Group Itineraries
The Peak District and Derbyshire has everything you need for the perfect group trip.
Here in the Peak District and Derbyshire, we welcome groups of all sizes. You can find guided tours, award-winning attractions, and some wonderful group activities from heritage walking tours to white water river canoe adventures.
Read on to discover some of our favourite places to visit, some of the best activities for groups, and browse our collection of large group cottages and group-friendly places to stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire.
We have a limited number of coach parking places in the Peak District and Derbyshire, for details please see our Coach and Parking information.
Suggested itineraries for groups of 8 or more
Visit Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire
One of England’s finest stately homes, Chatsworth has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family and is known as the ‘jewel in the Peak District’s crown’. There are over 30 rooms to explore, one of Europe’s most significant art collections, magnificent gardens and 100 acres of parkland.
After touring the House, visit the Farmyard and Adventure Playground, a favourite for younger and older visitors alike, with a chance to meet the animals and enjoy the woodland play area.
Chatsworth hosts a number of unmissable events throughout the year including Chatsworth Country Fair, Christmas at Chatsworth and Chatsworth Christmas Markets.
End the day with afternoon tea in the Flying Childers Restaurant
at Chatsworth: Enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea experience with freshly-made sandwiches and sweet treats baked to perfection served with Chatsworth teas and coffees.
For a little retail therapy nearby is the pretty shopping spot at Peak Village or stock up on some quality produce from Chatsworth estate at the Farm Shop.
Explore the past: Great British Car Journey and Belper town heritage walk
Visit the Great British Car Journey at Ambergate: One of Derbyshire’s newest visitor attractions, the Great British Car Journey charts over 100 years of British motoring heritage from the first Mini to the latest McLaren. In an historic warehouse setting, it’s a British car lover’s galore! The attraction has cars from India and a number of cars which have spent their life in the Commonwealth.
Belper Heritage Walk: Learn more about this industrial community and how it has changed in the past 200 years:
Belper is a key town within the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Explore the workers' houses and the nearby River Gardens, all built by the Strutt family.
Tour – and taste – your way around the Peak District’s first whisky distillery at White Peak Distillery
Run by a talented husband and wife team, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District. Located in the atmospheric surroundings of a former wire works on the banks of the River Derwent. Head on a gin and whisky tour to go behind the scenes before sampling spirits in their cosy Tasting Room.
Discover Bakewell : The Old Bakewell Pudding Shop & Monsal Trail
Explore Bakewell: Thinly disguised as 'Lambton' in Jane Austen's literary classic Pride and Prejudice, Bakewell is the ideal place for an interesting town walk. Take a stroll through the town and discover scenic buildings, charming courtyards and pretty streets, or feed the ducks during a riverside stroll.
Make your own Bakewell Pudding at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
Discover the story behind the famous Bakewell Pudding, which was ‘accidentally’ invented in this picturesque Peak District market town in the 1800s. Learn all about this popular Derbyshire delicacy, then get hands on with the Bakewell Pudding Making Experience and make your very own to take home.
Enjoy a gentle e-bike cycle ride to soak up the views on the Monsal Trail
Just a short drive from Bakewell, this easy, traffic-free walking and cycling route runs along a former railway line through rolling Peak District countryside, crossing over the magnificent Monsal Viaduct, known for its breathtaking views. Bike hire and refreshments can be found at Hassop Station.
Alternatively take a tour of local brewery Thornbridge Brewery
The Thornbridge Experience: The Thornbridge story began back in 2005, The 'Thornbridge Experience', shows guests just how the brewery started, how they brew the famous international beer. Nearby Thornbridge Hall the inspiration behind the beers brand is also worth a visit; a great choice for families with gardens to explore, Quackers cafe, a duck fountain and garden trail and the new free Thornbridge Smallholding’s Meet the Animals area.
Explore the Hope Valley: Hathersage & Ladybower
Discover the Peak District’s ‘outdoor hub’ of Hathersage
and admire stunning Stanage Edge – one of the longest gritstone ridges in England
This charming village in the Hope Valley has a great selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. It’s famous for local literary links and legends – it inspired author Charlotte Bronte when writing ‘Jane Eyre’, and nearby North Lees Hall
was visited several times by the author in 1845, becoming the main inspiration for Thornfield Hall. The grave of ‘Little John’ of Robin Hood legend can also be found in the Churchyard.
Take in the views at the iconic Ladybower Reservoir
The area is home to three large dams, known as the Derwent Dams, which offer some of the area's most spectacular scenery. The dams are called Ladybower, Derwent and Howden, which form Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Reservoir and Howden Reservoir respectively.
In World War II the dams were used for practice runs for the Lancaster bombers of 'the Dam Busters'. The world-famous Dam Busters film was subsequently filmed here, and the area has seen various commemorative flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Dine at a cosy Peak District country pub
Dine at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, a cosy pub just a stone’s throw from Ladybower Reservoir. Or enjoy a legendary meal at The George at Hathersage.
Explore Buxton: Buxton Crescent Experience, Town Tour and Afternoon Tea
Discover Buxton’s fascinating past on the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience
Head to the market town of Buxton and discover the fascinating past of this picturesque spa town. Buxton has been famous for its ‘healing’ spa waters since Roman times and is also known for its magnificent Georgian and Victorian architecture. Start your visit with a complimentary tour of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, which includes a fascinating oversight of the town’s history and its rise to prominence as a popular spa town.
