New Year in Buxton
4 day holiday - Tuesday 30th December 2025
Highlights...
NYE Gala Concert at the Buxton Opera House
NYD Afternoon Tea in Bakewell
Historical Peak District Tour
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a charming break in the heart of the Peak District, a region known for its natural beauty and history. This bespoke holiday, designed exclusively for Cultural Breaks Members, offers a balanced mix of scenic touring, historical exploration, and a live concert on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a door-to-door car service to the coach, the support of a dedicated Tour Manager, and a welcoming stay at the Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood. Buxton is a spa town with Roman origins, known for its thermal springs, Georgian architecture, and landmarks such as the Pump Room and Pavilion Gardens. Situated at the gateway of the Peak District, Buxton provides easy access to Britain’s first national park, established in 1951. The area is rich in history, with numerous prehistoric sites like Arbor Low, Roman roads, medieval packhorse routes, and ancient lead mines reflecting thousands of years of fascinating history. On New Year’s Eve, our group will enjoy a special dinner in a private dining room at our hotel, followed by the New Year’s Eve Gala Concert at the Opera House, featuring the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and soloists performing a lively mix of classical and popular favourites.
The Buxton Opera House in Derbyshire is a beautifully restored Edwardian gem and one of the finest surviving examples of Frank Matcham’s theatre design. With around 450 performances each year, the Opera House offers a vibrant mix of opera, drama, comedy, music, and hosts major events such as the Buxton Festival and the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival - attended by Cultural Breaks this year! New Year’s Day begins with meeting with our Blue Badge Guide and visiting Bakewell, a local market town famous for the original Bakewell pudding and includes an Afternoon Tea to start 2026 in style! We round up the holiday with a visit to Lichfield on the way back, home to England’s only medieval cathedral with three spires. This Gothic building dates back over a thousand years and features stunning stained glass and the famous Lichfield Angel. With a varied itinerary and festive entertainment, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the New Year in the company of like-minded travellers, all at a gentle pace designed with your comfort in mind.
Day 1 – Tuesday 30th December 2025
Your holiday begins with our convenient door-to-door car service to the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross. On arrival, you’ll meet your Tour Manager and enjoy tea/coffee and pastries before boarding the coach. Sit back and relax as we begin our journey north. We stop en route for a light lunch, before continuing on to The Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel located near the breath-taking landscapes of the Peak District. Your Tour Manager will assist with check-in at the hotel, and porterage is provided. There may be time to venture into Buxton at your own pace if you wish. The evening concludes with a 3-course meal in the hotel.
Day 2 – Wednesday 31st December 2025
After breakfast, join our Blue Badge Guide for a historical coach loop through the Peak District. The route passes rolling hills, ancient villages, and panoramic views. Starting from Buxton, this scenic journey offers a glimpse into the area's heritage. Alternatively, take the day at your own pace before the NYE celebrations.
Day 3 – Thursday 1st January 2026
The day begins with a later breakfast and a leisurely morning at the hotel. Midday, we travel to Bakewell, a historic market town known since medieval times for its bustling markets and well-preserved period architecture. A guided introduction exploring key heritage sites (weather dependant) is included. Afterwards, Afternoon Tea is served at The Rutland Arms, featuring finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes, traditional scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee with refills. The evening concludes with dinner back at the hotel, providing a relaxing end to the first day of the New Year.
Day 4 – Friday 2nd January 2026
Following breakfast, the Tour Manager will assist with check-out and coach boarding. En route, we visit Lichfield Cathedral, the only medieval English cathedral with three spires, dating back to 700 AD. Highlights include Gothic architecture and the famous Lichfield Angel. We then stop for our two-course farewell lunch. Afterwards, the coach continues to the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross for refreshments. Here your door-to-door car service takes you home. We hope you’ve enjoyed your New Year break and look forward to welcoming you again in 2026!
We are excited to offer a journey through the greenery of the Irish countryside on this holiday with an expert Blue Badge Tour Guide to Kilkenny Castle and uncover its incredible historical timeline. You will even experience an Irish Dinner & Dance Show, with live music and dancing from talented performers to get your toes-tapping! Perfect for those seeking intellectual stimulation, Dublin is the birthplace of literary giants like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, making it a must-visit for lovers of classical literature. There is so much to explore in the city, which is why we have programmed in a free afternoon for you relax or visit points of interest such as: The Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Botanic Gardens, National Museum of Ireland or even EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum at your own pace. Dublin is also home to the world’s oldest university, Trinity College, founded in 1592 and houses The Book of Kells, an intricately illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks around AD 800. There is plenty more to discover on this trip to one of the most fascinating cities in our calendar of events this year, read on to find out what Irish adventure awaits in your holiday itinerary...
