Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Festival

Immerse yourself in the world of Gilbert & Sullivan at the international festival, centring on Buxton’s iconic Edwardian Opera House. Take a backstage tour and discover costume insights, stroll Buxton’s heritage streets, and experience two evening performances from the Dress Circle. Add guided visits to Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, plus a wine reception before the curtain goes up.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently from 15:00. Evening welcome drink, dinner, and special talk by Bernard Lockett, Trustee of the Friends of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.

Day 2: Buxton
Begin with a guided heritage walk through Buxton’s Lower Town, a charming and historic area with elegant architecture including a stunning stained-glass canopy - the largest in Britain - at the Cavendish Arcade former site of Buxton Baths, and St Ann's Well which has been providing Buxton's famous thermal water for centuries. Next to the Buxton Opera House for a backstage tour (full access pending depending on set design changes taking place), designed by Frank Matcham one of Britain's most celebrated theatre designers, and a fine example of Edwardian architecture. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Buxton. Free time at leisure for dinner at own expense before a pre-show drinks reception in the Conservatory in the Pavilion Gardens followed by an evening festival performance of 'Patience' by the Grosvenor Light Opera Company at the Buxton Opera House.

Day 3: Chatsworth and Bakewell
Morning visit to magnificent Chatsworth House for a guided tour and time to explore the house and gardens. The lavish stately home of Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. Today Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash. We have free time for lunch and individual exploration in the beautiful old market town of Bakewell, surrounded by stunning countryside views. Bakewell is set on the banks of the Wye and the river meanders gently through the centre. Return to the hotel for an early dinner, then to the Buxton Opera House for an evening performance of 'The Pirates of Penzance' by the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. 

Day 4: Haddon Hall and Matlock
Visit Haddon Hall, for a guided tour of its remarkably preserved medieval and Tudor architecture. The current house dates from the 12th - 17th centuries having managed to escape the architectural changes of the 18th and 19th centuries as it sat deserted for more than 200 years, leaving us with the prime example of a fortified, medieval manor house. Continue to Matlock for lunch at leisure and optional free time before returning to the hotel by 17:00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 27 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Three nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• First night welcome drink, dinner, and special talk by Bernard Lockett, Trustee of the Friends of the G&S Festival
• Pre-show drinks reception and evening performance at the Opera House on day 2 
• Dinner at the hotel on day 3
• Evening performance at the Opera House on day 3
• All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Accompanied by tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £276
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Ticket upgrades
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel

Four star hotel located near the centre of Buxton, surrounded by private gardens. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, terrace, fitness centre, lift, and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel on a first come, first served basis. Buxton train station is 0.6 miles away, around 15 minutes walk.

Hotel Website