Interest Breaks at Willersley Castle
Throughout the year you can join in a wide range of special activities and themed breaks which run at Willersley Castle
Bird Watching and Short Walks
Tim and Richard Preston are our leaders this week, and offer you a choice each day of going out with bird expert Richard to search for the varied range of birdlife we are blessed with in this area or following lifelong walker Tim on a short but delightful ramble in similarly scenic countryside. In the evening we will entertain you with a variety fun and games, a Quiz Night and a historical ramble through the area’s rich history.
Dates : 05 September 2010 - 10 September 2010
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Harvest Break
A joyful time of fun and fellowship - where we gather together to give thanks for the abundance that is so obvious in the countryside around us. There will be coach trips out into the Peak Park to admire this mellow and frutiful scenery, and the chance to visit intriguing stone built towns such as Bakewell, for a spot of shopping or to sample the local tea room fare. Each evening has entertainment, including a Quiz Night, historical journey through the county and the usual fun and games - followed by devotions in keeping with the Harvest theme.
Dates : 19 September 2010 - 24 September 2010
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Fellowship Week with Jean Long
Jean, a leading light in the Methodist church for many years, will lead you in a full programme of fun and fellowship, with excursions out in the local area to beauty spots and intriguing towns. In the evening you will be entertained by fun and games, live music and a talk on the history of the Castle and the Peak Park.
Coach cost: £9.75 per coach. Admission fees TBA.
Dates : 26 September 2010 - 01 October 2010
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Gilbert and Sullivan
Our ever popular break, where our guests gather together under the guidance of experienced singers to rehearse and perform a classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical - this year the ever fresh ’Patience.’ In the afternoons you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area, whether you wish to wander through the delightful countryside or visit the lovely old stone built towns for a spot of shopping.
Dates : 10 October 2010 - 15 October 2010
Break Type : Music
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Walking and Dancing
A fine and fun mixture of country dancing and walking in some of the finest scenery in the country. During the day we have a choice of Long (9 mile maximum) and Short (7 mile maximum) walks through the lush limestone valleys and across the airy moors of the Peak Park, led by our two experienced walks leaders. There will be a mixture of local walks and coach led walks, so that we can travel a little further afield. Please note: correct footwear is essential.
In the evenings you will be educated and entertained by a range of country dances led by Barabara and Ray Axon, leaders of longstanding here at the castle.
Coach costs - £10.50 per coach.
Dates : 17 October 2010 - 22 October 2010
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
November Dancing Week
Our ever popular Dancing Week led by the excellent Ron Coxall and his regular instrumentalists Rod and Francis Stradling. A wide range of country dances take place throughout the day, and in the afternoon you have the opportunity to relax, explore the area, or take a short walk (a maximum of four miles) in the delightful and historic Derwent Valley and surrounding area. Walkers should bring their boots with them.
Course Fee - TBA
Dates : 07 November 2010 - 12 November 2010
Break Type : Music
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Winter Walks
The Peak District in Winter is a beautiful and often enchanting place to walk, this fact twinned with the opportunity to relax over lunch in a cosy pub or restaurant makes an appealing combination. Our friendly and experienced walks leaders Geoff and Simon will be delighted to lead these refreshing winter walks - each day has a choice of a short (6 miles max.) or longer (8 mile max) walk, either from the Castle or by car.
(Depending on numbers, these walks may be combined.) Lunch will be taken in comfort in a pub or restaurant en route. In the evening you will be entertained with fun and games, a pictorial guide to the area and a quiz night.
Walkers MUST have proper footwear.
Special Offer - A FREE coach or mini bus will be provided to transport you on one of the walks.
Dates : 14 November 2010 - 19 November 2010
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Winter Craft Break
Our regular craft leaders, Margaret Sharman and Sue Moorley, will give you the benefit of their experience as they teach you how to use a variety of techniques to create Festive gifts. During the spare time you may wish to visit the local area, and perhaps seek out the craft shops in the Bakewell and Chatsworth areas for supplies and inspiration.
