We travel to the Derbyshire Dales, with rolling limestone hills, deep valleys and pretty villages. The tradition of dressing wells, which has been practised here for centuries, was originally a pagan festival of thanks for the blessing of the water. It is still going strong and takes place in over 70 towns and villages through the year, and it takes a team of as many as 20 volunteers seven days to create a work of art which is then exhibited for a week. We visit a number of the best displays in the area, as well as Matlock Bath, Bakewell and Haddon Hall.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Following our door to door taxi service we join the coach to head away from the coast, towards Derbyshire. We stop for the usual refreshment and comfort breaks before arriving at our hotel mid afternoon where we enjoy tea and coffee on our arrival.

Day 2 We travel through the glorious scenery of the Peak District National Park to view some well dressed wells and one or two that are still being constructed. As well as being able to enjoy the finished displays, this gives you the chance to witness the process where a wooden frame is filled with clay and then etched with an unique design, before being decorated with thousands of flowers. Truly a sight to behold.

Day 3 This morning we first visit Matlock Bath, and then continue to Bakewell on the River Wye, with free time to explore the attractive town and maybe sample those famous puddings. In the afternoon we rejoin the coach and visit nearby Haddon Hall. This remarkable medieval Manor house is surrounded by terraced Elizabethan gardens and has been seen in the film Pride & Prejudice and the BBC’s production of Jane Eyre.

Day 4 Following a leisurely breakfast we depart from the hotel and head south. We enjoy free time in Stratford Upon Avon before continuing our journey and meeting our taxis in the afternoon.