Last minute break in the UK

Looking for a last-minute break in Derbyshire?

If you’re thinking of a few days away, Derbyshire is a great place to visit for a last-minute UK break. From stately homes, ancient traditions, spectacular scenery and some surprising history, it really does have something for everyone.

Days out in Derbyshire

Well dressings, as the name suggests, are often found near former wells or water. However, over time they can also be found in village squares, church gardens or other local places. There is a calendar of well dressings throughout Derbyshire.

Chatsworth House, Haddon and Hardwick Hall are perhaps the most well-known historic properties in the county. Alongside this though is the wonderful Bolsover Castle. It is prominently visible as you travel north towards Chesterfield on the M1. The castle offers spectacular views across Derbyshire from the wall walk. There are though some intriguing aspects, such as the little castle and gardens. The castle is managed by English Heritage today and you still get a sense of the lives of those who once resided on the site. There is a great range of events during the year including ‘Bolsover at the races’, ‘summer nights film festival’ and the ‘Legendary joust’.

Cromford Mill

Cromford Mill is just a short drive or train journey form Glendon, and is best known as the site that saw the start of the industrial revolution, with the move of industries out of cottages and into the first factories. The exhibition at Cromford mill is a fascinating insight into the work of Richard Arkwright and his family and how he offered increased support and welfare for workers at the mill.

Masson Mills Working Textile Museum

In addition to the mill, some recent guests, told us how much they enjoyed their visit to the Masson Mills Working textile museum. We had not visited before. The volunteer guides give a real insight to the workings and workers of the mill. The mill is open daily up to Christmas and there is usually a demonstration of the working mill at 11am and 2pm each day. It really is a fascinating place to learn more about social history.  The mill is well placed for a walk back through Matlock bath and into Matlock following the river Derwent.

Some Derbyshire Traditions

Throughout the summer the Derbyshire tradition of well dressing is underway. Well dressing involves creating pictures from clay and flower petals to depict different scenes. The dressings take place throughout the summer. Over the next few weeks there are quite a few well dressings in many of the villages close to Glendon, including Youlgrave, Rowsley and Bakewell. Some also coincide with open gardens or village festivals.

There is also the Derbyshire tradition of ‘sheep dipping’. We saw this at Ashford-in-the-Water in June at the aptly named Sheep Wash bridge. Historically, before pesticides, farmers would wash each sheep in turn in the river.

Walking and cycling in Derbyshire

And of course, the spectacular scenery of the Peak District and Derbyshire offers some great places to explore. The range of walking and cycling tracks is great in the area and we have good facilities for cycling guests. We are always happy to offer advice on places for walking and have a range of guides for guests to use.

Book a last-minute break in Derbyshire

If you’ve not stayed in a B&B before it would be great to our aim is simple – to offer the standard of a great hotel alongside excellent hospitality. We have some space left over the weeks ahead. You can either book online or give us a call. We are always happy to answer any questions to help with planning a stay. If you’re tempted to give Derbyshire a try for a few days away it would be lovely to welcome you to Glendon, Matlock.

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