Day Out 1 - Itinerary

Day Out 2 - Itinerary

Day Out 3 - Itinerary

Start your morning with a visit to Bolsover Castle. Set high on a hilltop with breath-taking views over the Scarsdale valley. Built as a fashionable retreat for the Cavendish family, you can wander around the lavish rooms of the Little Castle, delight in the views from the wall walk, visit the exhibition in the Riding House or explore the extensive grounds as you are transported back to the 17th century.

For lunch you can either visit the large café at the Castle or visit one of the many tea rooms or hostelries in Bolsover itself.

Once you have had your fill, why not wander into the town and browse around the many independent shops before heading down the hill to the Peter Filder Reserve. Here you can take a gentle stroll around the trails and walkways and see species of dragon and damselflies found here in the summer months.

The nearby Carr Vale Nature Reserve is a mixture of open water, marsh, grassland and scrub that provides habitat for wintering wildfowl and raptors, migrating waders, breeding ducks and passerines such as reed bunting

Described as ‘more glass than wall’ Hardwick Hall is a mansion created by Bess of Hardwick is one of the finest Elizabethan houses in the country. Large glazed windows adorn the hall and inside, the three floors take you on something of a magical mystery tour with elaborate rooms designed to wow.

Outside you can explore the park, discovering breath-taking views from the historic ponds, the wine glass, or the footpaths beyond the motorway. Or take a gentle stroll around the perfectly manicured and magnificent gardens.

At the bottom of the hill is the 15th century Hardwick Inn where you can stop off for a spot of lunch and a refreshing drink.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to the East Midlands Designer Outlet at Jct 28, M1. Shopper-holics will be in for a treat as there are over 65 stores offering designer brands all with up to at least 60% off and numerous restaurants and café’s to rest those weary legs.

Home of the Ice Age Hunter, Creswell Crags is a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Marvel at the stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists in the visitor centre exhibition. Then walk through the meadow and see the limestone gorge, honeycombed with caves and smaller fissures, all set around a central lake.

Stop off for a late lunch in the Visitor Centre café or take a picnic to have in the meadow.

Then head off to Whitwell Wood to walk off your lunch. Set in 420 acres, this lovely wood with plenty of wide trails is suitable for walking or cycling.

With loads of wildlife and walks ranging from 7.5 to 2 miles with flat paths, you can meander around the network of trails looking at the wildlife, the 20+ species of tree and the many fauna and forna that adorn the woodland floor.