Escape the city and enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside with 16 hidden villages just a short drive from Derby.
These peaceful spots offer quiet lanes, old stone cottages, and timeless charm - perfect for a walk, a lazy lunch, or simply soaking up the sun.
Think winding paths through green fields, sleepy pubs with garden seating, and village greens where nothing much happens - and that’s the beauty of it.
Whether you're after a gentle stroll, a riverside picnic, or a dose of rural calm, each village has its own quiet appeal.
There’s no need for long travel or busy tourist spots.
These are the kind of places where you can park up, wander freely, and let the pace slow right down.
9. Tideswell
Tideswell is one of the Peak District's bigger villages. It is home to the church of St John the Baptist, known as the 'Cathedral of the Peak', and also hosts a popular food festival. Photo: jason chadwick
10. Ashford-in-the-Water
Ashford-in-the-Water is popular for its medieval bridge and Thornbridge Hall, the 12th century stately home that lies on the outskirts of the village. Photo: Brian Eyre
11. Great Longstone
Boasting lovely limestone cottages, this village in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales is said to have origins dating back to Medieval times. The 18th century saw a period of relative prosperity for Great Longstone due to its lead mining and shoe-making industries.Today, the signs of Great Longstone’s history can be seen all around the village. Photo: Jason Chadwick
12. Earl Sterndale
Popular with Walkers, Earl Sterndale is surrounded by a number of distincitive natural landmarks, including the Peaks of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill and is within walking distance of Dovedale. Historically, the area surrounding the village was mostly made up of farmland owned by Basingwerk Abbey in Wales. Today, farming still makes up for much of the village’s economy, as well as the nearby quarries at Sterndale Moore. Photo: Jason Chadwick