Cromford Mills

The first water-powered cotton mill in Britain opened here in 1771, and walking around Cromford Mills today you can actually feel the weight of that invention. Jedediah Strutt's gamble changed everything - mechanised spinning on an industrial scale, the moment Britain's economy shifted from farmland to factories. The mill buildings still stand along the Derwent, red brick and stone, with the original waterwheel system visible if you know where to look.

You can wander the site itself free of charge, which is fair enough because it's genuinely worth an hour of your time. The Arkwright Society runs tours and there's a working museum inside that costs a few quid - worth it if you're the type who wants to understand the mechanics rather than just admire the architecture. History buffs will find plenty to sink their teeth into. Kids might struggle unless they're already interested in industrial heritage, but the riverside walk is pleasant enough and beats being cooped up in the car.

Matlock's only three miles away, so it fits nicely into a Derbyshire park break. If you're based at one of the caravan sites around here - Lickpenny's closest at just over three miles - you can visit on a rainy afternoon without much effort. The Peak District's proper walking country, and Cromford Mills makes sense as a halfway-through-the-week cultural break when your feet need a rest from the hills.