Baslow

Nestling on the northern fringe of Chatsworth Park, the attractive village of Baslow is close to some of the Dark Peak's most dramatic scenery.

Set beneath a gritstone edge of the same name, it lies on the banks of the river Derwent and is home to several hotels, pubs, cafés, restaurants and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Fischers Baslow Hall, as well as a clutch of exclusive shops.

Its conveniently-located campsite is also popular with visitors keen to explore nearby Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Bakewell, the Monsal Trail and much further afield.

With a pretty village green, Goose Green, at its heart, bright with daffodils each spring, Baslow consists of five 'Ends': Far, Nether, Bridge, West and Over Ends.

Goose Green can be found at Nether End, where a narrow packhorse bridge leads the way to Chatsworth House past thatched cottages - a rare sight in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Look out for a distinctively small toll house on the historic 17th century bridge at Bridge End, and the nearby church of St Anne. The unusual clock on the church has the inscription VICTORIA 1897 instead of the usual numbers, and inside you can spot the whip once used to clear the church of dogs!

Baslow is an excellent base for walking and exploring some of the area's finest countryside, including its famous gritstone edges, such as Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt - all boasting breathtaking views across surrounding hills, valleys and moorland.

If you favour easier walking routes, you'll find various options near the Derwent, including the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail, which runs through the village. Part of a long-distance, 55 miles (88.5 km) long route, it links Ladybower Reservoir to the north with the river Trent in south Derbyshire.