Priestcliffe Lees SSSI

The limestone grassland at Priestcliffe Lees, just outside Buxton, is a proper botanist's paradise - the sort of place where you'll spot rare orchids and thyme if you know when to look. This Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve covers around 4 hectares of unimproved grassland that somehow survived decades of being overlooked, which makes it all the more valuable now.

What you're really here for are the wildflowers. Late spring through early summer is when it earns its stripes - Common Spotted Orchid, Fragrant Orchid, and if you're lucky, Bee Orchid put on a display that justifies the trip. The grassland itself is grazed traditionally, which keeps things balanced and stops it all turning into scrub.

This works best for walkers with a genuine interest in geology and botany rather than families after a quick leg-stretch. Half an hour to an hour is realistic if you're pottering about properly, taking photos, trying to identify what's flowering. The terrain is gentle - no major climbs - so it's accessible without being tedious.

Based at Buxton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, you're well-positioned to explore this corner of the Peak District. Combine it with walks along nearby limestone trails or a poke round Buxton itself. Check the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust website before you go - they'll have the latest updates on what's currently in flower and any seasonal access details. Free to visit, naturally.