Griff Wood

Ancient oak and ash trees tower overhead as you step into this peaceful woodland just outside Ashbourne. Griff Wood feels properly wild - no manicured paths or interpretive boards here, just muddy tracks winding between moss-covered trunks and the odd fallen log to clamber over.

Families with energetic children will love the freedom to explore without worrying about keeping to designated routes. The kids can build dens, hunt for interesting fungi, and generally get gloriously mucky. Dog walkers rate it highly too - plenty of space for four-legged friends to roam safely away from traffic.

Expect to spend a good hour or two if you're planning to explore properly. The woodland is free to access, though parking can be a bit hit and miss depending on where you approach from. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, while autumn delivers that satisfying crunch underfoot.

It's well worth combining with a stay at one of the nearby holiday parks - Sandybrook Lodges and Ashbourne Heights Holiday Park are both within easy reach. After a day tramping through Derbyshire's more dramatic peaks, Griff Wood offers a gentler alternative that still gets you properly outdoors. The contrast between this quiet woodland and busier attractions like Alton Towers makes for a nicely balanced holiday.