Escape the city and enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside with 16 hidden villages just a short drive from Derby.
From stone-built hamlets tucked into quiet valleys to hilltop villages with crackling pubs, these are places that feel made for winter wandering.
Wrap up warm, take the long way round, and enjoy Derbyshire at its most peaceful.
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