Course Fee TBA
Dates : 21 November 2010 - 26 November 2010
Break Type : Arts and Crafts
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Turkey and Tinsel 1
All the fun and fellowship of Christmas and New Year held a little earlier in the year. Our ever popular week includes excursions out in the beautiful Peak Park and a visit to a local Pantomime or festive play. In the evening we will entertain you with Christmas fun and games, live music, and of course a visit from Father Christmas – with a present for all those who have been good this year.
Dates : 29 November 2010 - 03 December 2010
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Banner Making and Calligraphy
An informative and creative short break, giving you the opportunity to make your own unique designs to take away with you. Create your own decorative banner under the expert tutelage of Jane Edwards or learn a variety of calligraphy techniques with the similarly skilled Gwilym Roberts.
Course Fee: TBA
Dates : 03 December 2010 - 05 December 2010
Break Type : Arts and Crafts
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Turkey and Tinsel 2
Join Marion Owen for all the fun and fellowship of Christmas and New Year held a little earlier in the year. Our ever popular week includes excursions out in the beautiful Peak Park and a visit to a local Pantomime or festive play. In the evening we will entertain you with Christmas fun and games, live music, and of course a visit from Father Christmas – with a present for all those who have been good this year.
Dates : 06 December 2010 - 10 December 2010
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Lazy Days and Log Fires
An opportunity to relax by a roaring fire, and catch up on your reading or enjoy our heated swimming pool. For those who wish to be a little more active there is the option of a gentle afternoon stroll in the local area. In the evenings there will the opportunity to take part in a little light entertainment, with Christmas themed games and quizzes.
Dates : 10 December 2010 - 22 December 2010
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Christmas and New Year House Parties
Enjoy the Christmas period in friendship and fellowship - with our distinctive mixture of traditional festive fun and games, carol singing and worship, along with live music, craft sessions, dancing, local rambles and a pantomimne to take part in.
There will also be coach excursions to local attractions and a visit to a theatre, to see a Pantomime or festive play. Prices TBC.
The candle lit singing around the hall ’well’ to welcome Christmas Day and the New Year is a particular highlight - so don’t forget your camera.
More details to follow.
Dates : 22 December 2010 - 03 January 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Rest and Relaxation Week
Recover from the stresses and strains of a busy Christmas with a week of relaxing, healthy eating and stress releaving optional activities including pool aerobics, gentle local strolls, a tour of the local area and inspirational guest speakers.
Dates : 09 January 2011 - 14 January 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Card Making Break
If you enjoy the art of card making, or would like to try your hand at it, then this week is for you. Each day you will have the opportunity to learn a new card making technique, while creating something both beautiful and practical to take home with you. There will also be time in the week to go out and visit some of the excellent craft shops we have in the area, or just explore the countryside.
A course fee will apply TBA
Dates : 16 January 2011 - 21 January 2011
Break Type : Arts and Crafts
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Banner Making and Winter Photography
A holiday for the creative, with a choice of either designing and making a striking banner for worship or prayer, under the guidance of our experienced and friendly leaders or heading out into the beautiful wintry Derbyhire countryside to learn how best to capture this most striking of seasons with your camera.
A course fee will apply, this is TBA.
Dates : 30 January 2011 - 04 February 2011
Break Type : Arts and Crafts
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Winter Walking
The Peak District in Winter is an enchanting place in which to walk - whether striding through green fields and limestone dales, or crunching thorugh freshly fallen snow - the scenery at this time of year is a joy. Our experienced guides will show you the finest Derbyshire countryside and most interesting villages, whether you like a longer walk, or just a gentle ’toddle’. Where possible a luxury coach will be available to take you to the start of the walk, and return you in comfort to the Castle.
Lunch will be taken each day in a cosy public house or restaurant, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the company of your fellow walkers.
In the evenings entertainment is provided, with the traditional fun and fellowship, along with a talk illustrating the rich history of the area and an evening of live music.
