Willersley Castle Hotel
Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Holidays at Willersley Castle Hotel
Canal & River Walks
23rd Jul 2017 - 28th Jul 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Walking
Ensuite Package Price: £395
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Walking is one of the nicest ways to discover the beautiful canals and rivers in the area. These walks offer a range of unfolding scenery with a mixture of wildlife, architecture, and countryside. Plus, Cromford Canal now has the historic narrow boat ‘Birdswood’ running regular trips.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Hidden Gardens & Well Dressings
30th Jul 2017 - 6th Aug 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Heritage
Ensuite Package Price: £497
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Alongside three excursions to beautiful gardens, this break will introduce you to the ancient art of Well Dressing – unique to Derbyshire and the Peak District – where town and village communities come together to create living art installations from natural materials.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Steaming Through the Valleys
6th Aug 2017 - 11th Aug 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Heritage
Ensuite Package Price: £545
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Our popular ‘Trains through the Valleys’ break has been re-named for 2017 as each day out will now include travelling with steam! The famous headboard of the ‘Willersley Belle’ has been dusted off and will be proudly carried on the front of an engine. Included for the first time will be a journey on the Severn Valley Railway which, together with travel in Derbyshire and Leicestershire, will enable our guests to relax and enjoy some wonderful English countryside. There will be plenty of interest for railway enthusiasts, but for those not quite into train-spotting there will be alternative options and, of course, a stay in the jewel of the Derbyshire Dales – Willersley Castle Hotel.
Tours will be led by Peter and Jennie Binks with hosts Val Smith and Gordon Dine. Peter, a Christian Guild Director, says “This is a wonderful opportunity to get out of the Board Room to be with our guests and there could be no better background than travel by rail.”
The Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway opened in 1862, originally running for 40 miles between Hartlebury and Shrewsbury. It was absorbed into the Great Western Railway in the 1870s and a link line was constructed to Kidderminster. After nationalisation passenger numbers dwindled and the line was gradually closed between 1963 and 1970. However, it was almost immediately opened as a heritage railway and now runs regular steam hauled passengers trains for 16 miles between Bridgnorth in Shropshire & Kidderminster in Worcestershire.
After many requests Christian Guild are offering our guests another chance to ride on the ‘Willersley Belle’ as we steam through some of the loveliest areas of countryside viewed from the window of your railway carriage. The provisional programme will be:-
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. We travel on our own special charter service from Duffield to Wirksworth with lunch on arrival. After refreshments join a specially escorted tour of the’ behind the scenes’ area of the railway and enjoy a ride in a brake-van pulled by one of the EVR steam engines. Alternatively visit the delightful Carsington Water Visitor Centre.
The Severn Valley Railway. A delightful scenic ride from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth calling at Highley for lunch in the Engine Shed where the reserve collection of locomotives will be on display.
Great Central Railway. Experience the big railway as it used to be with double track and plenty of signals. We enjoy lunch on the mid-day service from Loughborough to Leicester North.
Midland Railway Centre. We travel through the golden Valley arriving at Swanwick Junction station where we enjoy lunch in the re-built Midland Railway Station. We then take a ride on the Golden Valley narrow gauge railway before visiting the ‘big locomotives’ in the West Shed.
Landscape & Still Life Painting
13th Aug 2017 - 18th Aug 2017
Leader(s): Alison Drake
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Arts and Crafts
Ensuite Package Price: £425
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Another opportunity to practise the art of watercolour painting, focusing on landscapes and still-life subjects. Places are limited to allow our expert tutor to give you personalised suggestions based on your level of experience. Please note: there may be some outdoor sessions, so please pack suitable clothing.
The Holiday
Our painting holidays are tailored for all abilities; we purposefully do not take large numbers to allow our expert tutor to provide personalised instruction based upon your level of experience.
During the week, you will work on a painting project during the morning and afternoon sessions in the grand castle hotel or outdoors, weather dependent. There will also be time to enjoy and explore the local area to gain inspiration.
Spend the evening in the lounges with a range of entertainment or, if you choose, continue to work on your painting.
‘What shall I bring?’ You will be required to bring your own materials, including boards, paints, paper and brushes. Depending on weather, there may be outdoor sessions so please pack accordingly
Spires, Markets & Local Produce
20th Aug 2017 - 26th Aug 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Leisure
Ensuite Package Price: £474
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Enjoy a stress-free holiday as we take you by coach on four excursions to discover some of Derbyshire’s vibrant and historic market towns, such as Ashbourne, Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock and Chesterfield. There will be plenty of time to explore the streets and browse the shops, picking up some of the best local produce along the way.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Peak Pilgrimage
26th Aug 2017 - 1st Sep 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Heritage
Ensuite Package Price: £390
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
This is an amazing opportunity to spend four sensitively guided days walking 8 to 10 miles a day through some of the Peak District’s finest scenery, with space to meditate on what it means to be a pilgrim. The Pilgrimage takes in 11 churches along the way from Ilam to Eyam.
