A weekend in Matlock with older parents

This weekend is built around two pairs of near neighbours. On Saturday you visit Nether Alderley Mill and Quarry Bank Mill, both National Trust and just 4.2 miles apart. On Sunday it's Melbourne Hall and Calke Abbey, a mere 2 miles from each other. There is one sight in the morning and one in the afternoon, which leaves plenty of room for a long lunch and an unhurried sit-down rather than a dash between car parks.

The one longer leg is the 49.8 miles from Quarry Bank Mill to Melbourne Hall, so it makes sense to treat it as a fresh start after a good night's rest. For a base, Amberley Cottage in Matlock sleeps 4, has EV charging nearby and sits 0.6 miles from Alfreton station. The Carriage, also in Matlock, sleeps 2 if it's just you and one parent. If you're coming by train, the nearest station to Matlock is Matlock itself.