Amber Valley Rugby Club RUFC

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks around Alfreton and fancy catching some proper rugby, Amber Valley RUFC is right on your doorstep - literally a five-minute drive from Riddings Wood Holiday Park. It's a genuine community club, the sort of place where locals actually gather on match days rather than some corporate stadium experience.

What you get is straightforward: a rugby club pitch where you can watch matches during the season, usually Saturday afternoons for league fixtures. It's the real deal - no pretence, just the sport itself. Families can bring kids without worrying about overcrowded corporate crowds; the atmosphere tends to be relaxed and welcoming to visitors. Allow a couple of hours for a match, though kick-off times vary depending on the fixture list.

Timing matters here. Check the fixture schedule before you visit - there's no point turning up mid-week expecting a game. The club runs during the proper rugby season, so autumn through spring is your window. Summer weekends won't have competitive matches on.

Honestly, it's best suited to rugby enthusiasts or families keen on watching grassroots sport. If your lot doesn't care for rugby, there's not much else to do - it's a functioning sports facility, not a tourist attraction. But if someone in the party enjoys the game, it's a decent way to spend a Saturday afternoon and keeps everyone entertained for less than a tenner. Check ahead for admission costs and match schedules on their website or give them a ring.