Matlock Bath Illuminations

Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent. During the 8-week season Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights which are mounted on rowing boats and paraded along the River Derwent. Join this fun weekend with an included day out to see the Autumn Colours of the Peak District.Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head north calling at Denby Pottery Village en-route where you can discover the largest selection of Denby stoneware in the world. The Factory Shop is home to the latest designs and discontinued ranges of quality seconds, glass, and accessories. Continue to your hotel close to Sheffield to arrive for 3 nights. Welcome drink on arrival DBB (lunch replaces dinner on Saturday).

Day 2 - Spend the morning at the excellent Sheffield Botanical Gardens, just over a mile away form the hotel. A seven-year, £6.69 million, restoration project funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund's Urban Parks Programme was completed in December 2005. The project has restored the heritage of the Gardens, regenerated the landscape infrastructure and developed the plant collections. A central feature of the Gardens are the sweeping lawns with mature trees which create a setting for the restored linear glass Pavilions. The grand central Broadwalk leading up to the glass Pavilions is framed by colourful herbaceous borders. The splendid Gatehouse entrance arch and tearooms are complemented by formal Victorian bedding displays. Initiated in 1833, the Gardens were designed by Robert Marnock for the recreation and education of members of the original Sheffield Botanical & Horticultural Society. The Gardens opened to a paying public in 1836 but by the turn of the century Sheffield Town Trust owned them. The Trust instituted free public access, which still remains today. During your visit, a local enthusiast will give you an insight into the history, restoration and wonderful plants of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Head back to the hotel for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon before heading to Matlock Bath this evening for the spectacular Illuminations, first held to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The sight of the decorated and themed models mounted on rowing boats, covered in lights and paraded along the River Derwent is magnificent. Entrance to Derwent Gardens is included.

Day 3 - Autumn Colours in the Peak District. Enjoy a scenic autumnal drive into the Peak District National Park which is a treasure trove of hills and valleys, gorges and lakes, wild moorland and gritstone escarpments, but no peaks! Make a stop in pretty Bakewell probably best known for its famous Bakewell pudding, a pastry shell filled with jam and almond paste, invented here in 1820. Continue onto the elegant spa town of Buxton, the 'Gateway to the Peaks'. Famed for its natural spring water, Buxton has many beautiful buildings including the Opera House. You can enjoy the flamboyant Regency architecture, Georgian terraces and manicured parks and take time out to enjoy the award-winning Pavilion Gardens. Head back to your hotel passing through the charming village of Castleton, known as the 'Gem of the Peaks' and onwards with wonderful views of Ladybower Reservoir, used in WWII by the RAF Dambusters squadron to practise low level flying techniques

Day 4 - After breakfast depart for the journey home, Head back to interchange with a refreshment stop en-route to arrive home early to mid-evening.Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall & Spa

This 4* luxury hotel and spa, just one mile from Sheffield city centre, is easily accessible from the M1. The hotel combines a convenient location and idyllic country setting with its 12 acres of beautiful parkland providing a perfect backdrop for short breaks. Relax in one of 114 elegant ensuite bedrooms with all mod cons and in the onsite Leisure & Spa facilities with small indoor pool and fitness facilities. Enjoy the views on the outdoor terrace or in the Lounge Bar or Restaurant. There is a lift in the new wing only.

Hotels
• Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall & Spa (Sheffield) - View Information