By Anna Melton
Covering an area 2,625 km, with a substantial proportion of that being the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire is a county that really does have something to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for a rural escape or the sights and sounds of city life, this region has it all and, believe it or not, it’s possible to get a taste of it all in just 48 hours.
Day one
Start your break in Derby city centre. Put your most comfortable shoes on and indulge in a whistlestop tour of the great shopping on offer there at the ultra-modern Derby shopping centre, before heading to the stylish and independent shops in the Cathedral Quarter where you can also enjoy a spot of lunch at the many bars and cafes here.
A trip to Bakewell means you must sample the world-famous Bakewell Pudding
Once you’re all shopped out head to Bakewell. It’s approximately an hour’s drive away but you’ll take in the stunning vista of the Peak District and the virtually deserted roads so won’t have an opportunity to be bored or get road rage. A must for any Bakewell visitor is to sample the world-famous Bakewell Pudding. Head to The Bakewell Pudding Parlour, where you can either buy one to take away or enjoy one with a fresh pot of tea or coffee in the cafe. After you’re refreshed, head up the road to the Bakewell Old House Museum, an original Tudor dwelling, which chronicles the history of the Peak District and is packed full of artefacts from the area.
From Bakewell, journey to Buxton where you’ll round off your day with fine food and a spot of culture before getting a good night’s rest at one of the town’s many B&Bs, guest houses and hotels. Enjoy early evening drinks at The Monk Cocktail Bar before heading either for dinner or to see a performance at the restored Buxton Opera House or Pavilion Arts Centre. Try The Bar Brasserie, described as ‘Paris in Buxton’ or Buxton Tap House for good food.
Head to The Bakewell Pudding Parlour, where you can either buy one to take away or enjoy one with a fresh pot of tea or coffee in the cafe
Day two
Wake up feeling refreshed and head to nearby Castleton. Take a waterproof and a warm jumper because you’ll be exploring the underground cave system by boat at Speedwell Cavern. You may also have time to check out the Devil’s Arse cave as well.
And, of course, no visit to Derbyshire would be complete without a trip to the world-renowned Chatsworth House. After you’re back on dry land make the half hour journey to the magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. You can choose to visit either the house or the gardens or both during your visit. If you’re running short of time take a trip around the house, marvelling at the artwork that spans 4,000 years and rooms that have been left untouched for generations.
Marvel at the magnificent Chatsworth House and its gardens
Finish your 48 hours in Derbyshire in the historic market town of Chesterfield – home of the iconic church with the crooked spire. For tea, coffees and real ale lovers this is the place to be. Chatsworth Road boasts breweries, tea merchants, micro pubs and shops that sell everything for the enthusiastic home brewers.
From traditional British to Derbyshire meets Spain, end your 48 hours in Derbyshire at one of the top hotels in the area, Casa, for a superlative meal in its two-rosette award winning Cocina Restaurant. Afterwards, sit back and relax in one of the hotel’s balcony hot tubs and saunas and reflect on your jam-packed tour of Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Read more about Derbyshire and the Peak District
