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- ⁄ Tourism and travel
- ⁄ Ideas for day trips
- ⁄ Fun for Free (or nearly!)
Morning
Get active and explore the area's brilliant walking trails. Whether you prefer a heritage walk through the fascinating cityscape of Derby; a leafy wildlife-spotting trail around the National Forest or a bracing hilltop trek across the famous Peak District moorlands, there is one that is just right for you! Visit during one of our walking festivals and the knowledge of our local guides will help to bring the landscape to life. Don't forget your camera - there are loads of memorable pictures just waiting to be taken!
Alternatively bring your bike (or hire one) and explore the off-road delights of the Tissington Trail, Rosliston Forestry Centre or the Manifold Valley. It's National Bike Week in June and Sustrans' cycle routes 6, 54, 66 and 68 cross the area, so leave the car at home and make it a really healthy holiday.
Lunch
A picnic overlooking some of the most magnificent countryside just cannot be beaten! Visit one of our local farm shops or regular farmers' markets and pick up freshly baked bread, local cheese, cold meats & pies, fruit and even chocolates and ice-cream to make a gourmet feast! For the real ale lovers (who aren't driving!) there are some fantastic local ales to sample.
Afternoon
Craft centers, garden centers, museums, cathedrals and galleries are just some of the free places to visit whatever the weather. Discover Swadlincote's connection to Russia at Sharpe's Pottery Museum; or explore one of the country's oldest factories at Derby's Silk Mill. With free art, sculpture, photographic and toy exhibitions on show throughout the year, take some time to discover the rich and varied heritage of the area.
And don't forget that there are always lots of free events taking place - Well Dressings, Shrovetide Football in Ashbourne, Apple Day in Swadlincote as well as the delights of National Heritage Open Days!
Evening
To complete your day, contact one of the local Tourist Information Centres for details of the evening entertainment that takes place in the area, as well as all the best places to eat!
