Peak District: Where to stay & travel to Chatsworth

As an aside , go to evensong at York Minster..
Best bet will be Sheffield,only about 1 hour from York.
There are very good bus connections into the National Park from there
this might help www.transport direct.
Hardwick Hall might prove akward to get too,its out just east of the M1
Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket will probably be a good investment too.
Maybe see, if anything is on at Buxton Opera house,and head there for the night.
There are lots of bnb in the Peak District National park, you won't be short of a bed.

No experience of using public transport in that particular area but just a general observation. Bus services in many rural areas can be quite limited at weekends, especially Sundays. Easter Monday is a Bank (Public) Holiday so there will be timetable changes on most public transport, often a "Sunday" service or maintenance work on rail tracks.

No chance of using a rental car for the time you are in the area? It would give you so much more freedom and time, no hanging around waiting for buses or clock watching during your time at any of the sites.

Hi Christine. I recommend : have overnight accomodation at Bakewell or Matlock. Read about small hotels and B & Bs in both towns, in the Lonely Planet book on England.

Matlock is a good choice.