The Buckingham Hotel Buxton. Three star accommodation in the peak district (Buxton Attractions)

STUFF TO VISIT

Caves & Caverns
Fur, Feathers & Scales
Galleries, Crafts & Potteries
Houses & Gardens
Museums & Monuments
Theme Parks
Others

CAVES & CAVERNS

Poole's Cavern Buxton (0.5 mile) open Sat/Sun only until Feb 09 (10-4pm); Open daily from Mar 2009 (9.30-5pm)
A natural cave that extends about a third of a mile into the limestone rock and said to been a hideaway for outlaws. One such medieval robber called Poole is said to have hidden his treasure in the cave around 1440 (cue for an Indianna Jones franchise relaunch then - The Temples of Poole). More recently, extensive archaeological excavation has revealed the importance of the cave as a centre for Romano-British bronze smithing and as a shrine to the Roman Goddess of Buxton, Arnemetia. Over a thousand years before this the ancient Britons used it as a retreat from the Romans and artefacts found in the cave are on display.

One of the sources of the River Wye rises in Poole's Cavern and the action of water over thousands of years has worn the limestone walls into strange shapes. Indeed the cavern is famous for it's unique stalactite formations which bear curious names like 'The Bee Hive' ("bee-less") and 'Mary Queen of Scots' Pillar, a stalactite against which she is said to have leaned for support (understandably - she was Queen of the Scots).

Other beautiful stalactitic formations have appropriate names such as The Lion, Poole’s Saddle, The Woolsack and The Flitch of Bacon. Well lit and spacious with Derbyshire's largest stalactite and unique 'poached egg' stalagmites.

Go APE based at Pooles Cavern and only opened in 2007, a high wire forest adventure course in Grinlow Wood, set some 35 feet up in the trees featuring rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides awaits you!. So now itz as much fun high above the ground as it is below! All together now..."PEEEEANUTZs, they're Jungle Fresh!!!"

Blue John Cavern & Blue John Mine Castleton (10m)
The Blue John Cavern at Castleton is world famous - consisting of a series of caverns considered to be the finest range in Great Britain. It is home to eight of the fourteen known varieties of Blue John Stone, a beautiful and ornamental fluor-spar

Peak Cavern, Castleton (10m) - open daily (tho' ltd hrs during Nov - Mar)
This cave was formally known as the 'Devils Arse' before being called Peak Cavern and was recently renamed to the 'Devils Arse'. It is in the centre of the village, right underneath Peveril Castle. It has the largest natural cave entrance in Britain and the second largest in the world! "Unravel the mysteries of the Devil's Arse" they say!!!! Yeah, why not? Bet it's a real Hell Hole!?!!

Speedwell Cavern Castleton (10m) open daily
Began life in the 18th century as a lead mine, but due to the limited amount of lead it closed after 20 years. During the lead mining period the system was flooded. So, unlike the other show caves, this cave can only be explored by underground boat. Descend 105 steps and board a boat..."The boat lands some 200 metres below the surface of the hill, and you emerge into magnificent cathedral-like cavern containing the awesome Bottomless Pit - a huge subterranean lake"! Don't forget the giant tentacle which may lash out at ya from the murky depthz, LOTR stylee!!!!

Treak Cliff Cavern Castleton (10m) open daily
Treak Cliff Cavern still mines about 500 kg of Blue John each year. The walk through Treak Cliff Cavern is relatively easy but there are a few low roofs and some steps. The veins of Blue John are easy to see in this underground wonderland and many of the formations are well lit. 0pened to public visitors since 1935, exit from the cave system is through an adit used during the 1920's spar mining operations. Site of the richest known veins of Blue John and the largest piece ever found.

Heights of Abraham Cable Cars, Caverns & Country Park Matlock Bath (45 min) open daily (10-5pm) from until 2 Nov 2008 (also daily until 24 Feb & w/e only 1 & 2 March 2008)
Journey in a state of the art cable car across the Derwent Valley to the summit of 60 acre country park and explore the wooded hillsides on foot afterwards. Then visit two show caverns and experience the life of a 17th Century lead mining family in one of them where tales are brought to life by a series of animatronics, recreating the atmosphere of life underground.

Hell then, having thanked the stars that Daniel Craig successfully wrestled with Jaws as he attempted to bite thru the cable car wire, the Frankenstein Monster's gonna appear from some abandoned sulphur pit being hotly pursued by irate villagers and a moutached Bergameister (sic).

FUR, FEATHERS & SCALES

Blackbrook Zoological Park nr Leek (18m) open daily
The Zoological Park of the Moorlandz!!! This is a small collection located in the heart of the Staffordshire moorlands. The Park was originally opened as Blackbrook World of Birds, and has a sister site at Hillside Bird Oasis in Cheshire, so the collection is very strong on birds, with waterbirds as a speciality (world-class waterfowl) plus a good range of mammals and other animals now on view.

Water, Webs and Wings is a large tropical exhibit, with aviaries along one side and vivaria along the other. Between the two is a large pool housing Port Jackson Sharks, Clearnosed Rays and lobsters among other tropical marine fish and invertebrates. Blue Crowned Pigeons, African Jacanas and Blue Breasted Rollers are among the birds found in the aviaries, and other animals include the Yellow Anaconda, the Fire Salamander and the Goliath Bird Eating Spider. Pets Korner includes parrots, chipmunks, Degus and Roborovski's Hamsters, and some wonderfully unusual rodents like the Bushy Tailed Jirds, Striped Grass Mice, African Dormice and Giant Pouched Rats - bit more than 1 hamster n his wheel then! The largest collection of Cranes & Storks in the British Isles along with Ibis, Owls, Kookaburras, Hardcore Vultures, Cassowaries, Ostriches, Sea Ducks Flamingos, Piranahs, Porcupines...basically Noah's Ark. Under 5's Jungle Playroom, Talks and Displays, Shop, Catering, Picnicing outside and undercover.

Blaze Farm nr Macclesfield (7m) open daily
One for the littl'uns - nature trail plus the usual farm sights (calves feeding, etc) to induce plenty of "oohh's" n "aaahhh's". Farm made ice cream on sale to eat-in or take home (as long as yoo live within 30 mins!). Award winning attraction.

