Creswell Crags is a lovely half-mile-long narrow valley situated where the three borders of South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire join. On its steep limestone sides there is a series of caves which were inhabited by Neanderthals up to 60,000 years ago. Their tools found on site are displayed in the excellent small on-site museum/visitor centre.

Following the last Ice Age, early Homo sapiens occupied the caves as far back as 12,000 years ago. They left abundant tools and artefacts, again displayed in the museum. But they are noted for their extraordinary cave drawings.

The afternoon will be spent at the elevated Bolsover Castle, now owned by English Heritage. The playboy William Cavendish replaced the Medieval keep with an extravagant summer palace designed to impress his visitors as it does today. There are sumptuous wall paintings, replica tapestries and notably the Elysium Closet with its painted ceiling and friezes of naked classical gods and goddesses. Cavendish loved horses and built a vast indoor Riding House. Horse riding displays may be available on the day of our visit at a small charge.

Cost £35 (or £22 for members of English Heritage) plus optional £8 if cave tour required. This includes coach seat, driver gratuity and entry to Creswell Crags Museum/Visitor Centre and the Valley and Bolsover Castle.

This trip cannot be booked directly via the website. Please contact elizabeth.nash@phonecoop.coop for further details and booking.

Booking closes mid-day Friday 24 June.