Eastwood Park

Eastwood Park sits just outside Alfreton and works as a proper woodland walk rather than a structured tourist attraction. It's the sort of place where you turn up with decent boots and let the forest do the talking - old trees, open grassland, and enough space to actually hear yourself think.

The reserve itself is manageable on foot, with paths that loop through deciduous woodland and clearings where you can sit and watch for birds. Nothing dramatic, but it's solid for a couple of hours if you're camping nearby at one of the caravan sites scattered around Alfreton way. Poolsbrook Country Park is close by if you're looking for somewhere to pitch up, and the walking links well between the two.

Who'll enjoy it most? Families with young legs will get on fine with it - not too taxing, plenty of room to explore safely. Dog walkers absolutely love these Derbyshire reserves. History buffs might find themselves interested in the old industrial heritage of the area, though the park itself is more about the land recovering than displaying much of the past.

No entrance fee that I'm aware of, and you can visit whenever works for you. Spring's lovely here when the bluebells come through. Summer's decent too, though you'll want to go early to avoid the worst of any crowds and the muggy afternoons. It's not a destination in itself - treat it as part of a longer Derbyshire loop if you're staying in the area.