Rollerworld Derby

The giant silver roller skate on the outskirts of Derby is impossible to miss - a proper roadside oddity that's become something of a landmark for anyone driving through the East Midlands. Rollerworld itself is an indoor roller skating rink, the sort of place that conjures up Friday nights from the 1980s and hasn't entirely shaken off that aesthetic, which is either brilliant or slightly dated depending on your outlook.

Inside, it's functional rather than fancy: a smooth wooden floor, music pumping, and the particular smell of rental skates that all rinks seem to have. You can hire skates if you haven't brought your own, though the hire stock is fairly basic. The atmosphere picks up considerably during weekend sessions when families and groups roll up, though weekday afternoons can feel a bit thin on the ground.

It works best for families with kids who've already got some skating ability - beginners might spend half the session wobbling rather than enjoying themselves. Adults who fancy a nostalgic outing will probably get more out of it than you'd expect. Sessions typically run a couple of hours, and pricing is reasonable enough, though exact details are best confirmed directly as opening hours and admission fees aren't listed.

If you're camping at Hill Farm Camping & Caravan Park nearby, it's a decent rainy-day option when the weather turns. On its own, though, it's more of a quick diversion than a reason to plan a trip to Derby.