Great British Heritage
Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Festival
Immerse yourself in the world of Gilbert & Sullivan at the international festival, centring on Buxton’s iconic Edwardian Opera House. Stroll Buxton’s heritage streets, and experience two evening performances from the Dress Circle at the Opera House.
Add guided visits to Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, plus a wine reception before the curtain goes up and this is a tour to savour.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your guest speaker
Bernard Lockett
Bernard is a Trustee of the Friends of the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival and a longstanding specialist in the works of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. His talks introduce the partnership, performance history and enduring appeal of their celebrated comic operas.
Joining Travel Editions’ festival tours as a special speaker, Bernard adds valuable context before the curtain rises. His knowledge helps both devoted enthusiasts and first-time audiences appreciate the music, wit and theatrical tradition behind each performance, enriching the wider festival experience.
itinerary & excursions
01 August Itinerary
This is the agenda for the 01 August departure. Please scroll down to view the agenda for the 10 August departure.
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival in Buxton and Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Talk
Arrive independently from 15:00. Evening welcome drink, dinner, and special talk by Bernard Lockett, Trustee of the Friends of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.
Day 2: Buxton Heritage Walk and The Pirates of Penzance
Begin the day at The Palace Hotel for a special talk by Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society on ‘An Introduction to Gilbert & Sullivan’.
Free time for lunch (not included) followed by a guided heritage walk through Buxton’s Lower Town, a charming and historic area with elegant architecture including a stunning stained-glass canopy – the largest in Britain – at the Cavendish Arcade former site of Buxton Baths, and St Ann’s Well which has been providing Buxton’s famous thermal water for centuries. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Buxton.
Free time at leisure for dinner at own expense before a pre-show drinks reception in the Conservatory in the Pavilion Gardens followed by an evening festival performance of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ by the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company at Buxton Opera House.
Day 3: Haddon Hall, Matlock and Iolanthe
Visit Haddon Hall for a guided tour of its remarkably preserved medieval and Tudor architecture. The house dates from the 12th – 17th centuries, having managed to escape the architectural changes of the 18th and 19th centuries as it sat deserted for more than 200 years, leaving us with the prime example of a fortified, medieval manor house.
Continue to Matlock for lunch at leisure and free time. Return to the hotel for an early dinner, then to the Buxton Opera House for an evening performance of ‘Iolanthe’ performed by the Edinburgh G&S Society.
Day 4: Chatsworth House and Bakewell
Morning visit to magnificent Chatsworth House for a guided tour and time to explore the house and gardens. The lavish stately home of Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family.
Today Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash.
We have free time for lunch and individual exploration in the beautiful old market town of Bakewell, surrounded by stunning countryside views. Bakewell is set on the banks of the Wye and the river meanders gently through the centre. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.00hrs.
itinerary & excursions
10 August Itinerary
This is the agenda for the 10 August departure. Please scroll up to view the agenda for the 01 August departure.
Day 1: Arrival in Buxton and Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Talk
Arrive independently from 15:00. Evening welcome drink, dinner, and special talk by Bernard Lockett, Trustee of the Friends of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.
Day 2: Buxton Heritage Walk and Patience
Begin with a guided heritage walk through Buxton’s Lower Town, a charming and historic area with elegant architecture including a stunning stained-glass canopy – the largest in Britain – at the Cavendish Arcade former site of Buxton Baths, and St Ann’s Well which has been providing Buxton’s famous thermal water for centuries. Next to the Buxton Opera House for a backstage tour (full access pending depending on set design changes taking place), designed by Frank Matcham one of Britain’s most celebrated theatre designers, and a fine example of Edwardian architecture.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Buxton. Free time at leisure for dinner (not included) before a pre-show drinks reception in the Conservatory in the Pavilion Gardens, followed by an evening festival performance of ‘Patience’ by the Grosvenor Light Opera Company at the Buxton Opera House.
Day 3: Chatsworth House, Bakewell and The Pirates of Penzance
Morning visit to magnificent Chatsworth House for a guided tour with time to explore the house and gardens. The lavish stately home of Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family.
Today Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash.
We have free time for lunch and individual exploration in the beautiful old market town of Bakewell, surrounded by stunning countryside views. Bakewell is set on the banks of the Wye and the river meanders gently through the centre. Return to the hotel for an early dinner, then to the Buxton Opera House for an evening performance of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ by the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company.
Day 4: Haddon Hall and Matlock
Visit Haddon Hall for a guided tour of its remarkably preserved medieval and Tudor architecture. The house dates from the 12th – 17th centuries having managed to escape the architectural changes of the 18th and 19th centuries as it sat deserted for more than 200 years, leaving us with the prime example of a fortified, medieval manor house.
Continue to Matlock for lunch at leisure and optional free time before returning to the hotel by 17:00.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel
Four star hotel located near the centre of Buxton, surrounded by private gardens. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, terrace, fitness centre, lift, and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel on a first come, first served basis. Buxton train station is 0.6 miles away, around 15 minutes walk.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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