Bruns Wood

The woodland around Bruns Wood, just outside Matlock, is proper Derbyshire - dense, quiet, and the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a straightforward forest walk rather than some manicured attraction with visitor centres and gift shops, which is refreshing if you're after something real.

You're looking at mixed woodland with decent paths that don't require mountaineering skills. The trees provide good shelter even when the weather's being difficult, and there's enough variation in the terrain to keep a walk interesting without it becoming a slog. It works well for families with kids old enough to manage uneven ground - under-fives might find it a bit much depending on how far you venture in. Walkers and anyone wanting to escape the Matlock town bustle will get proper value here. There's no entrance fee, no opening hours to worry about, just turn up.

Allow a couple of hours for a decent explore, though you can obviously do it in less if you're just after a quick circuit. Early morning or late afternoon is worth timing for - the light's better and you'll avoid any crowds, though frankly it's rarely rammed.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Carsington Water is only four miles away, with Carsington Fields and Poplars Farm also close by - Bruns Wood makes a solid half-day addition to your holiday. Pair it with a walk around Carsington Water itself or a look at Matlock town proper, and you've got a proper Derbyshire afternoon sorted.