Waingroves Woodland

The woodland around Waingroves, just outside Alfreton, is proper walking territory. You're looking at mixed woodland with decent paths that wind through without too much faffing about - the sort of place where you can actually breathe and hear yourself think rather than crowds. It's miles from dramatic, but that's rather the point.

The paths are manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might struggle with muddy sections after rain. Most people spend between one and two hours here, depending on how far they venture. There's something straightforward about it - no theme park theatrics, just trees, quiet, and the occasional dog walker.

Worth knowing: this isn't a destination in itself. It works brilliantly as a morning walk if you're staying at Golden Valley Caravan and Camping Park or Riddings Wood just down the road, both rated cracking spots. Do the woodland loop, grab lunch in Alfreton, job done. The Firs Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is slightly further out but still close enough for an easy outing.

Go when it's not been raining heavily unless you fancy bog-standard wellies. Spring's decent for bluebells if you're that way inclined, though don't expect a proper carpet. Autumn's better honestly - cleaner underfoot, better light through the trees. Free to roam as far as we can tell, which is refreshing. Not Instagram-famous, not packed, just a solid bit of woodland that does what it says.