Dates : 06 February 2011 - 11 February 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Half Term Family Fun
A week of fun for the whole family, based on the theme of that great hero Robin Hood - so you can expect to take part in archery, medieval feasting, jousting and of course a visit to the famous Sherwood Forest. In the evenings there will be plenty to entertain you with a Night Hike, themed Merrie Man (and woman) evening and a Pool Party at our heated indoor pool.
Dates : 20 February 2011 - 25 February 2011
Break Type : Family Fun
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Derbyshire in Spring
A break to enjoy the crisp beauty of Derbyshire as the spring crocuses and daffodils burst into life. A daytime programme of coach excursions will convey you in comfort out into the countryside, with lunch taken in the beautiful stone built towns and villages of the Peak District. In the evenings we will entertain you with our unique blend of fun and fellowship, including an informative talk on local history and musical entertainment, along with quizzes, games and other diversions to enjoy together. A full week of enjoyment and relaxation is guaranteed.
Dates : 06 March 2011 - 11 March 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
English Country Dancing
This ever popular week is led by the excellent team of dance caller Ron Coxall and live musicians Rod and Frances Stradling and so is certain to be both enjoyable and educational as you explore a range of English country dances. In the afternoon an optional local walk is provided, led by a knowledgable guide, so that you can enjoy the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Dates : 20 March 2011 - 25 March 2011
Break Type : Music
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Spring Walking Week
Graham and Margaret Bevan have an expert knowledge of Derbyshire and the surrounding areas and will use this expertise to ensure you walk in the finest countryside, whether that be limestone valleys lined with spring flowers, or the sweeping views and fresh hilltop breezes of the moors and ’Edges’ of the Nothern Peak. A short and long walk is available each day, with a coach to transport you where possible. A free packed lunch will be provided to refresh you along the way.
In the evening a varied programme of entertainment will be provided including the usual fun and fellowship, and a guest speaker to inform and entertain.
Experienced walkers and those just taking up this most rewarding hobby are all welcome.
Dates : 27 March 2011 - 01 April 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Willersley ’War Babies’ Reunion
Following the great success of last year’s reunion we offer an extended opportunity for those born at the Castle, and their families, to return to the place of their birth. As with last year we will offer you the chance to explore the area with coach excursions in the delightful Peak District countryside and a some gentle strolls for those who wish to stretch their legs.
In the evenings there will be a varied programme of entertainment including music and a talk on the history of the area, and of course Willersley itself. The now larger archive of photographs relating to the Maternity Hospital will also be on display for you to enjoy. Whether you have visited before or always wanted to come to the place of your birth you will be made very welcome.
Dates : 10 April 2011 - 15 April 2011
Break Type : Heritage
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Easter House Party
Enjoy an Easter of Fun and Fellowship, with activities for all ages. During the day you will have the chance to explore the area, with a coach excursion into the beautiful Peak Park, and guided walks and tours of the World Heritage status Derwent Valley. If you are artistic you may like to join one of the craft sessions including the decorating of an Easter cross, and the creation of our own Willersley ’well dressing’.Children will enjoy the mask making, and T-shirt painting on offer, along with orienteering, an Egg Hunt and a Pool Party. In the evenings you will be entertained by a varied programme including an Easter themed games evening, Musical Guests and for the more active, a Night Hike. The spiritual side of Easter will of course be an importnat focus of the week - with our Hosts leading prayers in the morning and evening.
Dates : 21 April 2011 - 26 April 2011
Break Type : Family Fun
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Enjoying Music
A magnificent mix of good music and the best of Derbyhire countryside; during the day one of Slack’s comfortable coaches will take you to popular beauty spots, interesting towns and stone built Peak villages, in the evening you can sit back and enjoy performances by our talented and entertaining musicians Peter and Margaret Featherstone, Colin Ashton and Joyce Deighton along with performances from other invited guests.
Dates : 08 May 2011 - 13 May 2011
Break Type : Music
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Walking the Limestone Way
The Limestone Way is a long distant walk through the most beautiful of the limestone valleys and villages of North Derbyshire. This special walking break will allow you to enjoy this spectacular route from the wild hills and caves of Castleton all the way down to rich Heritage of the Derwent Valley around Cromford, either as a series of long (8-9 mile) walks, or as shorter walks in the same area, to enjoy the same scenery while at a slower pace.
