Weekend Break in Derbyshire

A few weekends ago we took time out and drove to Derbyshire for 2 days.
We stayed in a place called Belper, in a hotel with gorgeous countryside surroundings. We didn't arrive till late afternoon so we just had a slow chilled evening, taking in the hotel surroundings.There was a cute little old-fashioned village pub nearby that had real roaring fires and little nooks that you could sit in.. it reminded me so much of the Lake District. The people were so friendly too, nothing like our area! In the evening we had THE most gorgeous meal in the hotels' conservatory - it really was 5* food and I couldn't fault it.

On our first full day we went to Alton Towers - We had cheap tickets so thought we may as well make use of them. The park was SO quiet, queue times were pretty much non-existent so we rode every ride possible. Must remember to go on a weekday in school term in future!

After a busy day and a sat nav dilemma, we resorted back to the hotel and ordered room service (for the very first time ever may I add!).

The next day we headed to Matlock - I'd visited here when I was a lot younger, but couldn't remember much about it.
Our first stop was afternoon tea in a very cute vintage teashop. Everything was homemade and tasted absolutely gorgeous (better than some 5* hotels I've been to before!), but more on that later...

We then headed to the Heights of Abraham. The cable cars offered some impressive views but is not for the faint-hearted who fears heights! It took us into the hills almost, we grabbed a hot drink and the restaurant and sat outside on the balcony, enjoying some stunning scenery. We wondered round a pretty fossil shop and marvelled at the huge pretty colours. As part of our ticket, a tour of the caves were included, however due to leaving this till last, and a parking ticket that was quickly running out, we unfortunately didn't have time for this.. next time.. next time!

It was a nice refreshing break, and made a change to the city breaks we usually opt for. There's something about getting a bit closer to nature and browsing old villages that I quite like. I love the quirky character and the unique finds.

Have you been anywhere recently?