Ingerholmes Wood

The woodland around Ingerholmes is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - a proper beech and oak forest just outside Derby that feels considerably further away from the city than it actually is. Once you're in among the trees, the urban sprawl vanishes entirely.

It's essentially a walking wood. There are paths threading through, though nothing formally maintained or signed - you'll want decent boots if it's been wet. The canopy is thick enough that even on bright days there's a lovely dappled quality to the light, and in autumn the fallen leaves are ankle-deep. Good for families who don't mind kids getting muddy, and walkers after a proper ramble rather than a scenic viewpoint. A couple of hours is the right amount of time; longer and you'll be retracing steps.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - Broadleaves or Field of Dreams are both within two miles - this is an obvious choice for a morning before breakfast or late afternoon when the light's turning golden. Hill Farm Camping, also close by, serves the same purpose for caravan folk.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so go in equipped. Car access is limited, which keeps the crowds down. Winter's excellent if you don't mind the bare trees; spring brings bluebells in patches. Worth the visit if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days, but don't make it a special trip from Derby town centre.