Crich Memorial Tower

The tower itself dominates the skyline above Matlock - a solid Victorian structure that catches your eye from miles away across the Derbyshire valleys. Built in 1863 as a war memorial, it's less about queuing indoors and more about the walk to reach it, which is proper steep but genuinely rewarding. The climb to the top takes about ten minutes once you're there, and the views across the Derwent Valley stretch for miles on a clear day.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this one. It's not a casual stroll - you're tackling real hills - but that's precisely why it feels earned. Families with older kids manage it fine; younger ones might grumble halfway up. The tower itself is straightforward: you go up, you look out, that's it. No visitor centre, no gift shop, just the monument and the landscape.

If you're camping at Lickpenny or The Firs near Matlock, this makes a brilliant morning or early evening excursion before heading back for tea. It ties in well with exploring Matlock town itself and the wider Peak District walks. Allow a couple of hours including the walk and time at the top - longer if you're stopping to sketch or photograph. There's no entrance fee, which is refreshing. Go in decent weather; the mist rolls in fast around here and you'll see absolutely nothing from the top if it does. Worth the legs for the views alone.