Chatsworth Farmyard 4m Bakewell (30 min) until 23 Dec 2008
Educational farmyard suitable for children of all ages. Several small-animal feeding sessions each day and regular milking demonstration at 3:30 p.m. The adventure Woodland Playground attached to the farmyard is one of the largest of its kind in Britain with sand and water for the little folk n ropewalks, spiral slides and commando wire!?! Claims to keep children amused for at least an hour - mmm...subject to suitable attention spans!

The Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith (25 min) open daily but only weekends in Jan/Feb
Founded in 1984 and set in 50 acres of historic parkland is Europe's largest gathering of multi-specied otters and owls. An active conservation programme operates. Also Scottish wild cats, foxes, Cheviot goats and a herd of Fallow deer. NB their website link shown on the info page to go to if you click above goes to an Otter place in The Nu Forest. Doyoo review

Freshfields Donkey Village Smalldale (9m) open from 12 Mar 2008 (daily)
The sanctuary is the home of the Michael Elliott Trust which was founded in 1991. This unique charity not only rescues and cares for donkeys which have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected but also provides and provides a permanent caring home for rescued donkeys. Now we know where Eddie Murphy may end up.

Matlock Bath Aquarium & Exhibitions (45 min) frying times - open daily from Easter (weekends only between Nov - Easter & Xmas Holz)

Original Victorian thermal pool containing specimen carp, also indoor aquaria. Hologram Gallery of 3D pictures. Petrifying well, fossil collection housed in a building riddled with traits of former splendour!

Matlock Farm Park nr Matlock (21m) open daily until mid Dec
Matlock Farm Park is set in part of a 600 acre working farm, providing a great day out with varied activities for all the family. the park has a varied selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, peacocks and red deer to name a few.Meet Billy the Bull, Millie the Miniature Mule, Truffles the Pot-Bellied Pig, Larry the Llama...Two Dales Riding School and Trekking centre is part of the farm park. This offers riding lessons as well as pony trekking in the nearby forests.

GALLERIES, CRAFTS & POTTERIES

Cauldwell's Mill & Craft Centre Rowsley (45 min) open every day
The only complete Grade II Victorian water-turbine/powered flour mill in the Country. Fully working - showing history of the milling process with machinery and displays and you can buy the flour too - letz hope they use Graded Grainz or Freddy won't be a happy dream master..

Crich Pottery Crich, nr Matlock (45 min)
Stoneware studio pottery by designer-maker Diana Worthy. Large gallery of firsts & seconds. Crich is a fairly intersting place to visit by the soundz of this write-up

The Jean Goodwin Gallery The Cottage Studio, Alstonefield, nr Dovedale (40 min) Easter - Christmas
Oil and watercolours by Jean Goodwin on permanent exhibition in her studio, a 16th century converted barn. The paintings are of surrounding scenery. Astonefield's got a bit of history too.

Derbyshire Craft Centre Calver, nr Baslow (45 min) open every day
A range of local & national crafts, gifts, toiletries, toys, preserves, books, etc (01433 631231)

Derek Topp Gallery, Rowsley (45 min)
Contemporary applied arts gallery showing work from 60 artists covering ceramics, glass, wood and jewellery, all made in Britain. Tel 01629 735580 / 2540595

Derwent Crystal Ltd, Ashbourne (45 min)
View lead crystals blown and decorated by craftsmen...and pick up a bargain too!

Derwent Gallery, Gridleford, nr Hathersage (45 min)
Situated in a beautiful Peak District Location close to Chatsworth House and the famous Stanage Edge. The Gallery specialises in landscape paintings of the Peak District in a wide variety of media alongside sculpture and ceramics and provides a high quality bespoke framing service. The Gallery's reputation has been based on the high proportion of original British art work for sale.

Gladstone Pottery & Museum Stoke-on-Trent (45 min)
See under Museums & Monuments

Longnor Craft Centre nr Buxton (10 min) open mid Feb - Christmas Eve (daily) and w/e's the rest of the year

Longnor Craft Centre occupies the Old Village Market Hall, with its history dating back to 1873. emphasis has always been on local professional crafts people and artists. At present there are over thirty exhibitors.

A number of potters exhibit at the centre offering a wide range from hand sculptured pieces to finely thrown pots. Wood features strongly in our exhibits with many hand turned items such as bowls, clocks, barometers, and toys for children of all ages. There are also textile exhibits, with woollen blankets and jackets, and handmade teddy bears. The centre is also the exclusive showroom for Fox Country Furniture. They specialise in dining room pieces such as dressers, tables and chairs, including the highly acclaimed "City" dining chair. Items for sale within the Craft Centre, the exclusive showroom, are only a small sample of their work, with larger pieces being made to individual specifications

Mosaic Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery, Buxton
Gallery hosting solo and mixed exhibitions featuring work from the Country's leading makers/artists. Free admission. Tel 01298 77557

Rooke's Pottery Hartington (15 min)
See original Terracotta garden pots in production with shop for firsts and seconds.

Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Derby (1 hr)
Very handy if you like porcelain...um, even more so if you like Royal Crown Derby Porcelain

Royal Doulton Visitor Centre, Stoke-on-Trent (45 min)
NOW CLOSED.

Spode Visitor Centre, Stoke-on-Trent (45 min)
Special discount for Plate Spinners.

Wedgwood Visitor Centre Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent (60 min)
Special discount for budget-on-a-shoestring Sci-Fi film makers specialising in mass Alien Invasions.

HOUSES & GARDENS

Biddulph Grange Gardens (NT), Biddulph, 4m south of Congleton (45 min) open all year (restricted days)

In a relatively unpromising industrialised landscape, with few notable gardens in the vicinity, uninitiated visitors might expect some worthy Victorian planting, some terraces and a rockery perhaps. They could not be more wrong. This 15 acre garden is one of Britain's most exciting and unusual gardens and must be visited to be properly appreciated. Where else would you find an Egyptian tomb, a Scottish glen, a Chinese water-garden with a design based on the familiar willow pattern porcelain and complete with pagoda, an imitation Great Wall, a Stumpery, a half-timbered Cheshire cottage leading into a Pyramid, an avenue of wellingtonias, a gilded water buffalo under a canopy and an enormous stone frog? Just one or two of these would make any garden worth visiting but Biddulph Grange has them all, cleverly linked by subterranean pathways, stepping stones across water and narrow paths around rock faces and with each hidden from the other so that the experience of walking round the garden is a series of sudden, delightful surprises. This is one of the most important and influential gardens of the 19th century, but its unsurpassed originality and beauty still capture the imagination. I'm gonna go to this...will report back.