Eyam
Eyam has a sense of being a holy place because of the sacrifice of its people in 1655. A consignment of cloth from London for the village tailor brought the plague to this little Derbyshire village, with the threat of then spreading throughout the whole of the North of England. The people of Eyam refused to flee with only their Christian faith motivating them. Their commitment saved the surrounding area but cost about a third of the villagers their lives.
The Holiday
Join us on the now famous “Peak Pilgrimage Way” a spiritual walk, over several days, through the national park, visiting over a dozen churches with time to reflect in each. This new pilgrimage trail is set to mark the 350th anniversary of the plague linking two of the villages afflicted.
The perfect starting point is ancient Ilam, itself a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years, since the days of St. Bertram, a Saxon Saint and hermit who lived there. Travelling through the villages of the Peak District National Park, including Monyash, Grindleford, Stoney Middleton before ending in Eyam with its story of sacrificial love for others.
The Peak Pilgrimage Guide Book is a travelling companion for your journey, leading your way both physically and spiritually. This pocket-sized book contains maps and directions to keep you on the right path and invites you into 14 churches along the way. In each church, there is a Bible verse sticker to collect and a passport-style stamp that you can use on a special page of your Guide Book. Every pilgrim who arrives in Eyam with a Guide Book full of stamps and verses will receive a pilgrimage memento!
Saturday: Arrivals
Sunday: Ilam to Hartington
Monday: Hartington to Monyash
Tuesday: Monyash to Bakewell
Weds: Bakewell to Baslow calling at Chatsworth to stop for a while.
Thursday: Baslow to Eyam
Friday: Departures.
“Walking Grade” All of the walks follow a footpath with a few slight inclines.
"What shall I bring?" we recommend you come prepared for all weathers, regardless of the month you visit. Comfortable walking boots are recommended, as is clothing for wet weather. (Don’t worry we have a boot room where you can dry your walking gear). A Camera is a must to capture the magnificent views but please leave all of the other details to us.
You should also have with you the Ordnance Survey 1-25,000 map “OL24 The Peak District - White Peak area”. This single map covers the whole of the route.
1940s Themed Evening
17th Sep 2017 - 18th Sep 2017
Code: 0
Holiday Type: Leisure
Ensuite Package Price: £45
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
THEMED NIGHT - 1940s NIGHT
Great food, great entertainment, and a great night’s sleep await you on one of our fabulous Themed Nights. Sunday night starts with a delicious themed dinner, followed by themed entertainment. A good night’s rest is followed by a hearty breakfast in the morning – all for just £45 per person!
Peak Pilgrimage
24th Sep 2017 - 29th Sep 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Arts and Crafts
Ensuite Package Price: £390
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
This is an amazing opportunity to spend four sensitively guided days walking 8 to 10 miles a day through some of the Peak District’s finest scenery, with space to meditate on what it means to be a pilgrim. The Pilgrimage takes in 11 churches along the way from Ilam to Eyam.
Eyam
Eyam has a sense of being a holy place because of the sacrifice of its people in 1655. A consignment of cloth from London for the village tailor brought the plague to this little Derbyshire village, with the threat of then spreading throughout the whole of the North of England. The people of Eyam refused to flee with only their Christian faith motivating them. Their commitment saved the surrounding area but cost about a third of the villagers their lives.
The Holiday
Join us on the now famous “Peak Pilgrimage Way” a spiritual walk, over several days, through the national park, visiting over a dozen churches with time to reflect in each. This new pilgrimage trail is set to mark the 350th anniversary of the plague linking two of the villages afflicted.
The perfect starting point is ancient Ilam, itself a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years, since the days of St. Bertram, a Saxon Saint and hermit who lived there. Travelling through the villages of the Peak District National Park, including Monyash, Grindleford, Stoney Middleton before ending in Eyam with its story of sacrificial love for others.
The Peak Pilgrimage Guide Book is a travelling companion for your journey, leading your way both physically and spiritually. This pocket-sized book contains maps and directions to keep you on the right path and invites you into 14 churches along the way. In each church, there is a Bible verse sticker to collect and a passport-style stamp that you can use on a special page of your Guide Book. Every pilgrim who arrives in Eyam with a Guide Book full of stamps and verses will receive a pilgrimage memento!
“Walking Grade” All of the walks follow a footpath with a few slight inclines.
"What shall I bring?" we recommend you come prepared for all weathers, regardless of the month you visit. Comfortable walking boots are recommended, as is clothing for wet weather. (Don’t worry we have a boot room where you can dry your walking gear). A Camera is a must to capture the magnificent views but please leave all of the other details to us.
You should also have with you the Ordnance Survey 1-25,000 map “OL24 The Peak District - White Peak area”. This single map covers the whole of the route.
