Alfreton

Coal dust still seems to hang in the air around these former mining towns, though the pits closed decades ago. Alfreton sits at the heart of what was once Derbyshire's industrial backbone, where terraced streets climb gentle hills and old railway lines have become walking paths. It's proper working-class country, unpretentious and genuine.

The town itself won't win beauty contests, but that's missing the point entirely. This is where you come to understand how the East Midlands really works. The Marlpool Brewing Company keeps local traditions alive with proper ales, while Bang the Elephant Brewery shows how the area's reinventing itself. Both are well worth seeking out if you appreciate craft beer done right.

Water features heavily in the surrounding landscape. Codnor Park Reservoir offers decent fishing and walking, while smaller spots like Pye Bridge Pond and Pennytown Ponds provide quieter moments away from the main roads. Aldercar Flash Nature Reserve is particularly lovely - a bit of wildness that's crept back into this industrial heartland.

History buffs should make time for the Jessop Monument at Codnor, a striking reminder of the area's engineering heritage. The Great Northern Basin tells stories of the canal age, when Alfreton was a crucial transport hub moving coal south to London.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Langley Mill station provides decent rail connections, and you're only twenty minutes from junction 28 of the M1. Derby and Nottingham are both within easy reach for bigger shopping or dining options.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this often-overlooked slice of Derbyshire. You're ideally placed for day trips into the Peak District, yet you'll pay far less than anywhere closer to Bakewell or Buxton.