Attractions and Places To See around North East Derbyshire - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around North East Derbyshire include a diverse array of historic landmarks, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. This region, bordering the Peak District National Park, features rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and points of interest for explorers.
Best attractions and places to see around North East Derbyshire
- The most popular attractions is Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, a trail that features three reservoirs and woods, offering flat paths suitable for families. It is known for its network of trails and footpaths amidst fields and woodland.
- Another must-see spot is Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section, a cycle way that follows a smooth and relatively quiet section of old railway. This route is part of the wider Trans Pennine Trail and is suitable for families.
- Visitors also love Totley Moor, a trail offering long views across Sheffield over ancient woodland. Visitors can explore green lanes and enjoy the moorland landscape.
- North East Derbyshire is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and extensive trail networks. The area provides opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring both man-made and natural attractions.
- The attractions around North East Derbyshire are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 190 highlights, 78 photos, and 243 upvotes.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir
Highlight • Trail
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Totley Moor
Highlight • Trail
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Ogston Reservoir
Highlight • Viewpoint
The reservoir provides drinking water to the local area and is also used as a holding reservoir for Carsington Water.
Today it's managed as a water source and leisure ground. The footpaths around the reservoir are popular locally. The Ogston sailing club is known for starting off Ellen MacArthur and it's also a popular trout fishing lake.
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Shillito Woods Trail
Highlight • Forest
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Sud Brook Crossing Singletrack
Highlight • MTB Park
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Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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The Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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St Swithun's Church, Holmesfield
Highlight • Historical Site
The ecclesiastical parish of Holmesfield was formed in 1857 from the parish of Dronfield. St Swithun's church was rebuilt in 1826 on the site said to have been occupied by churches since the 9th century. It is "a plain building of stone, consisting of chancel, erected in 1898, nave, with north and west galleries, and an embattled western tower with pinnacles containing one bell". The register of baptisms dates from 1724, marriages 1720-53, and burials from 1724, but "is very imperfect at the commencement".
The Religious Census of 1851 (HO 129/) for "St Swithen" gives an estimated congregation on March 30th of 12 at morning service, 70 in the afternoon, and 30 Sunday Scholars at both morning and afternoon class. It was completed by Thomas Hirst, Perpetual Curate, of Dronfield, Sheffield, who also mentioned the re-erection in 1826.
Holmesfield is an ancient manor, and at the time of the Domesday Survey was in the hands of the Deincourts. At the dissolution of the monasteries, the tithes (then in the hands of the Prior of Lenton, Nottingham) were granted by Henry VIII. to William Coffin. Coffin was executed in the following reign of Edward VI. for participating in the Devonshire risings, after which they were given by the King to his "trusty friend and counsellor Sir William de Cavendish". But in 1912, when Kelly's Directory was published, from which the above history has been condensed, the lord of the manor was the Duke of Rutland.
At the time, Cartledge, Horseley [sic] Gate, Millthorpe and Lydgate were said to be places in the parish.
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Five Pits Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Adventure Bike Trail
Highlight • MTB Park
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Popular around North East Derbyshire
Sheffield Country Walk – A varied hike around the Steel City
MTB Derbyshire — A proper mixed bag of goodies!
Hiking around North East Derbyshire
Cycling around North East Derbyshire
Running Trails around North East Derbyshire
MTB Trails around North East Derbyshire
Road Cycling Routes around North East Derbyshire
Gravel biking around North East Derbyshire
Mountain Hikes around North East Derbyshire
Tips from the Community
I went on this 15/5/2025 give it another week and it won't be any fun on a bike unless you ride a horse.
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Good foot paths around Linacre , very wet and muddy once you leave them . Good waterproof boots and gaiters recommend .
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There are three beautiful reservoirs at Linacre, aptly named Lower, Middle, and Upper, going from east to west. The reservoirs are surrounded by fields and woodland with a network of trails and footpaths. The woods are beautiful and include oak, beech, alder, larch, and pine, and in the springtime they are carpeted with bluebells. It is a scenic area, and there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir.
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Not great to walk around unless you want to walk on the road a lot. There is no direct access to the reservoir because it is a conservation site. The car park is free and there are benches to sit on to watch the birds. Ognaston Bird Club conducts a guided bird walk on the first Saturday of each month and everyone is welcome. With them, you can access the reservoir surrounding areas to watch birds. If you want great views of the reservoir however you can combine a visit with a footpath walk up from the reservoir through fields and these are quite well signposted and accessible except from a slim squeeze with a holly hedge on one side and part of a footpath which is quite nettly - but will probably be okay by Autumn.
