VACATION IN DERBY by Robert Henn

Derby is the heart of Britain in many ways. It is a county of warm-hearted people who really enjoy seeing guests have a great time during their vacation stay. A vacation in Derby can consist of many components. For example, you may want to schedule a vacation visit to the Calke Abbey is an historic structure which is essentially unchanged during the 20th century. You can spend hours looking at the unusual collections housed here. You can also take vacation time to visit the walled gardens exquisitely planned and arranged, as is the landscaped park which surrounds the house.

Calke Abbey dates to the Baroque period and is one of the best place to take children in order to have a fun vacation. The mansion is gradually falling into disrepair, although some elements have been restored, such as the Orangery. Children will enjoy exploring the invisible corridors, secret garden and the underground tunnels in the property. Because the great house sits on 600 acres of park and woodland, there is plenty of space to wander around.

Another popular vacation activity during time spent in Derby is a visit to the Derby potteries. A good overview can be found at the Sharpe's Pottery Museum located at Swadlincote in South Derbyshire. The history of pottery making in Derbyshire goes back to the 16th century. During the early part of the nineteenth century, enormous quantities of household pottery items were produced and shipped to the United States. Derbyshire was the center of sewerage pipe production due to the high silica content of its clay.

Of course, no vacation would be complete without a visit to the Royal Crown Derby. This is arguably the best known porcelain manufacturer in the world. The original company was established in about 1750. The approval to add Royal to the name was given by Queen Victoria in about 1890.

The Derby Cathedral is a wonderful vacation stop. The cathedral dates back to the tenth century. Not only is there architectural points to be marveled over, there are fascinating artifacts such as the historical Bess of Hardwick's Monument, the tombstone of Joseph Wright and the Bakewell Screen.

Another vacation site of architectural and historical interest is the Palladian mansion known as the Kedlestone Hall. The original owners were the Curzon family and the house was built between 1759 and 1765. It's famous for its nearly complete and unchanged Robert Adams interiors in the country. The staterooms are nothing short of magnificent with original furniture and painting collections. In the Eastern Museum, there is a collection completed by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India 1899-1905.

Chatsworth House is another gathering place for visitors making the vacation trek to Derby. Several times voted England's favorite country home by vacation visitors, the structure is famous not only for its architectural and landscaping elements, but the the priceless collections of the family some of which have been sold just in order to retain the property for the family.

If you are able to do nothing else during your vacation in Derby, take the time to visit the Chatsworth garden. This is one of the most renowned in England and well worth the time to visit.