Chesterfield

That twisted spire dominates the skyline for miles around - there's no mistaking Chesterfield when you spot the famous crooked church tower that's been leaning at an angle since the 14th century. The town sprawls across rolling Derbyshire countryside, with the Peak District edging closer as you head west.

Chesterfield proper feels like a proper working town rather than a tourist destination. The market square buzzes three days a week with one of England's largest outdoor markets, but midweek the pedestrianised centre can feel surprisingly quiet. It's the surrounding countryside that really draws visitors - particularly the stunning stretch towards Ashover, where All Saints Church sits in one of Derbyshire's loveliest villages.

From here you're perfectly placed for Peak District adventures. Chatsworth House lies just 20 minutes south, while the dramatic gritstone edges of the Dark Peak beckon northward. The area around Ashover offers some cracking walking country - gentle hills that don't require proper hiking boots but reward you with sweeping views across the Amber Valley.

Access couldn't be easier. The M1 runs right past Chesterfield, making it a doddle from most parts of England, while the town sits on the main railway line between Sheffield and Derby. For those staying at nearby holiday parks, you've got the best of both worlds - easy escapes into Peak District wilderness and a proper market town for supplies and the odd decent pub lunch. Darwin Forest and the various glamping sites around Ashover put you right in the sweet spot for exploring both the town's quirky charm and the surrounding hills.