Chesterfield

That famous crooked spire isn't the only thing worth your attention here. Chesterfield sits comfortably in north Derbyshire, close enough to Sheffield for convenience but with proper market town character that feels distinctly its own.

The town centre revolves around its medieval street pattern, though modern shopping has filled in the gaps. Cannon Mill stands as a reminder of industrial heritage, while the Chesterfield and District Local History Society does a decent job of telling the town's story. You'll find several independent galleries scattered about - Hidden Fruit and The Dorsett Studio among them - giving the place a bit more cultural edge than you might expect.

What makes staying nearby worthwhile is the surrounding countryside. The Peak District proper starts just south of town, with proper walking country within minutes. Walton Dam and Press Reservoir No 1 offer pleasant enough spots for an afternoon stroll, though neither will set your world alight. Smithy Pond Lido provides a more unusual attraction - an outdoor pool that's been serving locals since the 1920s.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The M1 runs nearby, and there's a direct train line from Sheffield that takes about 20 minutes. Derby's roughly 40 minutes south if you're coming from that direction.

Staying at one of the holiday parks in the area - Darwin Forest or Packhorse Farm among the options - puts you within easy reach of both the town and the Peak District hills. It's a sensible base if you want to combine a bit of urban exploration with serious countryside walking. The glamping pods at places like Slate House Farm offer a compromise between camping rough and hotel comfort, though you'll want to book ahead during peak season.