Peak District & Great Houses of Derbyshire
Suggested Duration: 4 Days
Discover dramatic landscapes, magnificent country houses and charming market towns in England’s beautiful Peak District National Park.
Explore the Peak District’s stunning landscapes and historic country houses.
Expert Driver & Guide
Local knowledge that brings every destination to life.
Private Travel Experience
Comfortable touring at your own pace with no groups.
Tailored Itineraries
Every journey personalised to your interests and travel style.
Personal Planning Support
Friendly guidance from your first enquiry through to your final day.
Tour Overview
The Peak District is celebrated for its rolling hills, dramatic limestone valleys and picturesque stone-built villages, but it is also home to some of England’s most magnificent country houses. This carefully designed four-day private tour combines the natural beauty of England’s first National Park with the remarkable stories of the people and families who shaped Derbyshire’s rich heritage.
At the heart of the journey is the magnificent Chatsworth House, home of the Dukes of Devonshire for sixteen generations and widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest country estates. Yet Chatsworth is only part of the story. Discover the extraordinary legacy of Bess of Hardwick at Hardwick Hall, experience the breathtaking grandeur of Kedleston Hall, and step back into medieval England at the beautifully preserved Haddon Hall.
Together, these remarkable houses tell a fascinating story of ambition, wealth, architecture and family legacy spanning more than four centuries.
Whether travelling from London or incorporating the Peak District into a wider tour of England, every MyUKtour is privately guided and tailored to your interests, allowing you to experience Derbyshire at a relaxed pace while discovering the places and stories that make this remarkable region so rewarding.
Tour Highlights
Chatsworth House
Explore one of Britain's greatest country estates, home to the Dukes of Devonshire for sixteen generations. Discover magnificent State Rooms, celebrated art collections and beautiful gardens set within the heart of the Peak District.
Hardwick Hall & Bess of Hardwick
Step back into Tudor England at Hardwick Hall and discover the remarkable story of Bess of Hardwick, whose ambition and vision laid the foundations of the Cavendish family and the future of Chatsworth House.
Kedleston Hall
Often the tour's greatest surprise, Kedleston Hall is a masterpiece of Neo-Classical architecture. Built to impress, its magnificent Marble Hall, elegant interiors and sweeping parkland showcase the wealth and ambition of Georgian England.
The Peak District National Park
Travel through England's first National Park, discovering rolling hills, charming villages, historic market towns and spectacular scenery that provide the perfect setting for Derbyshire's magnificent country houses.
Explore Derbyshire's Great Houses & Historic Places
Kedleston Hall
A magnificent country house and ancestral seat of the Curzon family, Kedleston Hall was designed as a grand stage for entertaining rather than a family home. Its dramatic marble hall and domed ceiling reflect imperial ambition, while the house tells the story of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, bringing Britain’s imperial past vividly to life.
Calke Abbey
One of Britain’s most unusual historic houses, Calke Abbey is preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” Peeling walls and faded rooms reveal a more human side of aristocratic life, offering a powerful and atmospheric contrast to grand estates, set within peaceful parkland and gardens.
Bakewell
A charming market town at the heart of the Peak District, Bakewell invites you to slow the pace. Stroll along the River Wye, browse independent shops, and enjoy a relaxed lunch or the town’s famous tart while soaking up the rhythms of rural England.
Kedleston Hall
A magnificent country house and ancestral seat of the Curzon family, Kedleston Hall was designed as a grand stage for entertaining rather than a family home. Its dramatic marble hall and domed ceiling reflect imperial ambition, while the house tells the story of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, bringing Britain’s imperial past vividly to life.
Calke Abbey
One of Britain’s most unusual historic houses, Calke Abbey is preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” Peeling walls and faded rooms reveal a more human side of aristocratic life, offering a powerful and atmospheric contrast to grand estates, set within peaceful parkland and gardens.
Bakewell
A charming market town at the heart of the Peak District, Bakewell invites you to slow the pace. Stroll along the River Wye, browse independent shops, and enjoy a relaxed lunch or the town’s famous tart while soaking up the rhythms of rural England.
Discover the Landscapes of the Peak District
Every MyUKtour itinerary is tailored to you. This suggested journey illustrates how your Yorkshire tour could unfold and can be adapted to suit your interests, preferred pace and travel dates.
A journey through the Peak District is defined by variety: open moorland, wooded valleys, stone villages, and graceful market towns—all best explored with time and ease.
Scenic Drives & Limestone Dales
Enjoy unhurried drives through rolling countryside and dramatic dales such as Dovedale or Monsal Head. Pause for short walks, photography, or simply to take in the views from quiet overlooks—all without the pressure of fixed schedules.
Buxton: A Hidden Georgian Gem
Often described as a “miniature Bath,” Buxton surprises many visitors with its elegance. The town’s Georgian architecture, anchored by the magnificent Crescent, reflects its history as a fashionable spa destination. It’s an ideal stop for a stroll, coffee, or a deeper exploration of England’s spa-town heritage.
Matlock & the Derwent Valley
Set along the River Derwent, Matlock and its surroundings blend natural beauty with industrial and social history. It’s a relaxed and scenic addition to any Peak District itinerary, offering contrast and local colour.
Scenic Drives & Limestone Dales
Enjoy unhurried drives through rolling countryside and dramatic dales such as Dovedale or Monsal Head. Pause for short walks, photography, or simply to take in the views from quiet overlooks—all without the pressure of fixed schedules.
Buxton: A Hidden Georgian Gem
Often described as a “miniature Bath,” Buxton surprises many visitors with its elegance. The town’s Georgian architecture, anchored by the magnificent Crescent, reflects its history as a fashionable spa destination. It’s an ideal stop for a stroll, coffee, or a deeper exploration of England’s spa-town heritage.
