian Crescent and the Edwardian Opera House. Buxton is a popular holiday resort with plenty to offer the visitor and a great base from which to explore this beautiful part of the country. The Old Hall Hotel dating back to 1573 is the oldest hotel in

England, built for Mary Queen of Scots when she came to take the waters in Buxton. It is located in the delightful Georgian quarter just across the leafy square from the Opera House and the delightful Victorian Pavilion and Gardens.

 

Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills, Guided scenic tour, Chatsworth House & Gardens, Denby Pottery. On our way to Buxton we visit Cromford Mill, there will be time for lunch before a guided tour of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill, built by Richard Arkwright in the 18th century. The complex was saved from dereliction in the 1970’s and has undergone painstaking restoration. It now contains an exhibition, a restaurant and gift shops. While in Buxton we have a blue badge guide joining us for a day for a scenic tour of the Peak District this will include picturesque Bakewell, home of the famous Bakewell pudding and Castleton. Another day we visit Chatsworth House on the River Derwent and visit the home of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire. Chatsworth is one of Britain’s most impressive stately homes with beautifully landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown. On our return journey home on Friday we make a stop in the potteries to visit the Denby Pottery visitor centre, a tour is included after which you have time for lunch and some shopping.