3 days in Matlock

This three-day plan is a heritage trip for people who like their history in manageable pieces: two historic houses a day, short hops between them and no rushing. Day one keeps things tight. Start at Rode Hall, then lunch at the Travellers Rest, which holds a 5/5 food hygiene rating and is just 1 mile on. Little Moreton Hall, a National Trust property, is a further 1.5 miles. Day two brings the one long drive of the trip, 38.5 miles to Swarkestone Pavilion, before Melbourne Hall 2.4 miles away. Day three finishes with Staunton Harold Church and Calke Abbey, only 1.3 miles apart.

The stops reach well beyond Matlock itself, so a car makes life much easier. Matlock station is handy for arriving but not for hopping between halls. For a group, Clusters Chapel in Belper sleeps 20 and is 0.1 miles from Belper station. If you're bringing the dog, the Travelodge in Alfreton is pet friendly and has disabled access.