Luxury Steam on the Shakespeare Express

Make your own way to the hotel. Enjoy dinner this evening.

This morning, we head to the quaint market town of Bakewell, set in the Peak District and known for its Bakewell pudding. The town sits on the banks of the River Wye, which is a pleasure to stroll along. As is taking a meander through the lovely streets in and around the town, home to some charming shops and tearooms. After our visit, we continue to Chatsworth House for an afternoon visit.

Home to the Dukes of Devonshire for many generations, the land was purchased by Elizabeth and William Cavendish in 1549 for £600. This was the home of Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, better known as Bess of Hardwick. During her lifetime, she married four times and rose to a position of great power and wealth. In 1547, she married William Cavendish, Treasurer of the King’s Chamber. They had eight children and made Chatsworth their home. A later marriage to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, in 1567 saw Bess become Countess of Shrewsbury. Over the following generations, the house was transformed into what we see today.

On arrival, there is plenty of time to explore this stunning house and gardens, along with it’s well stocked gift shop and café. We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.

We travel to Derby station by coach, where we board our steam train to Stratford-upon-Avon. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your Pullman Class seats as, later this morning, you will be served a light brunch to your table.

After this delightful journey, we steam into Stratford-upon-Avon station in style, where we head off with Blue Badge guides on an informative walking tour, followed by free to explore this very popular town. Steeped in culture and over 800 years of history, set on the banks of the River Avon, this medieval market town is the famous birthplace of William Shakespeare, born here in 1564 in a half-timbered house on Henley Street.

At the end of the afternoon, we return to the station to reboard the train and relax once again into those comfortable Pullman Class seats. On the return journey, you will enjoy an afternoon tea served to your table whilst relaxing in style, as the train makes it way back to Derby station. On arrival into the station mid-evening, our coach transfers us back to our hotel.

On our return to the hotel, there will be an included light supper with tea and coffee.

Please note: On the steam train, you will be sat in Pullman seats at tables for four. A limited number of tables for two are available at a supplement of £20 per table, subject to availability.

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to depart the hotel for home.