Clayton Hotel Charlemont 4*
Overlooking the Grand Canal in Dublin 2, the Clayton is a popular 4-star hotel in a prime location within easy reach of local attractions and scenic city walks. Offering spacious rooms and walk-in showers, Cultural Breaks Members can also make the most of the hotel facilities such as the shared lounge, Red Bean Roastery or fitness centre. Your room amenities include: WiFi, TV, toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities. An Irish Breakfast is served each morning and 3-course evening meal with two glasses of house wine, beer or soft drink each evening. Dietary-friendly meals are available on request, please specify when booking.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Thursday 24th July
Your chauffeur-driven car will take you to London Heathrow Airport, where you'll meet your Tour Managers. Refreshments with tea or coffee will be served at the Sofitel meeting point and fellow members of the group will arrive. The Tour Managers will assist you with airport check-in, and we will use fast track through security for your convenience. Lunch will be served onboard the flight. Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, we’ll collect our bags, board the coach, and check in to the hotel. After settling in, enjoy a 3-course evening meal with two glasses of wine, beer, or a soft drink, plus tea or coffee included each night.
Day 2 – Friday 25th July
Our day starts at a legendary landmark on the city’s landscape: Dublin Castle. Explore the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the castle grounds, learning about its significant role in Irish history. Dublin Castle has served as a government complex since the 13th century, with a valuable insight into Ireland’s political past. Afterwards, we venture to the Guinness Storehouse, where you'll grab lunch, discover the history and brewing process behind Ireland’s most famous beer, and see The Gravity Bar's incredible 360- degree view of the capital. We round up the afternoon at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland dating back to the 12th century, including exhibits on Dublin’s heritage.
Day 3 – Saturday 26th March
Embark on a scenic journey through the charming Irish countryside, to the medieval capital of Kilkenny. We are joined by our knowledgeable Blue Badge Guide to our first stop at Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 by the Anglo-Normans, which stands as a remarkable testament to Ireland’s medieval and aristocratic past. It became the seat of the powerful Butler family for nearly 600 years, with impressive 19th-century Victorian interiors displaying detailed tapestry, original furnishings and over 50 acres of expansive gardens. (Please note: this venue has stairs and no lift access). After lunch, we have a gently-paced walk of the town with our Blue Badge Guide who will highlight key points of interest, including a look at St Canice Cathedral, before returning to the hotel for our evening meal.

Day 4 – Sunday 27th July
Spend the morning at your leisure, before heading to our lunch venue on the West Pier near Dublin Bay. After lunch, we’ll set sail on a memorable cruise around Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye, offering stunning views and great photo opportunities! Keep an eye out for seabirds like puffins, gannets, and guillemots, along with seals and other wildlife. Ireland’s Eye also features a historic lighthouse and the ruins of a 7th-century Christian monastic settlement, believed to be where the Garland of Howth manuscript was created around 700 AD, now housed in Trinity College.
Day 5 – Monday 28th July
This morning, we’ll visit Kilmainham Gaol Museum, a key site in Ireland’s fight for independence, where we’ll learn about those held here, including leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. After a light lunch back at the hotel, you’ll have free time to relax or explore Dublin at your own pace. Around 6:00pm, the coach will take us to The Belvedere Hotel for an authentic Irish Dinner & Dance Show. Enjoy a 3-course meal, followed by lively Irish music and traditional dance, with performances from talented artists who have appeared in shows like Riverdance and Dancing with the Stars.
Day 6 – Thursday 29th July
For your comfort, the Tour Manager will assist with check-out and porterage for your luggage onto the coach. We depart for Dublin Airport and after check-in and security, our lunch will be on board the flight back to London Heathrow Airport. On arrival, your chauffeur-driven car will collect you from the airport for return transfers home. We hope you enjoyed your holiday experiencing the ‘Delights of Dublin’!

Total Price of the Holiday: £3,295 per person
Deposit: £200
English Heritage Discount: £10
Balance due:
15th May 2025
Whats Included:
- Door to door transfers from home to Heathrow and back
- Return flights from London Heathrow and Dublin Airport
- Pastries and tea/coffee at the Sofitel Heathrow meeting point
- Tea/coffee on the return trip from Dublin Airport
- Lunch onboard the flights each way
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Five nights at the 4-star Clayton Hotel Charlemont
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Irish breakfast every morning at the hotel
- Lunch with coffee or tea each day
- All Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
- Dublin Castle
- Guinness Storehouse
- Howth Cliffs & Ireland’s Eye Cruise
- Irish Dinner & Dance Show
- Kilmainham Goal Museum
- Kilkenny Castle & Blue Badge Guide
- St Canice Cathedral, Kilkenny
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- The services of your Tour Managers throughout your stay
- Gratuities
- V.A.T.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
