Joan Tidy Eco Garden

You'll find this small community garden tucked away in Derby, and it's the sort of place that rewards a quiet wander rather than a rushed visit. Joan Tidy Eco Garden is run by locals who actually care about what they're growing - vegetables, herbs, flowers, all of it managed without chemicals and with a proper eye on wildlife. What you get is a working garden, not a polished showpiece, which is rather refreshing.

It's free to visit and best suited to anyone with even a passing interest in how things grow. If you're into organic gardening or sustainable living, you'll spot ideas worth stealing. Parents with young children might manage 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much they like digging about and spotting insects. Serious gardeners could spend longer, poking around the different growing areas and chatting to whoever's about.

There's no cafe or facilities to speak of, so bring water and don't expect creature comforts. The real value is in seeing how a volunteer-run space can thrive without fuss or pretension. It won't be the centerpiece of a holiday, but if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Broadleaves or Field of Dreams, it's worth a morning visit before heading elsewhere. Pair it with a proper walk in one of Derby's parks or a look round the town itself. Go when the weather's decent - there's not much shelter, and on a grey day it loses some appeal.