Gilbert & Sullivan in the Peak District

Excursion One – The Peak District, Buxton & Gilbert & Sullivan Show

This morning we take a guided coach tour of the Peak District, an area of extraordinary natural beauty and home to Britain’s first National Park. We travel through the spectacular landscapes of moorland, rivers and dales, past ancient farms and picturesque towns. While taking in iconic sights, we hear about the storied churches that have served communities of the Peak District for centuries and stroll through pretty villages which have existed since the Saxon times.

Next, we head to the elegant spa town of Buxton, known as the gateway town to the Peak District, famed for its natural spring water and many beautiful buildings, including the Georgian crescent. We embark on our guided walking tour along the Buxton Heritage Trail, taking in the Old Hall Hotel and sampling the thermal fresh water at St Ann’s Well before continuing to the historic Hot Baths, the Old Courthouse and more. After all that exploring, we are treated to a delicious afternoon tea at the Buxton Pavilion, a Grade II listed gem which encapsulates the Victorian splendour of this little town.

Later we are treated to an insightful pre-show talk before the first of our two Gilbert & Sullivan performances at the beautiful Buxton Opera House. The festival itself was founded in Buxton in 1994, with the aim of preserving and enhancing the appreciation of Gilbert & Sullivan’s works in the UK and it has grown substantially throughout the years, where it has even seen additional festivals take place in the United States.

Show 1: Saturday 3 August - The Pirates of Penzance.

Excursion Two – Chatsworth House & Gilbert & Sullivan Show

We head to Chatsworth House for a guided tour. This magnificent gem is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has witnessed 16 generations of the powerful Cavendish family who acquired the estate in 1549. The house has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations and boasts grandiose interiors and a superlative art collection while outside, the 1,000-acre park was chiefly designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Later we are treated to a traditional pie dinner and a Bakewell tart in charming Bakewell before another informative pre-show talk. Tonight we enjoy the second of our included performances back at the Buxton Opera House.

Show 2: Sunday 4 August - H.M.S. Pinafore and Trial by Jury.