Queen's Park

The walk into Queen's Park from Chesterfield takes you through proper Derbyshire countryside - moorland and woodland that feels properly removed from the town despite being only minutes away. It's a nature reserve rather than a manicured park, which means genuine habitat for birds, mammals and native plants rather than flowerbeds. The reserve spreads across heathland and scrubland with several walking trails ranging from easy loops to hillier routes that give good views across the valley.

This works best for walkers and anyone interested in wildlife spotting. Birdwatchers will find it worthwhile, especially during migration seasons. Kids will get something from it if they're the exploring sort - there's enough space to wander - though it won't hold attention as a rainy-day activity. The real appeal is the peace of it. You're not fighting crowds, and the landscape has a wild feel that many managed parks have lost.

It's free to access and you can spend anything from an hour for a casual circuit to half a day if you tackle the longer routes. Early morning is your best bet for wildlife, though there's no bad time to visit. If you're staying at any of the nearby caravan or glamping sites - Riverside Valley Camping and Poolsbrook Country Park are both within easy reach - this becomes a genuinely good addition to your Derbyshire break. Pair it with a walk into Chesterfield town itself, which sits just south, and you've got a proper mixed day.