Bolsover Castle (Eng Her) (70 min) open all year (restricted days)
Bolsover Castle is a romantic stone 12th century Elizabethan keep and bailey fortress. Sir Charles Cavendish and his heir William destroyed the Norman castle to build a magnificent 17th century turreted Jacobean mansion with a large Outer Court, The Great Court with the enormous Riding House and Terrace Ranges. At the highest point of the ridge was the Little Castle which was completed circa 1621 and stood on the original oval Inner Court.

The symbolic and erotic wall-paintings in the Little Castle, some of which were restored in the 1970s, have been conserved, and exciting discoveries have been made of original painted decoration beneath later work. The castle battlements and the Venus Garden have been restored, and the fountain, with 23 new statues, plays again for the first time in centuries.

Bramall Hall Bramall, 4m from Stockport (40 min) open all year (restricted days)
One of Cheshire's grandest Tudor Black and White timber framed houses dating from the 14th century and set in 70 acres of landscaped parkland which has been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown. 16th century wall paintings, tudor rooms with Victorian additions, kitchens plaster ceilings, a wonderful 16th century embroidered table carpet and servants quarters. The park features two lakes, woodland walks, gardens and a toddlers play area.

The pre-Tudor history of the building dates back to William the Conq's involvement, eye eye!

Calke Abbey & Park (NT), Ticknall (10m south of Derby) (1 hr) 15 Mar - 2 Nov 2008 (house closed Thur/Fri, Gdns closed most Thur/Fri)

'The house that time forgot'. A Baroque mansion, built in 1701-3 and in frozen in a 1920s timewarp being virtually unaltered since the death of the last baronet in 1924 and displaying a fascinating mixture of splendour and decay, captured in time. Eccentric collections (polished stones, stuffed birds, silver and horse-drawn carriages) a unique caricature room, a gold and white drawing room, an early-18thC state bed, Sir Vauncey's boyhood room, the Gardner-Wilkinson library, a carriage display in the stable block and an early-19thC church.750 acres of park (with Portland sheep), ponds, trees, woodlands, walled gardens and pleasure gardens - walled gardens include an ice-house - kinda outdoor, unpowered CFC free walk-in Yank Freezer.

Capesthorne Hall 6.5m north of Congleton (45 min) Apr - Oct (Sun/Mon & b/hols)
One of Cheshire's premier historic houses and home of the Bromley Davenport family since Domesday. This 18th century Georgian Hall was built between 1719 - 1732 and is set in 100 acres of woodland, parkland and lakes. Through the Milanese Gates, opposite the Chapel, the tranquil gardens, alongside the estate’s chain of lakes, merge colourful perennials with more unusual 18th century plants, maples and cherry trees.

Chatsworth 4m Bakewell (30 min) until 23 Dec 2008 (open daily)
The one you must visit. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and set in 1,000 acre landscaped park. Grand rooms filled with beautiful furniture, sculptures, silver and porcelain. An outstanding library and art collection. New water sculpture in garden with maze, fountains, rare trees and rockeries. They don't need me to big 'em up..

Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens & Hardy Plant Nursery Kettleshulme, nr Whaley Bridge (30 min) Mar - Aug (various days)
See a collection of over 500 different species and hybrid Rhododendrons as though in a hidden Himalayan valley with Acers, Magnolias and associated plants with streams, waterfalls, ponds, bridges, bog gardens and a wide variety of unusual perennials and shrubs. One of the largest suppliers of Rhododendron Species and Hybrids in the NW of England including some exclusive plants. A map will be no doubt be provided for those unable to locate the hidden gardens.

Dunham Massey Hall & Park (NT) 3m Altrincham (1 hr) House, Gdns & Mill open 8 Mar until 2 Nov 2008 (various days); Park open daily
Dunham is a Georgian house located in a 250 acre deer park. Built on the site of an original 1616 Tudor house, whose moat still powers a fully-working Jacobean mill by means of a waterwheel. Refurbished at turn of last century resulting in one of Britain's most sumptuously furnished Edwardian interiors plus extensive servants quarters and kitchens .It has a large garden, apart from the parkland, which contains many old and mature trees and shrubs, herbaceous borders and water plants. Orangery, Victorian Bark House and Well House...oh and an ancient herd of fallow deer of course.

Eyam Hall (25 min) July/August (selected days) + December 2008 (Sundays)
Still the home of the Wright family who built the house in 1671 in the centre of the famous 'plague village' of Eyam. Portraits, tapestries, costumes, etc collected over three centuries.

Gawsworth Hall 3m Macclesfield (25 min) 4 May - 24 Sep 08 (various days)
Most attractive 15th century half-timbered house in grounds. The original Norman hall was rebuilt in 1480 and belonged to the Fitton family, the Earls of Macclesfield. Early in the eighteenth century, the third Earl died without issue, and a fight broke out over who should succeed. This led to a famous duel in 1712 between Lord Mohun and the Duke of Hamilton in which both were killed. This bloody duel was made immortal by William Makepeace Thackeray in his novel The History of Henry Esmond. Unique Elizabethan pleasure gardens and parkland.

Haddon Hall, 2m Bakewell (30 min) 20 Mar - 31 Oct 2008 (various days) - EDITOR'S PICK

Though it was never a castle, the manor of Haddon was protected by a wall from 1195, when Richard Vernon received permission to build it.

The origins of the hall date to the 11th century. William Peverel, illegitimate son of William the Conqueror, begun the house and held the manor of Haddon in 1087, when the survey which resulted in the Domesday Book was undertaken. Of that early fortress almost nothing remains beyond some parts of the Eagle Tower and the Chapel. The house we see now dates from the late 14th Century, Home to the Manners, Dukes of Rutland since the late 16th century since when little has been added. The Great Hall is a superb 14th century structure, replete with richly panelled walls and a timber-framed roof (a 20th century replacement of the original, created with timbers from the Haddon and Belvoir estates). A minstrels gallery was added in the 16th century. Of note is the 15th century refectory table, as well as a manacle and lock. The story goes that any guest who didn't drink heavily enough was shackled with the manacles and the remainder of his drink poured down his sleeve! What a waste...