Evening entertainment will include a fine blend of fun and fellowship - with a talk on the history of the route you are following and a visit from a Park Ranger to hear about the work that goes into preserving the Peak Park.
Coach fees are extra, prices TBA
Dates : 05 June 2011 - 10 June 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Over 50’s Fun and Fellowship
A week for the young at heart, with coach excursions out into the lush limestone valleys and airy moorland tops of the Peak Park, with optional short walks for the more adventurous, and the chance to explore the charming stone built towns and villages that the area is known for. If we are fortunate we may have some well dressings to admire as we travel around.
In the evenings there will be the usual fun and games along with a historic ramble through the past of the Peak, and live music.
Coach and Admission fees TBA.
Dates : 19 June 2011 - 24 June 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Dancing Week
Join Ron Coxall and musicians Rod and Frances Stradling for our ever popular week of traditional English Country Dancing; learn new skills or hone your technique. Dancing sessions take place in the morning and evenings leaving the afternoon free to explore the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside.
For those who wish to explore the area on foot there will be a short organised walk of up to four miles in the beautiful surrounding countryside each afternoon. Correct footwear is required.
A course fee applies
Dates : 02 July 2011 - 09 July 2011
Break Type : Music
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Painting Break
Details to follow shortly
A course fee will apply.
Dates : 17 July 2011 - 22 July 2011
Break Type : Arts and Crafts
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Tropical Family Fun
Enjoy a taste of the exotic without having to jump on a plane as we bring a flavour of the Jungle and the palm treed beaches of the Caribbean to Derbyshire. A range of fun activities will be provided each day, with a visit to see some exotic animals at a local park and the chance to play steel drums and make your own fruit cocktails to try at home.
In the evenings there will be the usual Pool Fun and Night exploration of the area - along with a Beach themed fun night and limbo dancing!
Dates : 24 July 2011 - 29 July 2011
Break Type : Family Fun
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Teen Activity Week
Our lively and popular week for teenagers and their families, with the opportunity to take part in both organised free activities such as walking in the Peak Park, Orienteering, a Pool Party and more, and a programme of events run by the excellent Mike Pilling and the Focus Activities Team - who have arranged a choice of exciting half day and full day activities, details of these will be confirmed nearer the time but previous activites have included a Family Activity in our grounds - with obstacles to overcome and tasks to perform as a group - climbing, caving and canoeing.
The evening programme includes a Team Olympic Evening, Treasure Hunt, Night Hike and the finale - a Pool Party and Bonfire.
Dates : 30 July 2011 - 06 August 2011
Break Type : Family Fun
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Cycling and Family Fun Week
Derbyshire contains some of the best and safest cycle trails in the country, and this week we will take advantage of a number of them. Bring your own bike or hire one from the excellent cycle centres, and a guide will join you to explore the Derbyshire countryside - stopping for lunch enroute in the hopefully glorious summer weather. Other activities will include Orienteering, a Night Hike and canoeing - along with our usual fun and fellowship.
This week has been very popular in the past so book early to avoid disappointment.
Dates : 07 August 2011 - 13 August 2011
Break Type : Family Fun
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Mediaeval Family Fun
You are welcome to Ye Olde Castle for a glimpse of Merrie England, with such jollies and japes as a Hog Roast, Archery in the grounds, Jester juggling skills, a display of falconry and a visit by coach or car to Sherwood Forest - the haunt of the famous outlaw, Robin Hood.
A Children’s Club will run before dinner each day with crafts to make, games to play and boats to build and sail on the River.
Each evening entertainment will be provided to suit all ages, with a family quiz, Night Hike and a Mediaeval Tournament to take part.
