Ann’s group pose for a photo during their stay in Derbyshire.

Fifty-one members of the Berkshire-based Thatcham U3A Travel Group visited Derbyshire earlier this year for a four-day break to experience a taste of days gone by. Ann Allen, Travel Group Convener, explains, “The trip was organised through Group UK in Norwich and we stayed at the International Hotel in Derby, where we enjoyed excellent food.”

En-route to Derby, members visited Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire, taking a cruise on the Grand Union Canal on a narrowboat owned by The Boat Inn whilst a trip to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley also formed part of the holiday. “There were plenty of steam engines to see at the Centre, as well as the chance to ride on a train pulled by a 1960s Peak Class diesel locomotive,” remembers Ann. “We also visited the National Tramway Museum at Crich Tramway Village, taking a journey on restored trams through a period street and on to open countryside with lovely views of the Derbyshire landscape.”

The spa town of Buxton and the town of Bakewell also made welcome stops during the break whilst The National Trust’s Calke Abbey in Ticknall was the final destination on the itinerary. “This made an excellent visit,” says Ann. “Everyone had a great time and we were very happy with the service provided by Group UK.”