Chatsworth and The Gardens & Houses of the Peak District

Begin our holiday with a flight from Dublin to Manchester, escorted by our guide Rosie Maye.  The first stop of our holiday is to the former site of Worsley New Hall which is now a heritage landscape transformed into the iconic RHS Garden at Bridgewater. Highlights include the Walled Kitchen Garden, the Chinese Streamside Garden and the Paradise Garden which takes inspiration from the earliest Mediterranean, Asiatic and American traditional gardens.

Later, transfer by private coach to our hotel in Buxton where we will dine together.

Depart after breakfast for a visit to Brierlow Barn Bookstore before continuing onwards for our full day at Chatsworth House & Garden. Spend the morning in this magnificent house, often described as the most beautiful in England. From the unique collection of priceless paintings, neoclassical structures and famous books, this house is a treasure trove of wondrous art. Then time to view the gardens which combine features from six different centuries. The 16th century Cascade House, the Sea Horse Fountain and the Duke's west garden are all must sees. Free time for shopping and lunch in one of the restaurants and cafes. 

This morning is free to explore the charming Spa town of Buxton.

This afternoon we'll visit Haddon Hall, a fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12th Century. Free time for lunch at your leisure before a guided tour of the Hall and visit to the Elizabethan walled gardens.

Renowned for their beauty, structure and views, the gardens are arranged in a series of terraces, retained by enormous buttresses, that cascade down to the River Wye with seemingly endless views over the ancient parkland and Peak District National Park beyond.

Enjoy an evening meal together in our hotel tonight.

We depart our our hotel this morning with a beautiful scenic drive through the National Park of Derbyshire for a visit and exclusive guided tour of Little Moreton Hall, a sixteenth century moated timber framed house complete with knot garden, then time to explore the Tudor knot garden and apple orchard. Free time for lunch in their delightful restaurant.

This afternoon we continue onwards to Biddulph Grange to visit the extensive, exotic Victorian garden, one of the most innovative gardens of the 19th century. With Chinese, Egyptian and Italian styles all seamlessly linked together, this garden is truly unique. Take some time to stroll along the Dahlia Walk, and you must not miss the recreation of a Himalayan glen during this truly unique experience. Transfer to Manchester for our evening return flight to Dublin.