Matlock

Stone circles and ancient cairns dot the hills around this handsome spa town, where Georgian terraces cascade down limestone slopes towards the River Derwent. Matlock built its reputation on thermal springs, but today it's the gateway to some of the Peak District's finest walking country. The town itself has kept its Victorian elegance - proper stone buildings and tree-lined streets that feel genuinely lived-in rather than tourist-polished.

The Derbyshire Dales Narrow Gauge Railway runs through nearby Rowsley South, offering steam train journeys that showcase the valley's dramatic scenery. For walkers, the surrounding peaks are spectacular. Eagle Tor and Peak Tor provide cracking views across the dales, while the mysterious stone circles like T62 and ancient landmarks such as The Kings Stone hint at thousands of years of human history etched into these hills.

Darley Dale Station Picnic Area makes a decent starting point for family walks, though the real treasures are the archaeological sites scattered across Blakelow Hill. The Duke of York Stone and Duchess of Sutherland Stone mark historical moments, while the Cat Stone and various cairns suggest this landscape has always drawn people to pause and remember.

Getting here is straightforward - the A6 runs right through, connecting to Derby in 20 minutes. The Peak District's major attractions like Chatsworth and Bakewell are all within easy striking distance. Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area, from Hoe Grange Holidays to Darwin Forest, puts you right in the thick of walking country while keeping Matlock's cafes and pubs close enough for evening meals.