Somersall Park

You'll find Somersall Park just outside Chesterfield, a proper slice of Derbyshire woodland that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards a quiet walk. It's a working nature reserve rather than a manicured park - the sort of place where you're more likely to spot deer or woodland birds than ice cream vans.

The appeal here is straightforward: mature trees, open grassland, and enough space to actually hear yourself think. Walkers get the most from it - there are paths winding through the reserve that take anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours depending on how far you fancy venturing. Families with young children will find it pleasant enough for a short ramble, though there's nothing to keep them occupied once they've had their fill of trees and fresh air.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - Ernest's Retreat or Slate House Farm are closest, barely over two miles away - Somersall works as a morning outing before heading towards Chatsworth or exploring Chesterfield's town centre. Darwin Forest, further afield at 4.7 miles, offers more structured activities if you want something less low-key.

Bring binoculars if you're into birds. Don't expect facilities beyond the car park. It's free to access and best visited outside the school holidays when it's quieter. The real value here isn't in any single feature - it's in getting a breath of proper countryside within spitting distance of Derbyshire's bigger attractions.