Dovedale

Limestone spires jut from the River Dove like ancient monuments, creating one of the Peak District's most recognisable scenes. Dovedale's famous stepping stones have been drawing visitors since Victorian times, though on summer weekends you'll queue to cross them.

Walkers get the best of this place. The main path from the car park near Ashbourne follows the river for about two miles through the gorge, passing dramatic rock formations with names like Reynard's Cave and Lover's Leap. It's proper gentle walking - suitable for families with older children, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven terrain.

Photographers love the dawn light here, when mist rises from the water and you have the dale mostly to yourself. By mid-morning in peak season, it's rammed. The stepping stones become a bottleneck, with people posing for Instagram shots while others wait to cross.

Free to visit, though parking costs a few pounds. Allow three hours for a decent walk, or just an hour if you only want the classic stepping stones photo. The path continues beyond the main tourist bit into much quieter territory - well worth pushing on if you can manage the distance.

From holiday parks like Ashbourne Heights or Callow Top, you're perfectly placed for early morning visits before the crowds arrive. Spring's lovely here when the ash trees are budding, though any season works if you time it right.