Imagine rugged hills and mountains, romantic windswept moors, gently rolling farmland, wooded dales, lakeland views and majestic underground caverns. Imagine bustling towns and cities, picturesque villages and friendly hamlets packed with cottages built from local stone. Imagine all of this, and you have Derbyshire with it's stately home treasures include Chatsworth, locally known as the 'Palace of the Peak' - a sumptuous home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set amidst ornate gardens and spectacular water features. In sharp contrast, Haddon Hall’s 14th century charm gains the reputation for being England’s most authentic medieval house. Rambling roses frame the gothic architecture where ghostly sightings have been plentiful! The National Trust offers a varied selection of properties for inspection. A chaotic combination of stuffed birds and cluttered antiques is offered at Calke Abbey, while Sudbury Hall is home to the National Museum of Childhood. Hardwick Hall remains one of the world's greatest Elizabethan houses containing one of Europe's best embroidery collections, and Kedleston Hall focuses on fine art and elegance. Melbourne Hall opens its doors every August. A beautiful family home, set amongst formal gardens which are open all summer, was once owned by Viscount Melbourne (Prime Minister to Queen Victoria, and husband of Lady Caroline Lamb). Attractions are plentiful along the National Heritage Corridor®. Trams rattle along the tracks at the Crich Tramway Village where lovingly restored carriages from all around the world bring back memories of yesteryear. The Midland Railway Centre offers a paradise for steam train enthusiasts, with steam billowing engines a regular sight along the Derwent Valley. If horse-drawn power is more your taste, a visit to the Red House Working Carriage Museum will appeal - many vehicles and horses from which have made regular appearances on TV classics such as Pride and Prejudice. For carriages with an aerial point of view though, the cable-car ride up to Matlock Bath's Heights of Abraham reveals spectacular views, as well as nature trails, caverns and children's adventure playground. The charm of Chesterfield with its crooked spire landmark and lively market is another Derbyshire hot- spot, whereas the freshly baked puddings at Bakewell, gingerbread men at Ashbourne, Hartington stilton cheese, award winning black pudding at Belper and refreshing Buxton mineral water will satisfy any hunger pang or thirst.
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