Gold's Wood

Twenty minutes south of Ashbourne, this patch of ancient woodland feels properly wild compared to the more manicured forests elsewhere in Derbyshire. The paths wind through dense stands of oak and birch, with brambles crowding the edges and fallen logs creating natural stepping stones across muddy patches.

Dog walkers absolutely love it here - the informal network of tracks means you can easily spend an hour or two exploring without retracing your steps. Kids will find plenty to climb on and poke about in, though you'll want to keep an eye on smaller ones as some of the paths can be a bit uneven.

What strikes you most is how quiet it gets once you're deeper in. The traffic noise from nearby roads fades to nothing, replaced by proper woodland sounds - birdsong, rustling leaves, the odd crack of a branch. It's the sort of place where you actually notice the seasons changing.

For families staying at one of the holiday parks around Ashbourne like Callow Top or Sandybrook Lodges, it makes a lovely morning out when the weather's decent. No facilities to speak of, so pack a flask if you're planning a longer wander. Best avoided after heavy rain unless you fancy a proper mud bath.