Holidaying in Derbyshire....

[valmarg]

If you do want 'a silly fun day' at Alton Towers we live in the village and get local residents' passes, and I could let you have a couple of tickets.  You would have to pay car parking, but entrance is free.

I haven't sent for the tickets yet.  They will be open during half-term, but the season proper doesn't start until 26th March.  The tickets are valid for the season, with the exception of special events, which are posted on their website.

It's a pity you feel you will be too far away from Chatsworth, because it is well worth a visit.  As is the nearby town of Bakewell.

valmarg

[valmarg]

[cocopops]

If you are looking for something off the tourist trail this somewhere I have been to many times:
http://www.derbyshireuk.net/newmills.html

The local pubs are really friendly and the grub good.  Canal walks are nice, it is not really a tourist place just a nice English village / town.

[Fork]

Chatsworth is only 14 miles form Swad!

[valmarg]

Chatsworth is only 14 miles form Swad!

I think you've got your numbers the wrong way round Fork.  I would say Chatsworth was nearer 41 miles from Swad. ;D

SamLouise, you really will be south Derbyshire, a bit off the Peak District.  It's not too far away for you to see.  One place no one seems to have mentioned is Lichfield.  It has a wonderful 12/13th centuary cathedral.  The three spires.

On a cooking note the blue and white cornishware pots are made nearby, and I think they have a museum, but I shall have to check.

valmarg

[SamLouise]

Thank you so much for all of the suggestions. My husband and I have been googling them and checking distances ;D  Happy to say that Chatsworth isn't too far after all.  We're going to have trouble narrowing down the list for just seven days, there's so much to choose from.

Valmarg, your offer re Alton Towers is really kind, thank you very much. Ok to be in touch nearer the time? (maybe meet up for a cup of tea and piece of cake?  ;) :D) 

[valmarg]

There will be absolutely no problem with the Alton Towers tickets.  We need to apply for them, but until the council tax bill comes thudding through the letter box, we supposedly have no proof of residency. :o ???  They don't want the tickets to go astray. ;D ;D

If you have decided Chatsworth is not TOO far away, and if your stay covers either 25th June, or 23rd July, you could also attend the Bakewell Farmers' Market, and perhaps meet up with pumpkinlover as well.

Anyway, plenty of time to finalise arrangements for the cup of tea and slice of cake. ;D

valmarg

[Froglegs]

Don't forget Dovedale.

[Deb P]

You could always come for a meaner around our site in Derby itself if you would like to, I'm sure either me or David (Saddad) would make ourselves available.

[saddad]

I'm surprised you aren't offering the shed as aholiday let Deb...  ;D

[goodlife]

Ohh..well..if Chatsworth is not too far..you've got Buxton and Bakewell to see then as well...
Chatsworth on its own will take you a day..easily..there is the gardens, house, farm yard to see and walk along the river edge amongst the sheep and maybe have a picknic as well..there is tables dotted along the walk  if you don't fancy sitting on ground...and you can have fun in water too..pull the skirt up and have a bit of walk in cooling..soothing water..mmm ;D..It is nice if it is baking day.
Yes..Bakewell show is good..all maner of farm animals and pets in parade..floral marquees and plant sale....food..tiples...treats..clothes..cars..anything and everything what one may acquire..
BTW...Bakewell tart bought from Bakewell is better in Matlock ;)..'the original' ones are sickly sweet and really greasy ;) And Matlock is not bad..some of the bikers are really nice ;) :-X Matlock is like seaside resort but in inland and in deep valley.

[valmarg]

On a cooking note the blue and white cornishware pots are made nearby, and I think they have a museum, but I shall have to check.

valmarg

I think I've made a right mess of posting this, but here goes.

The Cornishware Coffee Shop, Sharpes Pottery museum, West Street, Swadlincote.  I'm not sure whether its just a coffee shop, in the refurbished museum.  The brochure I found it in is a bit out of date.

Anyway, the company that produces the cornishware is T G Green, I think at Gresley.  If you are interested, just google tggreen, and you will get information.

valmarg

[goodlife]

...and Denby pottery has visitors centre too.. ;)

[saddad]

and it's only about ten miles from our lotties...  ;D

[goodlife]

There is quite few of us 'in the area' Sam could do 'grand allotment tour' instead ;D

[valmarg]

I think you might have to spend more than a week here.  There are just so many attractions. ;D

You will be more than welcome, ;D

valmarg

[valmarg]

Well, the tickets for the Towers eventually arrived this morning.  If you PM your address I can send you a couple, or however many you want (within reason ;D.)

I think that will probably be best, as you have to go past the end of the drive there and back, and can turn in and call for a cup of tea and a slice of cake on the way back. ;D

I can give you more information about avoiding the main traffic run and busy times nearer the date.

Look forward to meeting up.

valmarg