Welcome to South Derbyshire: it has everything to offer – fun for all the family, fresh air, woodland trails, friendly people and stunning scenery. The whole area is bursting with places to visit. Located in the Heart of England, this is the place to discover quintessentially English countryside dotted with picturesque and historic villages, each with its own unique character to seek out.

South Derbyshire is also at the heart of The National Forest where, in just ten years, more than six million trees have already been planted. As Britain’s boldest environmental project, this is a ‘forest in the making’ where part of the nation’s future heritage is being created, providing a massive green link between the ancient forests of Charnwood and Needwood.

Wander through ancient and new woodland – Calke Abbey’s ancient parkland conjures a vision of how the newly planted National Forest will look in years to come. Two square miles of trees are being planted every year, making this a place you will want to keep coming back to and see how the area is changing year on year!

Why not trace the meandering rivers and canals that once provided routes for marauding Vikings, later transported goods from coast to coast, and now provide a relaxing environment for leisure activities. Shardlow is one of only two inland canal ports to survive largely intact and where you can watch the world go by. Elsewhere, the sun can be seen rising over stunning reservoirs at Staunton Harold and Foremark.

Or explore historic stately homes and castles set amid fascinating estate-lands, including Melbourne Hall, once home to a Prime Minister who gave his name to a tiny Australian settlement – now the city of Melbourne.

If you are looking for something completely different, try a weekend break taking in the experience of the age-old Derbyshire custom of Well Dressing, to be seen locally at Etwall and Aston-on-Trent each year.