Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Chatsworth House, one of Britain’s most cherished historic estates. Each winter, Chatsworth is transformed into a winter wonderland, with the House and Gardens adorned with festive décor and light displays. The grounds also host a Christmas Market with stalls offering traditional handmade crafts, gifts, jewellery, decorations and delectable treats. We further immerse ourselves in the Christmas spirit with a visit to Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets. Enjoy a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine as you wander through the heart of the vibrant city centre, exploring over 300 beautifully adorned stalls and chalets.

Your holiday itinerary:
MONDAY: Leaving Essex, we make our way to the charming and historic town of Stamford where we pause for lunch. This is a beautiful stone town with over 600 listed buildings, 5 medieval churches and a rich heritage, famous for its film and TV appearances. Explore its heritage, culture and food continue to the Kenwood Hall & Spa hotel for our 4-night stay.
TUESDAY: After a leisurely breakfast we embark on a scenic drive through the Peak District National Park, Britain’s original National Park. Enjoy some of the stunning scenery, learn about the White Peak and the Dark Peak and visit a couple of the quaint towns and villages.
WEDNESDAY: For many the highlight of the holiday as we visit Chatsworth House, all decorated for Christmas. At this time of year, the majestic estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is transformed into a festive wonderland with its rooms lavishly decorated and filled with Christmas cheer. Visit the shop filled with seasonal gifts and the Christmas Market laid out in the grounds, with over 100 stalls offering a range of Christmas gifts and decorations. Sample delicious treats and enjoy mulled wine in one of the outdoor bars.
THURSDAY: Today we visit the city of Manchester and the Christmas Markets, spreading their festive cheer across several streets and squares in the city centre. Taking place in the city now for over a quarter of a century, Manchester’s annual Christmas markets see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls across 9 different locations throughout the city centre, selling all kinds of items as well as mouthwatering food and drinks.
FRIDAY: Our journey home takes us via the National Memorial Arboretum. A national centre of remembrance, a special place of peace and tranquillity that honours the fallen and recognises service and sacrifice with around 400 memorials for military, civil associations and individuals. Time here for lunch, reflect and admire the grounds. With a further comfort stop in the afternoon, we aim to be back in Essex late afternoon.

Important Information:

Please note at the time of this brochure going to print, the 2025 dates have not been released for both Chatsworth and Manchester Christmas Markets, however if they follow the pattern of previous years, they both should be open by the time of our visit. Depending on the timed entrance we are allocated at Chatsworth House we may make a brief visit to Bakewell sometime during the day