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Mellor Lane, nice descent to Sud Brook from Barlow, fun in winter not so much in Summer when it gets badly overgrown. You may be lucky, now and again it's cut back.
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Little wooded area, flat and not technical in anyway but nice to ride through and more importantly a (at least in the summer of 2023) FREE car park
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As everyone else says, great run in the dry nothing too technical apart from just before the ford at the bottom. Quite overgrown in places in summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in North East Derbyshire?
North East Derbyshire is rich in history. You can visit the impressive 17th-century Bolsover Castle, the grand Elizabethan Hardwick Hall, or the historic Renishaw Hall and Gardens, home to the Sitwell family for over 400 years. Don't miss the dramatic 18th-century ruin of Sutton Scarsdale Hall or the ancient Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow, a significant Neolithic henge monument.
Where can I find family-friendly outdoor activities?
For family-friendly outings, the Linacre Reservoirs offer easy, flat walks through woods and around three reservoirs, perfect for children. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section is a smooth, quiet cycle path suitable for families. Additionally, the Five Pits Trail is largely accessible for prams and wheelchairs, making it ideal for family walks or cycling.
Are there accessible trails for walking or cycling in the region?
Yes, the Five Pits Trail is a great option, known for being largely accessible for all, including prams and wheelchairs, and suitable for both walking and cycling. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section also offers a smooth and relatively quiet path, ideal for accessible cycling.
What kind of natural landscapes and viewpoints can I explore?
North East Derbyshire offers diverse natural beauty. You can enjoy long views across Sheffield from Totley Moor, explore the scenic Linacre Reservoirs with their surrounding woodlands, or visit Ogston Reservoir, popular for its footpaths. Ashover Rock also provides particularly popular views in the picturesque village of Ashover. The region also borders the Peak District National Park, offering stunning landscapes and rolling hills.
What options are available for cycling enthusiasts?
Cycling enthusiasts will find several great options. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section is a smooth, old railway path perfect for a leisurely ride. The Five Pits Trail offers a mellow and fun, traffic-free way to cycle. For more challenging routes, Shillito Woods Trail provides fantastic single-track routes, particularly enjoyable in spring and late summer. You can also find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around North East Derbyshire and Gravel biking around North East Derbyshire guides.
Are there any unique historical sites beyond castles and halls?
Beyond the grand estates, North East Derbyshire offers unique historical insights. Creswell Crags provides a glimpse into prehistoric times with caves once sheltering Neanderthal man. You can also visit Stainsby Mill, one of England's best-preserved water-powered corn mills, or explore Plumbley Colliery, nationally important for showcasing 19th-century coal mining components.
What cultural attractions does the region offer?
The region has several cultural points of interest. The Chesterfield Museum & Art Gallery showcases local art and history from prehistoric times to the present. You can also explore the heritage trail in the historic former mining town of Clay Cross, or catch a live performance at the Pomegranate Theatre.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural areas?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and beauty of the natural areas. The Linacre Reservoirs are loved for their lovely woods, trunk carvings, and mostly flat paths, making them accessible and enjoyable. The Five Pits Trail is appreciated for its narrow, undulating gravel track with extensive views, offering a mellow and fun experience.
Are there any specific trails recommended for running?
Yes, North East Derbyshire offers several trails suitable for running. The Five Pits Trail is a popular choice for its varied terrain and scenic views. You can find more dedicated running routes in the Running Trails around North East Derbyshire guide, which includes routes like the Rother Valley Country Park loop and the Hardwick Inn loop.
What is the best time of year to visit North East Derbyshire for outdoor activities?
Spring and late summer are particularly recommended for outdoor activities in North East Derbyshire. In spring, the woodlands, such as those around Linacre Reservoirs, are carpeted with bluebells. Late summer offers pleasant weather for exploring trails like Shillito Woods Trail. However, the region's trails and attractions can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different charm.
Are there any charming villages worth exploring in the region?
North East Derbyshire is home to numerous charming villages, each with its own character. Ashover is known for its picturesque setting and Ashover Rock viewpoint. Other notable villages include Barlow, Millthorpe, and Renishaw, all offering a blend of history, walking country, and local amenities.
Where can I find places for mountain biking?
Mountain bikers can find exciting trails in North East Derbyshire. Shillito Woods Trail is known for its fantastic single-track routes. The Adventure Bike Trail also offers a fun, albeit not overly demanding, mountain biking experience. For more options, check out the Gravel biking around North East Derbyshire guide.
Most popular routes around North East Derbyshire
Most popular attractions around North East Derbyshire
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