Classic Car Tours
Explore the Peak District in style with a classic car driving tour, followed by a dining experience in our Grade II* listed hall.
A Day of Driving, Dining, and Discovery
Set in the heart of Derbyshire, our classic car tours offer an unforgettable blend of open-road adventure and country house hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or planning a special occasion, we deliver a full-day experience like no other. We are also perfectly located to take advantage of some of Britain’s finest driving roads through the Peak District.
We offer a selection of tours and rallies, including navigation, cryptic, tulip and scatter rally events to suit all abilities. These can be standalone events or methods of getting to one of the many destinations listed below.
DESTINATIONS INCLUDED IN THE INDIVIDUAL TOURS
Chatsworth House, Brodsworth House, Hardwick Hall, Amber Valley Motor Museum, Ladybower Reservoir (site of the bouncing bomb practices), Cannon Hall farm and Park, Haddon Hall, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, National Mining Museum, Historic Sheffield, Kelham Island and Scythe Works, Smedley’s Mill, Matlock and Crompton Mill, Crich Tram Museum, Bolsover Castle, Castleton, Blue John Caverns, Winnats Pass, Mam Nick hill climb, Buxton and H & H car auction viewing.
The Space
Barlow Woodseats Hall provides a unique setting for our car tours, combining historic character with modern comfort. The Hall features one of the oldest surviving cruck barns in the UK, offering a memorable backdrop for private dining, briefings, or group presentations. Surrounded by gardens, rolling fields and far-reaching views, the location adds to the experience from the moment you arrive.
Dining & Catering
Each car tour includes a curated food and drink offering, typically covering welcome meals, breakfast and evening dining. Menus are created by our in-house chefs using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re joining a small group tour or arranging a bespoke package, catering is tailored to suit the format, with off-site options also available.
Example Classic Car Tour & Menus
Bess of Hardwick Tour of North Derbyshire
£350 PER COUPLE - INCLUDES BREAKFAST, EVENING MEALS & 2 NIGHTS STAY
Overview
Join us on a unique car tour through the scenic countryside of North Derbyshire, exploring the legacy of one of Elizabethan England’s most fascinating women—Bess of Hardwick.
Bess of Hardwick was one of Elizabethan England’s most formidable women. Born at Hardwick, she rose through society via four strategic marriages, eventually becoming Countess of Shrewsbury. Her story is told through the landmarks she left behind, including Hardwick Old and New Halls, and the original Tudor Chatsworth House, now encased within the grand Georgian mansion.
The route includes exterior views of Chatsworth House, the dramatic landscapes of Monsal Head and Longstone Edge, and a visit to Eyam, known as the “plague village” for its remarkable self-quarantine story. The tour also takes in the village of Pilsley in Chatsworth Park, where Kathleen Kennedy, sister of JFK and wife of the late Marquess of Hartington, is buried. Her story, and the tragedies faced by the Cavendish family, form part of the wider narrative that shaped the estate’s history.
This is more than a driving tour. It’s a chance to step into a story, enjoy great food, and experience the Peak District from a unique perspective, all while staying on site at Barlow Woodseats Hall.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Meet at: The Great British Car Journey, near Matlock, DE56 2HE.
• Driving Route to Barlow Woodseats Hall.
Incorporate a stop at Lickpenny Lane for a scenic route.
• 7:00pm - Welcome buffet and drinks at the Hall.
DAY 2
9:30am - Full English breakfast in Grange Cottage.
10:30am - Depart for Hardwick Hall (National Trust property).
12:00pm - Lunch, stop at The Hardwick Inn.
Afternoon scenic drive: Chatsworth House (exterior views), Monsal Head, Longstone Edge, Eyam Museum, Eyam village walkabout, Return to Barlow Woodseats Hall.
7:30pm - Dinner and drinks in the Tudor Barn.
DAY 3
9:30am - Full English breakfast.
Tour to Hathersage and stop at David Mellor Design Studios.
• Visit Pilsley Village in Chatsworth Park.
Walking Tour: Explore Pilsley Church and see the grave of Lady Hartington (Kathleen Kennedy).
Menus
DAY 1 - BUFFET
Rosemary & Garlic Chicken
Quiches: Bacon & Onion, Cheese & Tomato
New Potatoes, Coleslaw
Ice Cream Selection
Tea / Coffee
DAY 2 - EVENING MEAL
Starter: Tomato & Cream Cheese Tower
Main: Roast Pork Belly with black pudding bonbons, buttered mash, tenderstem broccoli, and apple sauce
Dessert: Lemon Posset with Shortbread Biscuits
Cheese: Selection of Local Cheeses with Crackers
Tea / Coffee
“I can't begin to thank you for such an amazing day. It really was so special. Everything from the beautiful venue, to the yummy food and wine, to the decorations and beautiful setting (especially for my photos) added together to make it a truly memorable day.”
Holly & Alex
Accommodation
Situated onsite within the courtyard of Barlow Woodseats Hall, the three cottages provide a total of nine bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms.
Glamping
We also have the option to provide a glamping village in our adjacent field. Our Bell Tents are furnished with timber low frame beds, memory foam mattresses and luxuriously furnished with fair trade interiors.
