Alderwasley Park

The Derwent Valley around Belper holds some proper surprises if you know where to look. Alderwasley Park sits quietly along the river, and what strikes you first is how the woodland just tumbles down to the water's edge - no manicured paths, no visitor centre, just trees and the sound of the Derwent moving below.

It's a nature reserve that rewards wandering. You'll find woodland trails that wind through mixed trees, and the riverbank itself offers decent birdwatching if you're patient. The whole spot feels like somewhere locals know and tourists miss, which is exactly why it works. Bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing; the kingfishers turn up here, and in winter you might spot redwing or fieldfare in the berry-laden hawthorns.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Carsington Fields or Carsington Water are both excellent, sitting about five or six miles away - this makes an easy morning walk without feeling like a tourist trap. Two hours is plenty; it's not a sprawling country estate, but the compact nature of it means you're not trudging for hours to feel you've seen something worthwhile.

Families with young walkers will manage fine on the main paths, though it's not a playground. Serious nature spotters and riverside wanderers will get considerably more from it. Bring a rain jacket - the Derbyshire weather changes fast, and these trees don't provide much shelter when it comes on. Free access, no nonsense, proper Midlands countryside.