Belper Park Local Natural Reserve

The River Derwent winds through Belper Park, and that's really the draw here - a proper stretch of woodland and water meadow right on the town's doorstep. It's the kind of place locals know well and visitors often miss, which is a shame because it's genuinely worth half an hour of your time if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks.

You get a riverside walk that feels removed from the town despite being so close to it. Trees line both banks, and depending on the season you might spot kingfishers or roe deer - nothing guaranteed, but the quiet means you've got a decent chance. The paths are well-maintained and mostly flat, so it works for families with young kids or anyone who doesn't fancy climbing hills.

Because it's free and accessible, there's no excuse not to pop in for a morning stroll before heading elsewhere in Derbyshire. If you're based at The Firs Caravan and Motorhome Club, it's barely two miles away - you could walk it if you fancied. Golden Valley and Poplars Farm are only slightly further out, so it slots neatly into a day that might include the mills and museums Belper's known for.

Don't expect manicured gardens or visitor facilities. This is genuine local nature reserve territory - muddy in places after rain, sometimes a bit overgrown, but that's exactly what makes it feel authentic rather than managed-for-tourists. Best visited on a clear morning when the light catches the water properly and you've got the place to yourself.