In 2027 we celebrate the 33rd International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. We include mid-stall seats to see a performance of the Victorian melodrama “Ruddigore” from the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company at the exquisite Buxton Opera House.
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel north toward Pott Shrigley, making suitable refreshment stops along the way. We arrive at our hotel late afternoon.
Day 2 MONDAY Our visit today is Chatsworth House, located in the heart of the Peak District and home of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire. You can admire the splendour of the house and its wonderful works of art and explore over 105 acres of garden discovering water features, giant sculptures and beautiful flowers.
Day 3 TUESDAY We begin with a visit to the award-winning Trentham Gardens, featuring the Italian Garden by Tom Stuart-Smith, and the Floral Labyrinth and Rivers of Grass by Piet Oudolf and vast wildflower and woodland meadow. Later, we dive into the unique experience of Trentham Monkey Forest – a sanctuary for Barbary monkeys, where their natural behaviour can be seen right in front of your eyes.
Day 4 WEDNESDAY We travel to the elegant spa town of Buxton, where you have time to stroll among the Georgian and Victorian buildings or the Pavilion Gardens and get some lunch. Then we take our mid-stall seats at Buxton’s Opera House for the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s matinee performance of “Ruddigore”- a G&S send up of Victorian style of melodrama. It is a fun show with dramatic settings and family portrait galleries that come to life!
Day 5 THURSDAY After breakfast, we travel southwards, with suitable refreshment stops, arriving in the local area early evening.
The 19th-century Shrigley Hall Hotel is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The hotel stands in its own 262-acre estate overlooking the Cheshire Plain. All bedrooms are elegantly furnished and have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, hairdryer and hospitality tray. There is a charge for the use of the swimming pool and spa. The hotel has a lift, but there are quite a few steps throughout.