The Hall boasts some of the most outstanding gardens in Britain, and the roses are famed throughout the world.

Hardwick Halls (NT & Eng Her) Garden, Park & Mill, nr Chesterfield (45 min)
1 Mar - 2 Nov & 6 Dec - 21 Dec 2008 (various days); Park open all year

Hardwick Hall is one of Europe's foremost Elizabethan houses and is one of the earliest examples of the English interpretation of the Renaissance style of architecture, which came into fashion when it was no longer thought necessary to fortify one's home (unlike the wine). The house was designed for 'Bess of Hardwick', ancestress of the Dukes of Devonshire, by Robert Smythson in the late 16th century and remained in that family until was handed over to HM Treasury in lieu of Estate Duty in 1956. The Treasury transferred the house to the National Trust in 1959 (bet they didn't pay any Inheritance Tax.

Hardwick is a conspicuous statement of the wealth and power of 'Bess of Hardwick, more properly Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, who was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I herself. Bess earnt her fame after her many marriges to rich elderly Dukes and landowners. After each of the old koots kicked the bucket, so to speak, Bess subsquently inherited their fortunes and then moved on to the next. She started early so t'speak, Reeeaaaaal early - She was married at fourteen!!! To a Mr. Bailey, a very rich young man, who died a year afterwards, leaving her a widow at fifteen, in possession of nearly all his estates.

At the age of thirty she married her second husband, Sir William Cavendish, who died in 1557, leaving her with eight children; but all fairly provided for. Her third husband, Sir William Saint Loe, had great estates, and before she would marry him she insisted on his settling them all on her and her heirs - a hard condition, as he was a widower with children of his own; however, rather than lose the lady, he consented to do as she wished. He died shortly after their marriage; and his widow was soon wooed again by the Earl of Shrewsbury. She could not ask him to settle the Talbot property on her as she had made Captain Saint Loe settle his, but before she consented to wed him, she insisted that he should give two of his children in marriage to two of hers...His eldest son was already married; but he gave his second son, Gilbert, to her daughter Mary, and his eldest unmarried daughter, the Lady Grace Talbot, to her eldest son, Henry Cavendish. The marriages were solemnized at Sheffield; Mary Cavendish, one of the brides, was not yet twelve years old.

The wedding of the parents followed shortly afterwards; they were both about fifty years old.

Bess of Hardwick's fourth marriage was not as happy as her previous unions. She lavished her money on building, in which taste her husband did not sympathise with her; and when the custody of Mary Queen of Scots was vested in the earl, their dissensions became serious. Bess of Hardwick was absurdly jealous of the beautiful captive, resenting even the ordinary courtesy the earl showed her; and they separated. Lord Shrewsbury had been rendered so unhappy and anxious by her temper, - and by that of the queen, - and the care of his dangerous prisoner, that his health failed under his troubles, and he died in 1590, when she built Hardwick (big up to Picturesque England for that sexy copy re Bess, cheers!!!)

It was one of the first English houses where the great hall was built on an axis through the centre of the house rather at right angles to the entrance. Each of the three main storeys is higher than the one below, and a grand, winding, stone staircase leads up to a suite of state rooms on the second floor, which includes one of the largest long galleries in any English house and a little-altered, tapestry-hung great chamber. There is a large amount of fine tapestry and furniture from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The windows are exceptionally large and numerous for the 16th century and were a powerful statement of wealth at a time when glass was a luxury: "Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall" the saying went.

The Countess of Shrewsbury, also built Hardwick Old Hall, a slightly earlier house dating from 1591, in the grounds on the site of her birthplace. Though now in ruins, it is still accessible to the top (third) floor and is administered by English Heritage on behalf of the National Trust. Great views n original plasterwork!

Her grandson built Bolsover Castle. The garden walls built in 1597 protect one of the regions finest garden's with herb garden, orchards, rose and flower borders and a nuttery. Grounds also contain Hardwick Old Hall, a slightly earlier house which was used as guest and service accommodation after the new hall was built. The Old Hall is now a ruin. It is administered by English Heritage on behalf of the National Trust. Awsum P lace by the sound of it.

Heights of Abraham Cable Cars, Caverns & Country Park Matlock Bath (45 min) 1st/2nd March and 8 Mar - 2 Nov 2008 (daily)

Ilam Hall Country Park (NT), 5m Ashourne (40 min) - open all yaer
The National Trust cares for 158 acres of rolling parkland on the banks of the river Manifold, with wooded walk and an Italian gardens. Within the park lies Ilam Hall (built 1821 - 1827. By the early 1930s it had been sold for demolition. Three quarters of the Hall had been demolished before Sir Robert McDougal bought it for the National Trust, on the understanding that it be used as an International Youth Hostel, consequently Ilam Hall is leased to the YHA and is not open to the general public..."Young Man, itz fun to stay at THE YMCA..." aaagh, wrong song...sorrrryy

Kedleston Hall (NT) 4m Derby (1 hour) House & Garden 1 Mar - 2 Nov 2008 (house closed on Thur/Fri); Park open all year

Kedleston Hall was the last-built of the great houses of Derbyshire. The successor of at least other large buildings on the same site occupied by members of the Curzon family since Henry I's reign about 860 years ago (they originated from Normandy). When Sir Nathaniel Curzon (1st Lord Scarsdale) inherited the estate in 1758, he immediately instigated plans to demolish the old residence and find an architect who could portray his own love of Italian architecture in a superbly designed new house which was completed in 1765. His descendant, Viscount Scarsdale, is the present occupant.

It is an outstanding example of a Palladian mansion surrounded by some 820 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and boasts one of the best examples of Robert Adam's interiors in England which has seen very little alteration since its completion. There are hints of Chatsworth about the building, and that is quite deliberate, as Adam designed this neo-classical style showhouse and home to rival the splendour of the great ancestral seat of the Cavendish family, less than 20 miles away.