Dates : 21 August 2011 - 26 August 2011
Break Type : Family Fun
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Late Summer Walks
Our ever popular Walking Week returns, with a splendid range of long and short walks in the beautiful Derbyshire hills and dales. Each day we will venture out by coach or public transport to explore the best of the breathtaking scenery and delightful stone built villages of the Derwent Valley and Peak park.Our experienced and friendly guides will be on hand all week to share their local knowledge and remove the map reading work - leaving you free to enjoy the scenery and the fellowship of other walkers.
Each evening entertainment will be provided with a talk and picture show on the local area, live music and the usual fun and games.
Your guides for the week are free, coach costs are extra and are TBA.
Dates : 27 August 2011 - 02 September 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Bird Watching and Short Walks
Tim and Richard Preston are our leaders this week, and offer you a choice each day of going out with bird expert Richard to search for the varied range of birdlife we are blessed with in this area or following lifelong walker Tim on a short but delightful ramble in similarly scenic countryside. In the evening we will entertain you with a variety fun and games, a Quiz Night and a historical ramble through the area’s rich history.
Dates : 11 September 2011 - 16 September 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Harvest Break
A joyful time of fun and fellowship - where we gather together to give thanks for the abundance that is so obvious in the countryside around us. There will be coach trips out into the Peak Park to admire this mellow and fruitful scenery, and the chance to visit intriguing stone built towns such as Buxton, for a spot of shopping or to sample the local tea room fare. Each evening has entertainment, including a Quiz Night, historical journey through the county and the usual fun and games - followed by devotions in keeping with the Harvest theme.
Dates : 11 September 2011 - 16 September 2011
Break Type : Coach Holiday
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Festival of Music
A week for those who enjoy good music from Brass Bands to Barber shop choirs, Male Voice Choirs to String Quartets - each evening, and on some afternoons, there will be a different guest musician or group to entertain you.
During the day there will be excursions out into the beautiful Peak Park, with a visit to a National Trust house and one of the areas famed ’Well dressings’.
Dates : 25 September 2011 - 30 September 2011
Break Type : Music
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Autumn Colours
Autumn is a season to relish here on the edge of the Peak Park, so we are offering you the chance to explore, by coach and on foot, this most beautiful of counties. Each day there will be an excursion or local walk, showing you the best of the local towns including the fine northern peak town of Castleton - noted for its caves and tea rooms - and some of out famed beauty spots such as Carsington reservoir and the beautiful Dovedale area.
In the evenings there will be good food followed by our unique blend of entertainment with a quiz night,fun and games and musical entertainment.
Dates : 02 October 2011 - 07 October 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Walking and Dancing
Details to follow shortly.
Dates : 16 October 2011 - 21 October 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Half Term in the Big Top
Fun for all the family with circus skills to learn, Clowning, themed team competitions and face painting.
Dates : 23 October 2011 - 28 October 2011
Break Type : Arts and Crafts
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Dancing Break
Ron and his expert musicians will guide you on this ever popular week of mixed Country Dancing. For those wishing for some fresh air in the afternoon there will be short walks out in the beutiful Derbyshire countryside.
Dates : 13 November 2011 - 18 November 2011
Break Type : Walking
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Turkey and Tinsel
All the fun and fellowship of Christmas and New Year held a little earlier in the year. Our ever popular week includes excursions out in the beautiful Peak Park and a visit to a local Pantomime or festive play. A full Christmas dinner will be served, with all the trimmings, without the washing up to worry about.
In the evening we will entertain you with Christmas carols, fun and games, live music, and of course a visit from Father Christmas – with a present for all those who have been good this year.
Dates : 04 December 2011 - 12 December 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry
Turkey and Tinsel 2
Join Marion Owen for all the fun and fellowship of Christmas and New Year held a little earlier in the year. Our ever popular week includes excursions out in the beautiful Peak Park, a full Chrismas dinner and a visit to a local Pantomime or festive play. In the evening we will entertain you with Christmas fun and games, live music, and of course a visit from Father Christmas – with a present for all those who have been good this year.
Dates : 12 December 2011 - 16 December 2011
Break Type : Fun and Fellowship
Hotel : Willersley Castle Hotel
Booking Enquiry