Christmas in Buxton & the Peak District

After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.

Christmas in Buxton & the Peak District

Crossing the Peak District National Park, we head first to Eyam, known as the ‘Plague Village’ due to the events of 1665-66 when the plague was brought from London to this tiny community. The village has craft workshops, a gift shop and tea rooms to enjoy before we continue on to the beautiful market town of Bakewell, set on the banks of the River Wye. Best known for its Bakewell Pudding, the town boasts an ancient five-arched bridge, riverside walks, independent shops and cafés – it makes for a lovely Christmas Eve spot. On our return to Buxton, we have free time to explore the town at leisure or do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Later on, there is the option to attend Midnight Mass for those who wish to join, with mulled wine and mince pies on our return.

Christmas in Buxton & the Peak District

Christmas Day is a lovely day of leisure at our hotel, including a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings followed by Christmas cake, tea and coffee. A light buffet dinner is served in the evening.

Christmas in Buxton & the Peak District

We take another scenic drive through the Peak District National Park on our way to the picturesque spa town of Matlock Bath, set in the beautiful gorge of the River Derwent with wooded hillsides and rocky limestone crags. The riverside promenade offers a lovely space for some fresh air, while the Temple Mine and the Peak District Mining Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, or the historic building once used to house Victorian thermal baths now boasts a range of unique exhibitions, from one of Europe’s largest public displays of holograms to the gemstone and fossil collection plus the natural wonder of the petrifying well. The town is also renowned for its abundance of fish and chip shops – so go on and treat yourself! Our next stop is the market town of Ashbourne, known as the gateway to Dovedale, with its historic architecture (think old coaching inns, Elizabethan buildings, Georgian facades, elegant townhouses and quirky statues) along with independent shops, cobbled marketplace and hidden alleys. Our next stop is the market town of Ashbourne with its historic buildings, independent shops, cobbled marketplace and hidden alleys. A Boxing Day well spent!

Christmas in Buxton & the Peak District

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.

Late on day 2 (Christmas Eve), you may attend Midnight Mass at a local church in Buxton, joining townsfolk for carols in a candlelit nave as the bells ring in Christmas. A short walk or transfer brings you to the service, where the quiet glow and shared hymns set a reflective tone for the night.

This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour (subject to service times). On return to the hotel, warm up with mulled wine and mince pies and enjoy a free evening to share the moment with fellow travellers.

During free time on day 4 in Matlock Bath, opt to visit the Peak District Mining Museum and nearby Temple Mine. Don a hard hat and follow a guided underground tour to see adits, ore veins and the tools that shaped this landscape.

Exhibits trace Derbyshire’s lead-mining heritage from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution, giving context to the limestone cliffs above town. This visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour, subject to opening hours; your Tour Manager can advise on timings.

Returning to Buxton on day 2, enjoy a free afternoon for last-minute shopping and seasonal lights. Explore the Cavendish Arcade in the former thermal baths, stroll the Pavilion Gardens or admire the graceful curve of The Crescent.

This is a chance to feel the town’s spa heritage at street level, from mineral-water traditions to Victorian architecture. With independent boutiques and cosy cafés close at hand, you can soak in the town-centre atmosphere before the evening’s festivities.

On day 1, settle into the Palace Hotel & Spa and meet your Tour Manager over a welcome drink. If daylight allows, take a short orientation stroll to the Pavilion Gardens, the Opera House and a glimpse of Buxton’s Crescent, soaking in the spa town atmosphere.

Each evening, return to the hotel for light entertainment and after-dinner tea and coffee, an easygoing way to mingle with fellow travellers. The grand Victorian lounges set a warm backdrop to enjoy a free evening at your pace.

On day 3 (Christmas Day), stay at the Palace Hotel for a day of comfort and celebration. Begin with breakfast, then sit down to a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas cake, tea and coffee.

Between courses, soak in the festive ambience of this landmark spa hotel, whose setting amid landscaped gardens recalls Buxton’s 19th-century social season. In the evening, a light buffet dinner rounds off the day so you can enjoy a free evening in relaxed company.

On day 4 (Boxing Day), follow the River Derwent through the gorge at Matlock Bath, framed by wooded hillsides and limestone crags. Stroll the riverside promenade, browse cafés and shops, or simply breathe the crisp air before we continue.

The route leads to Ashbourne, the elegant gateway to Dovedale, known for Georgian facades, old coaching inns and St Oswald’s soaring spire. Learn about the town’s Shrovetide football tradition as you wander its cobbled market place and hidden alleys, then pause for photos and reflection before returning to Buxton.

On day 2 (Christmas Eve), cross the moors of the Peak District National Park to Eyam and Bakewell. In Eyam, join a gentle orientation stroll past the plague cottages, the Boundary Stone and St Lawrence’s Church before continuing to Bakewell for riverside walks by the Wye, the five-arched bridge and time among independent shops and cafés.

Hear how Eyam chose self-imposed quarantine in 1665–66 under the leadership of Rev. William Mompesson, leaving vinegar-soaked coins at the boundary to trade safely. In Bakewell, discover the Anglo-Saxon crosses at All Saints’ Church and the story of the Bakewell Pudding first baked in the 19th century. There’s time to pause for photos and reflection before returning to Buxton.