From the long and winding approach to Kedleston Hall, the façade represents an impressive Roman temple with six tall columns supporting a portico, and a double-armed stone stairway leading to the entrance. Once inside, the elegant and extravagant spectacle of the Marble Hall is simply breathtaking. A massive open space, specifically designed to exhibit great works of art, is dominated by 20 alabaster Corinthian columns around a white marble inlaid floor, and has an intricate plasterwork ceiling above. The state rooms are on a grand scale and have particularly good collection of old masters (paintings not Dr Who 1's) and original furniture. A museum of remarkable furniture and artefacts collected by Lord Curzon when he was Viceroy of India from 1899- 1905 is housed in the Eastern Museum - the old bean's been laid to rest in a small church in the grounds - he rests next to his first wife as he himself had planned. The church, built originally in the 13th-century has other interesting features, it has a blessed atmosphere as befits a special place of worship.

Behind the hall is an equally inspired area called 'The Saloon'. Modelled on the Pantheon in Rome, the room takes the form of a vast, domed rotunda with exquisite gilt trimmings and Ionic doorframes. Every room in this block of the house was essentially 'for show', as it is today, and was ingeniously put together to enhance the symmetry and themed décor that Adam was so renowned for.

Wonderfully landscaped grounds provide a perfect setting for fine sculptures and other architectural features. There is a pretty summerhouse and an orangey. Other, smaller buildings are interspersed in the park between the five lakes created by Robert Adam that are now home to a variety of wildfowl species - gotta admit, this 1 sounds the nutz!

Lea Gardens Lea, nr Matlock (45 min) 20 Mar - 30 June (open daily)
A rare collection of Rhododendrons, Azleas, Alpines and Conifers sited on the remains of a mediaeval millstone quarry amidst a lovely wooded hillside where bird life has been encouraged by bird boxes - sure beats a pinch of swoop dropped into the cracked bird bath. If ur into yr fleurs, this seems a better bet than Interflora to deliver.

Little Moreton Hall (NT), 4m Congleton (45 min) 1 Mar - 21 Dec 2008 (various days)

The best example of a moated timber house in the country complete long gallery, knot garden and umm, moat of course...

In 1216 Lettice de Moreton married Sir Gralam de Lostock, whose family held the lands at Little Moreton (dig those names!). After a few generations, the family adopted the name de Moreton, and by the middle of the fifteenth century Sir Richard de Moreton, a local landlord and tax collector, began constructing a house at Little Moreton. Sir Richard appears to have been a fiery, unpredictable character and was bound over 'to keep the King's peace', surety being provided by a number of neighbours. The oldest parts of the building date back to the 1440s. It was gradually extended over the next 130 years, culminating in the south range and magnificent Long Gallery added by John Moreton in the 1560s. It is a highly irregular building which rambles around three sides of a small cobbled courtyard...or to put it another way, it looks well freaky...as it appears to have no right to still be standing...thankfully Building Control were a little more flexible in those times.

Lyme Park (NT) 2m Stockport (30 min) House open 1 Mar - 2 Nov 2008 (various days); Park open 1 April - 31 Jan 2009 (daily); Garden open 1 Mar - 21 Dec 2008 (various days)

At the heart of a vast estate, the majority of which is still essentially a medieval deer-park, stands an imposing stone mansion that was the ancestral seat of the Legh family for nearly 600 years. In 1398 Margaret Legh came to Lyme Park, after exchanging an annuity granted to her grandfather several years earlier for his courageous efforts at the Battle of Crecy whilst accompanying the Black Prince. At that time Lyme Park was probably no more than a modest hunting lodge surrounded by forest and moorland.

Development of the estate began in the 16th century, when Sir Piers Legh VII instigated an extensive rebuilding programme, which successive generations further improved and added to as fashions changed. In the 1720s a major modernisation of Lyme Park was undertaken by the famous Venetian architect, Giacomo Leoni, whose work included recasing the original house, creating spacious internal areas, and constructing the magnificent Italian style courtyard. Peter Legh XIII bought most of the fine furniture that can be seen in Lyme Park, today towards the end of the 18th century to compliment the newly decorated rooms. Shortly after this major restoration and refurbishment, Peter suffered a family tragedy and let Lyme Park deteriorate into a dreadful state, which was further compounded by his successor.

Salvation came in the form of Thomas Legh, an intrepid explorer and collector whose pioneering journey through Egypt and up the Nile was well documented in 1816. Being an extremely wealthy young man, he decided to give the outdated family home a completely new lease of life and commissioned Lewis Wyatt to undertake this enormous task. Every room received his attention in some way but, quite remarkably, the sympathetic way in which Wyatt handled the remodelling in no way impacted on the 17th century character of Lyme Park. A superb example of the quality and tastefulness of his work is perhaps most prominent in the saloon with its magnificent rococo ceiling and the Grinling Gibbons carved wood decorations. Throughout, the house is quite striking, with massive round-headed doorways and huge fireplaces contrasting well with the more delicate ornamentation.

Melbourne Hall and Gardens Melborne, 8m south of Derby (75 min) House open Aug only (various days); Gardens April - Sept (various days)

Historic house once home of Victorian PM William Lamb who as Viscount Melborne gave his name to the Australian city. The fine gardens, in the French formal style, contain Robert Bakewell's intricate n celebrated wrought iron arbour (birdcage between yew n me!), a fascinating yew tunnel, fine lead figures and Robert Bakewell's celebrated wrought iron 'birdcage'. Lord & Lady Ralph Kerr and their family live in the Hall throughout the year. Like a lot of the buildings on here, itz fun just reading a bit about who owned it n who did what, so read more (if yer up for it).

Renishaw Hall Gardens 6m Sheffield (45 min) open 20 Mar - to 28 Sep 2008 (Thur - Sun + B/hols)

Renishaw Hall is three-storied, grey and battlemented, dominating a deep valley to the north-east of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. It dates from 1625 when George Sitwell a small H-shaped manor house to which his descendent Sitwell Sitwell, later first baronet, made vast additions to the original manor house in the Georgian period (c1800); he also built the Stables and various follies in and around the Park. The beautiful 7 acre Italianate garden, park and lake were the creation of the eccentric Sir George Sitwell, grandfather of the present owner, Sir Reresby Sitwell, seventh baronet.

