Pretty villages in The National Forest and Beyond

Melbourne is a beautiful Georgian town with an historical Norman parish church, magnificent Royal gardens, craft centre and the picturesque Melbourne Pool. Specialist shops, craft units and a wide range of places to eat and drink make Melbourne a magical place. Melbourne Hall is open to the public in August each year. The annual Melbourne Festival is also increasingly popular.

Repton is famed for its Public School, and for being the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, when it was attacked by marauding Vikings who came up the River Trent. Visit the unique Saxon Crypt under the church. Enjoy a stroll through one of the most ancient places in England

Shardlow boasts a rare inland canal port where you can watch the world go by, perhaps from one of the canalside pubs and restaurants. A fascinating heritage centre is a must for those who want to find out more.

Swarkestone is noted for its 3/4 mile long medieval causeway, which is reputedly the longest stone bridge in England and has witnessed much history. It has links with Bonnie Prince Charlie and saw battle during the Civil War.

Ticknall is an unspoilt 'estate village' featuring period estate cottages, almshouses and a village 'lock-up'. Until the 1980s much of the village was owned by the nearby Calke Abbey estate, which is accessed from Ticknall.

The age old custom of Well Dressing , traditionally found only in or around the borders of Derbyshire, is practised in Etwall and Aston-on-Trent .