Dan's school trip to Derbyshire

Last week, I went to Duke's Barn in Beesley, on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate. I had bunk beds, so I could get on the top bunk and watch TV. My Mum and Dad came too, and we went with my friends and the teachers from school.


On the first day we travelled by minibus and arrived before tea. We had pizza chips and spaghetti; and ketchup of course. We got to explore the house and the grounds and then we went for a walk round the village which has a stream running down the main street.


The next day was Tuesday. We had a full English breakfast each, and then went out to learn how to climb and use ropes. I did rope climbing in the little barn and I went round an aerial obstacle course. It was a lot of fun and I had a great time doing it. So did my friends.



In the afternoon we went out to do river walking. We took fishing nets along and my mum caught a brook lamprey; my dad was jealous because he only caught a bullhead and he has never caught a lamprey, ever! That evening we had spagboll (just as my dad predicted.) Then we played with bubbles and stuff in the courtyard. I discovered the games room where we played table tennis, snooker and table football. There was a TV room too.


On Wednesday, we had full English again. This was to be caving and walking day. My group went for long walk in the hills before lunch. It was along an old railway line, but I did a really serious walk on the way back, down into the valley and up again. I got very sweaty and tired, but after lunch I was fine. After we had our sandwiches we went down a big cave in Buxton. It was dark in the cave, but we had lamps with us. I really liked the cave. It was a big adventure. Supper was fish fingers. You should have seen my mum's face!


The next day we had a full English breakfast, then my group went canoeing on a lake in the woods behind Chatsworth House. I sat in the front of my canoe and paddled. Leroy fell in. The teachers laughed themselves silly. I really like canoeing.



We had lunch by the lake, then went to another old railway line where there was a (75 feet high) bridge; and my dad and my teacher jumped off! I wanted to do it as well, but you have to wear a helmet and I don't really wear hats. I'll do it next time though.



That night we had beef pie and roast potatoes. My mum was happy. Then we had a party for Becky because she was 15. I really had a brilliant party with my friends. I stayed up late and had lots to eat and drink. We had a disco and we danced and played in the tv room. Becky had a good time too.

On Friday we had a full English breakfast and then set off home. I went in the bus with my friends, and Mum and Dad filled the car with my stuff and met me at home.






I loved Dukes Barns and didn't want to leave. I want to do it again, soon.