The Museum and the Galleries in the stables enable visitors to see a rich variety of material and exhibits from the Sitwell archives and collections including John Piper; The Performing Art Gallery, the brainchild of Penelope Sitwell, this exciting new collection celebrates the glamorous worlds of the performing arts, television and film with unique material associated with many of the legendary names of entertainment - cue The Chuckle Bros then.

Tatton Park Knutsford (60 min) Park open all year (closed Mon's from 28 Sep 2008); Gardens open all year (Tues-Sun + Mon's in Aug); The Mansion open 15 Mar - 28 Sep 2008 (Tues - Sun)

This is one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors. The early 19th-century Wyatt house sits amid a landscaped deer park and is opulently decorated, providing a fine setting for the Egerton family's collections of pictures, books, china, glass, silver and specially commissioned Gillows furniture. The theme of Victorian grandeur extends into the garden, with its Fernery, Orangery, Rose Garden, Tower Garden, Pinetum, and Italian and Japanese gardens. The restored Walled Garden includes a Kitchen Garden and magnificent glasshouses, where traditional methods of gardening are used. Other features include the Tudor old hall, a 1930s working rare breeds farm, a children's play area, speciality shops and 400-hectare (1,000-acre) deer park.

Home to The RHS Flower Show 23 - 27 July 2008.

Tissington Hall 5m Ashbourne (40 min) open Easter week 24-28 Mar, late May b/hol week 26-30 May, 22 Jul - 22 Aug (Tue - Fri) & b/hol Mon 25 Aug 2008

Tissington is one of the prettiest and most unspoilt villages in the country and a sense of something rather special fills the minds of visitors, who enter Tissington off the main Ashbourne to Buxton road. First you pass through large rusticated lodge gates and then along an avenue of 200 year old lime trees into hall into beautifully maintained Estate Village Tissington Hall has been lived in by the same family for 500 years, the present owner is Sir Richard Fitzherbert, Bt. Although the FitzHerberts and their predecessors in the female line have held the Manor of Tissington from a very early period, the house itself dates from Jacobean times and is a particularly splendid specimen of its period with fine gates wrought by Derbyshire's own celebrated smith, Robert Bakewell.

Inside, the large central entrance hall has its original panelling and neo-Gothic plasterwork and an elaborate fireplace from about 1750. The ornately carved staircase is also original. The drawing room is on the upper floor and has handsome panelling with fluted pilasters. The terraced gardens were laid out in 1913 and offer lovely views over the surrounding countryside and over grassy banks to the Parish Church of St Marys. Plenty of nice kit too if you're a bit antique-y (have a liking for 'em, not a reference to ur age).

MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS

Abor Low Stone Circle and Gibhill Tumulus (Eng Heritage), Monyash (20 min)
Open at any reasonable time. Access via and farm below (voluntary collection tin)

38 unhewn stones in proper order. Said to correspond to Stonehenge, one sees the same view that existed in the days of the builders of this holy fane. One quarter mile west of the circle is a conical hill known as Gib Hill connected by the vallum of the temple by a rampire of earth running in a serpentine direction similar to Avebury...or in non-druidy speak...this former Druidical Temple of the Peak is a great circle of rough slabs of limestone now lying prostrate, surrounded by a ditch and vallum. Plenty more info in the link in the heading.

Cromford Mill, Cromford, nr Matlock (45 min)
Richard Arkwright and his partners established a mill in Cromford in 1771 and without delay set about perfecting the machinery and production for water-powered cotton spinning. Part of Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Bakewell Old House Museum (30 min) 1 Apr - 31 Oct 2007
Explore the oldest tax collector's house in the Peak District, built in Henry VIII's reign. The Tudor House has 14 rooms of different periods -including a rare Tudor lavatory- with local exhibits, Ashford marble, costumes, toys etc.

Originally a Parsonage, it was later converted into six cottages by Sir Richard Arkwright, another four cottages were accommodated in the adjacent barn, to house his workers at Lumford Mill. It is now one of the best-preserved 15th century houses in the country, but only 50 years ago it was nearly demolished, the local council having served a ‘Demolition Order’. There was an outcry locally and the house was eventually saved and restored to its former glory by the Bakewell Historical Society, bless 'em.

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery open all year (Tues - Sat + Sundays/Mon bank hols between Easter to the end of Sept)

Buxton Museum is housed in the buildings of the former Peak Hotel, almost opposite the Town Hall. The 1990 award winning ‘Wonders of the Peak’ permanent exhibition is a seven section time tunnel that takes you from the Big Bang to the Victorians. Meet the former curators (Sir William Boyd-Dawkins and Dr J W Jackson), the founders of modern geological and archaeological science who have bequeathed a complete Victorian study. You can wander through a rotting prehistoric forest, crawl into a Bronze Age burial chamber or meet a roaring bear in its Ice Age cave. Sights, sounds and smells abound, so bring ALL your senses with ya.

Changing exhibitions of paintings, prints and crafts.

Castleton Information Centre & Museum (30 min) open every day
The all-mod-cons £1m information centre was opened in 2004 and a museum incorporated within. The centre has a permanent exhibition with impressive climbing n pot holing displays. The museum depicts village life through the ages including the Garland Ceremony, Rope-Making, & Lead Mining. There's a display of Garland memorabilia which includes an outfit worn by a King 200 years ago - looks like a dry cleaning bill for Charlie boy then...one day!

Crich Tramway Village Crich, 6m Matlock (45 min) open w/e's 1 Mar - 20 Mar & daily from 21 Mar - 2 Nov 2008

Nestling high up in the heart of Derbyshire overlooking the famous Derwent Valley, Crich Tramway Village is a lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives. Hand over the old penny you are given on entry and you are free to ride the trams all day. Vintage trams from all over the world (which run every few minutes) over the cobbles of our period street, past the original facades of historic buildings from the around the country before heading up the valley to views that will take your breath away. The less energetic can take a stroll along the Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail. Also 30,000 sq ft of indoor attractions including a recreation of the 1905 Tramways Exhibition & indoor "Discovery Depot" with its ball pit and tram-themed soft play area (all children must hold a valid ticket purchased on the day of travel).