Enjoy a relaxed walking tour of Buxton with Discover Buxton Tours
Discover local highlights in the town centre with a relaxed chat and walk with a knowledgeable local visitor guide.
Soak up the sights including iconic spots such as the Old Hall Hotel (reputedly the oldest hotel in England, where Mary Queen of Scots was once held); the picturesque Buxton Opera House, the Victorian Pavilion Gardens and the brand new Buxton Crescent Hotel & Thermal Spa. Afterwards, sample Buxton spa water straight from the spring at St Ann’s Well in the town centre!
Treat yourself to a quintesenntial English Afternoon Tea
A truly an experience to behold with homemade scones, cakes and freshly prepared sandwiches at the Pavilion Gardens or try the elegant No. 6 The Square.
Explore the East Midlands only World Heritage Site
Discover the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution at Cromford in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Stretching 15 miles along the River Derwent from Matlock Bath and Cromford in the north, to the city of Derby in the south, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site is the birthplace of the modern factory system. Cromford is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern factory system and the world's first successful water powered cotton spinning mill was built here in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright.
Take a guided tour of the mill and village Here you can see pretty former millworkers’ cottages and the scenic Mill Pond. Overlooking the pond is Scarthin Books, a much-loved local shop described as an Aladdin’s cave!
Enjoy a relaxing stroll on the scenic Cromford Canal Once a buzzing hub of Derbyshire’s industry and now a picturesque and relaxing place for a countryside walk. With 5 miles to explore along the towpath, the canal is rich in wildlife and is designated as a site of special scientific interest. Look out for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen and coots.
Discover Derby - home to a vibrant cultural scene and a fascinating history
Enjoy a tour of Derby’s industrial past, present & future. Discover your inner maker at Derby’s Museum of Making. The museum was a finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022 – the world’s largest museum prize.
Sail away on the Derby Riverboat – take a 45 minute cruise from the Museum of Making north to Darley Abbey and back again, enjoying the views on this solar powered boat.
Lunch at the Book Café, Derby – private rooms available in this impressive converted bank.
Take a tour of the Cathedral with an experienced guide. The Church of All Saints was founded in 943 and is situated in the heart of the City. It is one of Derby’s most beautiful and historic sites, inside you will find many treasures such as the tomb of Bess of Hardwick, a memorial to Florence Nightingale and the impressive wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell.
More group visit ideas can be found at visitderby.co.uk
Places to stay
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Bagshaw Hall, Lodge and Mews
A special opportunity to stay in elegant suites with original features in the historic HALL, or contemporary suites in the LODGE, or in a spacious 4…
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Darley House
This historic Georgian home sits on over an acre of land and provides fantastic access to the Peak District National Park. Sleeping 10 - 14,
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Holbeck Farm Barns
Nestled within Holbeck are five luxury self-catered holiday cottages with a myriad of dog-friendly walking routes, surrounded by the North…
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Cuckney House
Nestled within Sherwood Forest on the Welbeck estate, Cuckney House is a Grade II listed 18th-century country manor house offering self-catering…
Things to see & do
Business Directory Chatsworth
Chatsworth is a place to learn, explore and create in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Business Directory Heights of Abraham
Take a cable car flight to the Heights of Abraham 60-acre hilltop park, with cavern tours, exhibitions, adventure play and much more.
Business Directory Cromford Mills
Explore the history of Cromford Mills and discover the captivating story of how the Derwent Valley changed the world in the 18th Century with the growth of the British cotton industry.
Business Directory Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 150+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring industry from the early 1900s to the turn of the century.
Business Directory Buxton Visitor Centre and Buxton Crescent Experience
Welcome to Buxton’s Visitor Centre at the Pump Room, providing you with information on great places to visit and experiences to enjoy in our town and beyond.
Business Directory Buxton Opera House
A varied programme of events includes musical concerts, drama, children's shows, dance, pantomime, comedy and opera. Prices vary according to performance.
Business Directory Go Ape Buxton
The UK's number one forest adventure in the heart of the Peak District. Located on the edge of this beautiful spa town, our high ropes experience at Buxton is one of Go Ape's highest.
Business Directory Silk Museum Macclesfield
In the Silk Museum and Paradise Mill, see Macclesfield’s silk story brought to life through textiles, costumes, photographs and more.
Business Directory Thornbridge Brewery
The brewery was originally based in the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall, surrounded beautiful gardens within the 100-acre estate.
Business Directory Thornbridge Estate
Thornbridge Hall is a Grade II listed stately home in the heart of the Peak District. It is surrounded by 12 acres of quintessentially English gardens.
Business Directory White Peak Distillery
Established in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District region.
Business Directory Pub Tours
A VIP pub crawl through some of the Peak Districts most beautiful villages without the need to call a cab!
Business Directory Crooked Spire Church
The 'Crooked Spire' is Chesterfield's best-known landmark.
Business Directory Chesterfield Markets
Chesterfield Market has been trading for over 800 years. You can find a wide range of products at exceptional value along with friendly market traders.
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