South Yorkshire & The Peaks

No other area in Britain offers such contrasting scenery as that found in the glorious Peak District National Park which combines steep limestone valleys, dramatic gritstone ridges, stark moorland plateaus and ancient stone villages. A day out is included at the opulent Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the finest and grandest Georgian houses in England (and twice the length of Buckingham Palace!!) and step back in time to explore 300 years of Sheffield history at Kelham Island Museum followed by a delicious cream tea. This brand new tour based at the Sheffield Basin, takes you on a journey through the Industrial Revolution, the world of aristocratic homes and the stunning natural wonders and towns of the Peaks.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Heritage, History & The Peak District
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, enjoy a scenic drive north with comfort stops on the way. Welcome drink on arrival and 4 nights with breakfast and dinner included.

Days 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE
Standing in 87 acres of gardens and grounds, opulent Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the finest Georgian houses in England. It was built for the 1st Marquess of Rockingham around 1725, with the work continuing over four decades and then passed to the Fitzwilliam family. The Palladian style architecture creates the ideal backdrop for period dramas and has been used as a location for iconic TV series such as Downton Abbey and Victoria. Discover the formal State Rooms of Wentworth Woodhouse and its vast history on a tour led by a knowledgeable guide (approx. 70 mins). Learn about the rise and fall and the secret stories of the house from its beginnings in the 1600s to its time as a family home and teacher training college, right through to the present day. There are over 300 rooms in total but it is the State Rooms you will see first-hand including the iconic Marble Saloon Whistlejacket and the Painted Drawing Room. The tour takes place on the ground and first floors (accessed via two flights of stairs) and afterwards you can visit the gardens and grounds, full of ancient trees, shaded woodland copses and 18th Century follies. A light sandwich lunch with tea & coffee is included today at Wentworth Woodhouse

PEAK DISTRICT - BAKEWELL & BUXTON
Founded in 1951, the Peak District was England's first national park with 555 sq miles of glorious open English countryside. It is a natural playground of different sights and places to visit from old churches to the stunning natural wonder of the peaks, caverns and rocky gorges. Start your day in gorgeous Bakewell, birthplace of the delicious Bakewell pudding, and boasting charming honey-coloured buildings and a medieval bridge over the River Wye. Onto the elegant spa town of Buxton with its stunning ornamental gardens and world-famous Georgian and Victorian architecture. It is not surprising the town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Take a stroll through the lovely Pavilion Gardens and enjoy Buxton's wealth of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

KELHAM ISLAND MUSEUM & CREAM TEA
The Kelham Island Museum is less than a mile from your hotel and sits on a manmade island. It houses objects, pictures, interactive galleries and archive material representing Sheffield's industrial past, telling the city's story from light trades and skilled workmanship to mass production. Experience life and work during the Industrial Revolution, follow the sights and sounds of progress through the Victorian era and the two world wars, celebrate the Women of Steel and see how steel making forged the modern city. Outside you'll be greeted by one of the few remaining Bessemer Converters in the world! An included guided tour will highlight some of the museum's star object and key works.

The remainder of the day is at leisure with a delicious cream tea served in the hotel in the afternoon

Day 5 - Homeward today with lots of memories and with comfort stops on the way to interchange. You can expect to be back in your local towns mid-evening.

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Visit and guided tour of Wentworth Woodhouse- Sandwich lunch with tea / coffee at Wentworth Woodhouse- Peak District Drive - Bakewell & Buxton- Entry and tour of Kelham Island Museum- Afternoon at leisure in Sheffield- Cream tea in hotel one afternoonBest Western Plus The Quays Hotel, Sheffield

This 4* hotel enjoys a scenic waterfront location overlooking the cobbled quayside in the former industrial heartland of Sheffield. The city centre is approx 10 - 15 minutes walk away with its eclectic shops, Millennium Gallery and Winter Garden. The Quay Leisure Club features a large indoor pool, sauna and gym and there is a restaurant, bar and waterside terrace for an al fresco drink. Airy and bright guestrooms feature flat screen TV, free WiFi and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift to all floors

Hotels
• The Quays Hotel Sheffield (Sheffield) - View Information