Derwent Valley Visitor Centre Belper (50 min) Mar - Oct (Wed - Sun & b/hol Mons) & Nov - Feb (w/e's)

The Visitor Centre is housed in Strutt's North Mill, the world's most technically advanced building when erected in 1804 (a 'fire-proof' iron-framed cotton mill which influenced the construction of skyscraperz throughout the world). See one of the finest collections of silk and cotton stockings, embroidery and machines including Jenny Waterframe and Compton's Mule. Beyond the visitor centre is North Mill museum. Adjacent to the mill complex at Belper are the River Gardens where well dressing, band concerts and outdoor theatre takes place in the summer months.

Part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

Eyam Museum (25 min) 18 Mar - 2 Nov 2008 (Tues - Sun plus b/hol Mons)
In 1666 the city of London was ravaged by plague. George Vicars, a tailor of Eyam, received a package of cloth from London. Little did he realise that the cloth bore a deadly burden - plague germs, that would bring death to the sleepy village. With a few days, Vicars was dead, and it was clear to the residents of Eyam that the plague was amongst them.

The museum provides a vivid portrayal of the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague and how it reached and affected Eyam when the villagers bravely quarantined themselves to successfully stop the spread of the disease to neighbouring villages. Also features the time before the rats came (prehistoric collection) and events after they moved. Follow a signed trail around the village to see the major buildings and sites linked with the Plague. ''Museum on a Shoestring' award winner 1998. The winner of "Museuem on a Bootlace" award went to...

Gladstone Pottery Museum Longton, Stoke-on-Trent (45 min) open daily
Discover the story of the Potteries in the preserved Victorian pottery factory of Gladstone China with the city's only remaining Bottle Kilns. See pots in the making and have a go at throwing one yourself (preferably not at anybody in particular).

Glossop Heritage Centre (30 min) open daily
Art Gallery along with a permanent exhibition depicting history of Glossopdale including a Victorian Kitchen, costume etc. Changing exhibitions too.

Silk Museum (25 min) open Easter - Oct
The country's first silk museum housed in former 19th century Sunday School. Try a bit of weaving, learn about silk processes and produce your own design. Plenty of loomz to see too. Oooh yes, meet a silk worm as well - bring yr autograph book and he'll sign a trail!! Paradise Mill shares the same site and this pair form part of the Quartet that make up Macclesfield Museumz.

Masson Mills Working Textile Museum, Matlock Bath (45 min) open daily
A unique and comprehensive collection of authentic working historic textile machinery with the largest bobbin collection in the world. Masson Mills were the showpiece mills of Sir Richard Arkwright and were also the oldest mills in continuous production until 1991 - part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site bid which saw status successfully granted in 2001..Learn how to “doff ”a spinning frame and see if you are good enough to be offered a job by Sir Richard Arkwright! A stitch in time...

Midland Railway Centre, Ripley (1 hour) open daily -
As well as a standard Gauge line which has steam and diesel hauled passenger trains, there's shed loads more! Country Park, Farm Park, Railway Museum, Railwayman's church, signal box, narrow gauge, miniature and model railways. The museum is devoted to the Midland Railway and has a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives. The centre is also home to the Golden Valley Light Railway: a narrow-gauge 3.5 mile line built on the track bed of an ironworks railway - and operates through the Country Park. The Golden Valley Terminus overlooks a restored canal basin and the entrance to Butterley Canal Tunnel. You can use this line to explore the Country Park or simply enjoy a trip on this unusual train. Trains run every weekend from April to October (no rail replacement here thern!)

Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester (1 hour)
Located in the buildings of the world's oldest passenger railway station, the Museum has galleries packed with artefacts and top-class exhibitions.

National Stone Centre, Wirksworth, 3m Matlock Bath (50 min) open all year
Story of Stone Exhibition from prehistoric axe factories to modern hi-tech processing. Try gem panning, fossil rubbing and hunting plus more for larger groups (20+). Also trails around quarries to follow. Leave no stone unturned eh?

New Mills Heritage & Information Centre (25 min) open all year (closed Mondays 'cept Bank Holidays)

A simulated coal mine and magnificent 1884 model of the town. In the Torrs gorge is the spectacular Millennium walkway.

Nine Ladies Stone Circle (Eng Her), Stanton Moor (Eng Heritage), 1.5m south of Rowsley and Stanton Moor (30 min) open daily (any reasonable hour - mmm dependz on wot ur sleeping patternz are then)

Nine Ladies Stone Circle is one of several prehistoric stone circles and dozens of cairns and mounds that make Stanton Moor an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Stanton Moor is actually the site of a large Bronze Age burial ground. The remains of about 70 cairns are littered all over the moor and you will have a good view of many of them as you walk to the stone circle

The site is the most popular in Derbyshire and was the largest of Derbyshire stone circles after Arbour Low. The circle its self is small, only about 36 feet across and the stones that make up the circle are also small, about 3 feet high. But the place has a lovely atmosphere, especially if you can get there early in the morning

This circle, like many others, is said in folklore to have been formed by people being turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. The "King Stone", just a few yards away was said to have been their fiddler. During the summer of 1976, the famous drought of that year brought to light a tenth stone which had lain unnoticed for generations beneath the soil

The site has been the focus of a long-running environmental protest.

In 1999 Stancliffe Stone Ltd submitted a planning application re-open two dormant quarries on the wooded hillside beside Stanton Moor. The proposed quarry was only 200m from Nine Ladiestone. A local protest group SLAG (Stanton Lees Action Group) was set up to oppose the quarry. The group was joined by environmental protestors who set up a long-running and controversial protest camp and they defied a court eviction order in February 2004.

In 2004 a High Court classified the two quarries as dormant. This decision was appealed and the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. This means that the quarries cannot re-open until the Peak District National Park Authority agrees on a set of working conditions for them. The latest planning application has dropped the proposal to quarry the hillside, but instead to expand the existing quarry. Party ON Druidz I say!

Paradise Mill Macclesfield (25 min)
A working museum with 26 Hand Silk Looms with Jacquard and ancillary preparatory machinery restored and operated by guide demonstrators. This mill was home to Macclesfield's last working handloom silk-weaving until its closure in 1981. Nowadays, the mill produces only silk ties and ribbons but at it's height in the late 18th Century most of the silk-covered buttons in Britain, (and over much of the civilised world for that matter) would have been made in Macclesfield, as would most of the silk ties worn in Britain until the influx of cheaper silk from the more competitive (slave) markets of the Far East. The Silk museum is also at the same site these two form part of the Quartet that make up Macclesfield Museumz.

Peveril Castle (Eng Her), Castleton (30 min) open daily
A Norman Motte & Bailey castle built by William Peveril around 1080. Peveril, who is thought to be the illegitimate son of William the Conqueror created a wooden fortress, which was soon after converted to stone. Set on a hilltop overlooking Castelton, the steep climb to the present day ruins afford sexy views of the Peak District (more info n pics).

Quarry Bank Mill Styal Estate (NT), Styal, nr Wimslow (45 min) open daily
Built in 1784 by the Gregg family and set in 300 acres of country park, the mill is one of the finest and most impressive brick buildings of its day to survive and tells the story of the Industrial Revolution. It is still a working Cotton Mill producing over 9,000m (10,000 yards) of cloth each year. There are live machine demonstrations and award-winning interactive galleries. See a 50 ton waterwheel (the most powerful working waterwheel in Britain) plus a Beam Engine & Horizontal Engine, both powered by live steam.

Red House Stables Working Carriage Museum Darley Dale, Matlock (40 min)
One of the finest collections of original horse drawn carriages in the Country. The present collection of carriages includes one of the very few surviving Hansom Cabs, a Stage Coach, Royal Mail Coach & numerous other private and commercial vehicles which are used on the road as it is a working museum. Pleasure tours by horse drawn carriage by arrangement (with the horses).

Sudbury Hall - National Trust Museum of Childhood (NT) Sudbury, 8m south of Ashbourne (1 hour) - CLOSED DURING 2007 - RE-OPENS SPRING 2008

An individual 17th century house richly decorated. The museum is located in the hall's 19th century wing with interactive displays. Climb a chimney or attend a Victorian school lesson.

The Lowry Manchester (1 hour drive or 85m by train/tram combo) open daily
Opened in 2000 - two galleries (one for the biggest public collection of Lowry works) plus interactive exhibitions and a theatre which tho 'non-producing' is in The Editorz opinion one of the best stage settings for viewing. Freaky design too!

West Park Museum Macclesfield (25 min) open daily
Founded in 1898 the museum houses a collection of Egyptian antiquities and a wide range of fine and decorative arts and objects relating to local history. The paintings date from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Wirksworth Heritage Centre 3m Matlock Bath (50 min) open until Nov 2007 (varied days)
Lead mining, local history and customs of well dressing and clypping, quarryman's life, etc all explained in over 3 floors of this former silk and velvet mill regarded as one of the best Heritage Centres in the Midlands. Bit more detail here if you're getting serious.

THEME PARKS

Alton Towers Alton, Staffs (23m/40 min) open 15 Mar - 11 Nov 2008
Nemesis, Oblivion, Ripsaw, Hex, Submission, Runaway Mine Train...Air...meet Rita Queen of Speed (!) and even ride the Tea Cupz - the country's most visited paid attraction.

The American Adventure Theme Park Ilkeston, nr Derby (1 hour) - CLOSED
Unfortunately CEASED TRADING in 2006. Here are some reviews which also give an idea as to why it shut. Shame really as it offered excellent VFM - RIP The Missile

Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park Matlock Bath (45 min) open from 15 Mar until 23 Dec 2008 (daily from end of May - Aug, otherwise days varies)

A family theme park for children, more suited for younger children (and yr pocket) than say Towers.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach (80 min/90 min by train direct from Buxton Stn) 4 Mar - 2 Apr (w/e's), 7 Apr - 5 Nov 2008 (daily)

Over 125 rides, attractions (Elvis free) and shows. True coater heaven + Tetley Tea Cup ride (plenty of perforations then).

OTHERS

Buxton Raceway (3m) Mar - Nov (Sun & b/hols)
Tarmac Oval with many domestic formulas racing there as well as national formulas. Sounds like an interesting day out according to this. Bangers, hot-rods, demolition derbies, etc.

The 'Crooked Spire', Chesterfield (40 min) - EDITOR'S PICK - worth seeing, esp at nt!
St Mary and All Saints, the Crooked Spire Church, was built in the late 13 Century and finished around 1360. It is the largest church in Derbyshire. The Spire stands 228 feet from the ground and leans 9 feet 5 inches from its true centre. The Spire was 'twisted' when unseasoned wood was used during its construction (and maybe the joiners were a bit too seasoned).. Then 32 tons of lead tiles were placed on top and as the timber dried out the weight of the lead twisted the spire. There are some alternative explantions though!

Between Easter and Christmas tours of the Tower to the base of the 'Crooked Spire' take place Monday to Saturday (weather permitting).

Manchester (1 hour)
The city of Manchester is within easy reach by hourly train service from Buxton. Of possible interest are:

Manchester United Theatre of DreamZzzz (well most of you'll never have bin there!)
Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
The Lowry Gallery
Trafford Shopping Centre

Markets in the Peak District
Also Farmers' Markets

Jodrell Bank Observatory nr Macclesfied (45 min) open all year (Summer Opening - every day between 15 Mar - 2 Nov 2008 and every day excl Mon's before and after those dates)

Discover the Universe in the Hi-tech, interactive Science Centre and Planetarium and stroll along the new Observational Pathway, which stretches 180 degrees around the base of the world famous Lovell RadioTelescope allowing you to get up real close n dirty - that structure always looks sexy from however many miles away you are. The Observatory is part of the School of Physics and Astronomy of The University of Manchester. There's a 35 acre Aboretum too in case yr feeling claustrophobic.

Well Dressings, Various
For Buxton Wells Dressing, see under Festivals and Fairs. A whole calendar of well dressings in Derbyshire and the Peak District takes place between May and September each year. Each village or town usually runs a program of events over a few days prior to the actual blessing service. Throw another Old Penny on the Barbie then!

Wind in The Willows Attraction Rowsley (45 min) open all year - CLOSED
Unfortunately this is now shut. Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger have left the riverbank.