Gilbert & Sullivan
8th Oct 2017 - 13th Oct 2017
Leader(s): Margaret & Peter Featherston
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Music and Dancing
Ensuite Package Price: £400
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
A must for lovers of Gilbert & Sullivan. Join Peter and Margaret to rehearse ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’, the end product being a concert performance on the Thursday evening before a local audience. This is a hugely popular musical break that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Walking & Dancing
15th Oct 2017 - 20th Oct 2017
Leader(s): Martin & Jackie Wrench
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Walking
Ensuite Package Price: £430
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
This popular break offers four guided walks in the Peak District of four to seven miles. Country Dancing takes place in the evenings where everyone is welcome to join in, regardless of ability or experience.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Circle Dancing Break
22nd Oct 2017 - 25th Oct 2017
Leader(s): Jen Larner
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Music and Dancing
Ensuite Package Price: £192
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
The 3 night Circle Dancing Break draws on the rich and diverse traditional dances of many countries around the world, as well as a growing repertoire of new dances to classical music and contemporary songs. Dances can be energetic and lively or gentle and reflective. Though the dances chosen reflect the abilities of the group, the aim is always to experience the joy of dancing with others and to create a sense of well-being and community. Whatever your age or ability you can circle dance! Each dance is taught, so no experience or partner is necessary.
Meet one of our guides....
Jen Larner
Born in Essex, Jen has lived in many areas of the country, with a very varied career, mostly in community work projects including running a year-long festival to celebrate John Skelton, setting up a dial-a-ride bus scheme, arranging work placements for students on vocational courses, being a warden at Quaker meeting houses and teaching Esperanto at evening class.
Jen started doing international folk dancing in her 20's at a time when it was all very new. She continued this 'circle' dancing wherever she moved to, loving the variety of music and the chance to try out dances from all over the world. Liking the differences in the dances - from slower, meditative ones to fast and furious! As a single person Jen appreciates the fact that you don't need a partner, and yet you are not dancing alone but in a supportive group.
Jen really enjoys seeing people experience circle dancing, usually for the first time, and the process of their assimilating the steps through working as a group and building a sense of community, through laughter as we invent 'variations', and fun! Jen relishes the challenge of adapting dances for those with more limited mobility, including those confined to chairs, and has done a lot of work in nursing and residential homes. It's very satisfying to see people who thought their dancing days were over moving to stimulating music.
The Holiday:
Coming Soon
Based on Mews Accomodation
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
French Themed Evening
29th Oct 2017 - 30th Oct 2017
Code: 0
Holiday Type: Leisure
Price per Person per Night: £45
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
THEMED NIGHT - FRENCH NIGHT
Great food, great entertainment, and a great night’s sleep await you on one of our fabulous Themed Nights. Sunday night starts with a delicious themed dinner, followed by themed entertainment. A good night’s rest is followed by a hearty breakfast in the morning – all for just £45 per person!
Themed Evening & Sunday Roast
5th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Leisure
Ensuite Package Price: £45
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
THEMED NIGHT - SUNDAY ROAST
Great food, great entertainment, and a great night’s sleep await you on one of our fabulous Themed Nights. Sunday night starts with a delicious themed dinner, followed by themed entertainment. A good night’s rest is followed by a hearty breakfast in the morning – all for just £45 per person!
Autumn Rambles
19th Nov 2017 - 24th Nov 2017
Leader(s): Simon Chandler
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Walking
Ensuite Package Price: £315
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Exploring on foot is a great way to enjoy the autumnal mix of colours in the landscape at this magical time of the year. With everything from gentle riverside walks to challenging hikes, this break promises the most impressive scenery.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Christmas Crafts
19th Nov 2017 - 24th Nov 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Arts and Crafts
Ensuite Package Price: £335
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Experiment with paper and card to create festive three-dimensional objects. We will also visit Chatsworth House, where the lower floors are decorated to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Turkey & Tinsel
26th Nov 2017 - 1st Dec 2017
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Leisure
Ensuite Package Price: £390
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
How would you like to celebrate Christmas early? This break will give you an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, a festive afternoon tea and entertainment, plus two coach excursions.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
Short Walks & Log Fires
4th Dec 2017 - 9th Dec 2017
Leader(s): Simon Chandler
Code: 00000
Holiday Type: Walking
Ensuite Package Price: £275
Hotel: Willersley Castle Hotel
Location:Nr Matlock, Derbyshire Dales
Contact Tel: 01629 582270
Email: willersley@christianguild.co.uk
Take a gentle stroll, then stretch out and relax in front of a roaring log fire. This break includes morning walks led by our local guide, but still plenty of time to soak up the hotel’s cosy atmosphere.
Coming Soon
Please call Willersley Castle Hotel on 01629 582270 for more information
