Ashbourne

Ancient market charters and gingerbread traditions give this Peak District gateway town a proper sense of place. Ashbourne sits where Derbyshire's rolling hills begin their climb towards the Dark Peak, making it a cracking spot for exploring both gentle dales and wilder moorland.

The town centre feels refreshingly real - no chain coffee shops dominating every corner. Instead, you'll find independent shops lining the streets that have served travellers for centuries. It's famous for Royal Shrovetide Football, a medieval game that turns the entire town into a pitch every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

Venture out and you're spoilt for choice. The Tissington Trail follows an old railway line through countryside so green it almost hurts your eyes. Middleton Top Winding Engine shows how Victorian engineering conquered these hills, while the villages scattered around - each with their own character - reward those willing to explore beyond the obvious routes.

Carsington Water, just a short drive away, offers sailing and cycling if you fancy something more active. The surrounding woods like Pitty Wood provide excellent walking, though they can get muddy after rain.

Getting here's straightforward - the A515 runs right through town, connecting to Derby in the south and Buxton to the north. It's about 45 minutes from Derby by car, though the winding roads through the dales mean you'll want to take your time.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper pub dinner, but far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic. Several parks around Carsington Water and towards Wirksworth put you right in walking country.