Matlock & the Derwent Valley
Set along the River Derwent, Matlock and its surroundings blend natural beauty with industrial and social history. It’s a relaxed and scenic addition to any Peak District itinerary, offering contrast and local colour.
Suggested 4-Day Tour Itinerary
Every MyUKtour itinerary is tailored to you. This suggested journey illustrates how your Peak District tour could unfold and can be adapted to suit your interests, preferred pace and travel dates.
Day 1 – Kedleston Hall & the Peak District
Leaving London behind, journey north into the beautiful county of Derbyshire. Your introduction to the region begins at the magnificent Kedleston Hall, one of England’s finest Neo-Classical country houses.
Designed as a bold statement of wealth, taste and political influence, Kedleston’s spectacular Marble Hall, elegant State Rooms and sweeping parkland provide a memorable first glimpse into the grandeur of England’s great country houses. Continue into the Peak District National Park, where rolling hills, picturesque villages and beautiful countryside provide a wonderful introduction to this remarkable region.
Day 2 – Hardwick Hall & Chatsworth House
Today’s journey follows the extraordinary story of Bess of Hardwick, one of the most remarkable women of Tudor England. Her ambition, vision and determination established the Cavendish family, whose descendants would later create one of Britain’s greatest country estates.
Begin at Hardwick Hall, where magnificent tapestries, dark oak panelling and one of Europe’s finest Elizabethan long galleries evoke the atmosphere of Tudor England. Walking through these remarkable rooms, it is easy to imagine Bess herself overseeing the creation of one of the most innovative houses of her age.
Later, continue to the magnificent Chatsworth House, where the story reaches its magnificent conclusion. Home to the Dukes of Devonshire for sixteen generations, Chatsworth reflects the evolution of the Cavendish family from their Tudor beginnings into one of Britain’s most influential aristocratic dynasties. Explore the magnificent State Rooms, outstanding art collections and beautiful gardens before returning through the spectacular Derbyshire countryside.
Day 3 – Haddon Hall & the Heart of the Peak District
Travel through the spectacular landscapes of the Peak District National Park, where historic villages, rolling countryside and timeless market towns combine to create one of England’s most beautiful regions.
Visit the wonderfully atmospheric Haddon Hall, one of England’s best-preserved medieval manor houses, before continuing to the historic market town of Bakewell, famous for its traditional Bakewell Pudding.
Later, discover the elegant spa town of Buxton before visiting the remarkable village of Eyam, whose courageous decision to isolate itself during the plague of 1665 remains one of England’s most inspiring stories.
Day 4 – Chatsworth Estate Villages & Return to London
Enjoy a relaxed final morning exploring the picturesque villages of the Chatsworth Estate. Discover the charming villages of Edensor and Pilsley, where attractive stone cottages, peaceful village greens and beautiful Derbyshire countryside provide a fitting conclusion to your journey.
After time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, begin the return journey to London.
Why Choose MyUKtour?
Discover the Peak District Through Its Great Houses and Landscapes
The Peak District offers far more than beautiful scenery. It is a region of magnificent country houses, fascinating history and timeless villages, best explored at a relaxed pace. With your own private driver and expert guide, you’ll discover not only the iconic landmarks but also the remarkable stories that bring Derbyshire’s heritage to life.
- The Story Behind the Great Houses - Discover more than magnificent architecture as you explore the remarkable lives of Bess of Hardwick, the Cavendish family and the generations who shaped Derbyshire's finest country estates.
- Private Driver & Expert Guide - With your own private driver and expert guide, you'll discover not only Derbyshire's iconic landmarks but also the remarkable stories that bring its heritage to life.
- Beyond Chatsworth House - While Chatsworth is the centrepiece of the tour, you'll also discover the unexpected treasures of Kedleston Hall, Hardwick Hall and Haddon Hall, creating a richer and more rewarding Derbyshire experience.
- Scenic Drives & Timeless Villages - Travel through England's first National Park, exploring picturesque villages, elegant market towns and spectacular countryside between each carefully chosen destination.
- Tailored Around You - Every MyUKtour is privately operated and can be personalised to suit your interests, whether you wish to spend longer at the great houses, explore beautiful gardens or simply spend more time exploring the Peak District at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Chatsworth House is one of the highlights of the tour, together with Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall and Haddon Hall, offering a fascinating journey through the history of Derbyshire's great country houses.
Absolutely. While it is possible as a long day trip, we believe a multi-day tour provides a far more rewarding experience, allowing you to discover the Peak District, its villages and other magnificent estates at a relaxed pace.
Yes. Every MyUKtour is private and can be tailored to your interests. We can adjust the itinerary, pace of travel and include additional gardens, walks or historic houses where time allows.
Yes. In addition to Chatsworth's beautiful gardens, the tour can be adapted to include seasonal gardens and estate landscapes depending on your interests and the time of year.
The Peak District is beautiful throughout the year. Spring brings fresh colour to the gardens, summer offers long days for sightseeing, autumn transforms the landscapes with rich colours, while winter provides a quieter and atmospheric experience. Chatsworth House has a Christmas Fair and the house is seasonally decorated.
Certainly. Many guests combine the Peak District with Yorkshire, the Lake District or our Classic England Tour to create a longer private journey through England.
Ready to Discover the Great Houses of Derbyshire?
From the grandeur of Chatsworth House and Kedleston Hall to the timeless beauty of the Peak District National Park, every MyUKtour is designed around your interests and travel style.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Peak District holiday or incorporating Derbyshire into a wider tour of England, we’ll create a private itinerary designed around your interests, with your own driver and expert guide.
Travel Inspiration
Thinking about visiting Chatsworth House? Read Andrew’s guide: