Be sure to visit Chesterfield......

Coach Friendly Chesterfield

We are proud that Chesterfield has become the first coach friendly town in the East Midlands. The award, presented by the Confederation of Passenger Transport, recognises towns and cities which offer excellent services for coach parties.  The criteria includes: providing a coach drivers’ rest room, coach parking, set down and pick up points and staff who can be on hand to deal with any problems. 

After gaining this award, we went on to win the Coach Friendly Town category of the Coach Tourism Awards 2013.Chesterfield can offer coaches free parking and set down and pickup points at the town’s coach station, as well as a rest room for drivers. Coaches should book in advance through Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre, in Rykneld Square (Tel: 01246 345777/8). 

We are able to offer a free ‘meet and greet’ service; this includes a welcome pack with a Chesterfield mini guide, town centre map, a list of coffee shops and eating places, directions to the nearest toilets and the town’s famous market, and a ‘what’s on today’ print out. Drivers aren’t forgotten as they get £10 of vouchers to spend on the Market, courtesy of Chesterfield’s Market Traders Federation.The Visitor Information Centre can also book audio trails, town walking tours and even a trip up the Tower of Chesterfield’s ‘Crooked Spire’ Church, on behalf of coach parties.

The town is surrounded by major attractions including Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall and the Peak District, so can be included in a range of coach tours.  Several suggested itineraries are provided by the Visitor Information Centre, plus a list of events in town, such as the popular Medieval Market in July, that make Chesterfield a great place for a group visit throughout the year. For more information please visit www.visitchesterfield.info

Article Supplied by Visit Chesterfield

Visit Renishaw Hall in 2014.....

Renishaw Recollections

As part of Renishaw Hall & Garden’s 2014 season, which opens on March 29^th, Christine Beevers, Renishaw Hall’s archivist, is asking people with personal and family links to the hall and estate to come forward and get in touch. Named ‘Renishaw Recollections’, Christine’s project hopes to use the memories told to help shape the history of Renishaw Hall, and give more insight in to the way the estate functioned, through the experiences of the people working for the family.

Visitors can tell their Renishaw family stories to Christine by contacting her via enquiries@renishaw-hall.co.uk or visiting the Estate Office during opening hours from March 29^th to September  28^th2014. Renishaw Hall & Gardens will be also hosting a World War I talk, given by Christine, as she explores the archive to find the Sitwell family’s many links to First World War on the centenary of the year of its outbreak. Important artefacts – not normally on view to the public – will be brought out of the house archives and displayed and explained during the talk. Dates TBC, during the summer months 2014. Check www.renishaw-hall.co.uk for updates. 

Renishaw Hall 2013 Vineyard Tour Dates are back.........

With a newly-expanded vineyard and plenty to talk about the recent vintage, Renishaw Hall’s historic vineyard tours are back for 2013. Led by vineyard tenant and Derbyshire wine maker, Kieron Atkinson, the Renishaw Hall vineyard tours are an informative session where visitors learn about the 40 year old history of Renishaw vineyard - once the most northerly vineyard in the world. There are also tastings on offer of Renishaw Hall’s award-winning white and sparkling wine.

“We’ve grown the vineyard in size and reputation and I am really looking forward to welcoming people to come and see this lovely plot of grape-producing land on the Renishaw estate” says Kieron. “I hope that the wine will continue its award success from 2012, and people are warmly invited to come along to these public tours and learn all about how English wine is produced from grapes grown here in Derbyshire”. The vineyard tours last approximately one and a half hours and include wine tasting, a tour of the historic vineyard and learning about the cycle of the vineyard and winemaking process. Public vineyard tour dates for 2013 are: 27th & 28th July - 1100 and 1300 17th& 18th August - 1100 and 1300 - as part of Renishaw Hall’s food and plant fair weekend 7th& 8th September - 1100 and 1300 21st & 22nd September - 1100and 1300 Advance booking for tours is required, contact kieron@englishwineproject.co.uk to book your place on a tour.

Well worth a visit Denby Visitor Centre........

The home of the historic Pottery in the heart of Derbyshire.

Denby has been making its famous stoneware in England for over 200 years – a tradition which continues today at the home of Denby just off the A38 north of Derby, close to Ripley. The Visitor Centre is next to the historic pottery in a cobbled courtyard surrounded by a selection of shops including the unique and extensive Denby Factory Shop with savings of up to 60% off rrp, and Bourne’s Restaurant serving delicious homemade cakes, snacks and meals. The restaurant has plenty of seating on two floors and an outdoor terrace.

Centre entry and parking are free and as Denby is open daily all year, it makes a good choice for coffee break stops, as well as for pre-booked day visits. Activities at the centre include: daily Full Guided Pottery Tours with ‘hands on’ activities, daily cookery demonstrations at 12.30 and 2.30pm free of charge, a small museum and a selection of shops including cookery, garden, glass and gift shops.
The centre runs events throughout the year, the most popular being the Christmas Fayre (6th – 8th December 2013) to which pre-booked coaches are welcome.Pre-booked group visits receive shopping vouchers, Tour discounts and restaurant meal deals. There are also incentives and rewards for organisers and coach drivers. For further information and a booking pack, call Tel:-01773 740 799 or Email:-  visitor.centre@denby.co.uk or see www.denbyvisitorcentre.co.uk

Beautiful Breaks in Buxton

Whatever the weather and the time of year, there is always plenty to see, do and enjoy in lovely Buxton, Derbyshire. From the Pavilion Gardens and Opera House, the Dome and Poole’s Cavern and the country park, to great shopping opportunities in four different shopping areas… there really is something for everyone.
Each year the splendid Buxton Opera House plays host to a series of great festivals including the internationally acclaimed Buxton Festival and the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. There is also a varied programme of drama, comedy and music throughout the year.
Buxton is also rightly proud of its architecture, from the Georgian splendour of The Crescent and former stable block to the Victorian magnificence of the Palace Hotel. The History Trail leaflet, available from the Tourist Information Centre, will give you all the information you will need. Venture down into Poole’s Cavern and discover some of Buxton’s darker secrets. Promenade along the Board Walk and browse around the delightful Pavilion Gardens and Serpentine Walk before enjoying afternoon tea in the Pavilion. Learn a little more about the town in the fascinating Buxton Museum and Art Gallery before visiting the stunning Devonshire Dome. For a special treat relax and be pampered at the Devonshire Spa. Above all allow plenty of time to browse, shop and relax in this lovely, welcoming town. Visit www.visitbuxton.co.uk Stay Overnight…

Your group will be made especially welcome in the centrally located Old Hall Hotel. This lovely historic hotel offers superb accommodation for group visitors. There are 38 very comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, radio and hairdryer, direct dial telephones and hospitality tray. There is also a lift to all floors.
The Theatre Bar is warm and welcoming, the atmosphere relaxed and informal. The Old Hall Hotel offers the best in traditional and contemporary cuisine with a wide choice of group menus available. Private dining can also be arranged for your group when booked in advance. Pre and post theatre dinner, morning coffee and afternoon tea can all be organized. Christmas at the Old Hall is very special with a traditional atmosphere, stunning surroundings and excellent cuisine.
There is so much to enjoy in and around Buxton, so stay awhile and visit beautiful homes and castles at Chatsworth Estate and Haddon Hall, the amazing Blue John and Speedwell Caverns at Castleton and Pooles Cavern just five minutes away. Also nearby is the brilliant National Tramway Museum at Crich and the stunning Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath… and of course, the exciting cities of Manchester, Chesterfield and Sheffield are within an easy driving distance.
☎01298 22841 for more information
www.oldhallhotelbuxton.co.uk