A mini guide to: Derbyshire

Park your bicycle up against the wall outside (no lock required), and hide inside this bright and relaxed little café in Eyam in the Hope Valley. Choose from a selection of lovingly created homemade dishes including seasonal tarts, pastries, fresh breads and a great range of cakes—essential after a hard day’s cycling or walking.

You can also drop in for a traditional afternoon tea, with a gluten-free option available.

This 400-year-old inn in Brassington, on the edge of the Peak District, was named by The Times as Britain’s cosiest pub, and we can think of no finer way to end a windswept walk along the High Peak Trail than sitting by a roaring fire with a drink to warm the cockles.

Drop by for a warm welcome from villagers, some homemade grub and perfect English country pub settings: antique furniture in low light, and low beams adorned with pewter.

Take in some of the country’s finest countryside from an entirely new perspective, and raft the (gentle) white waters of the River Derwent from Darley Dale to Matlock Bath.

Hope aboard a six-seater raft with an instructor and you’ll pass through quaint villages and market towns, before passing a slalom course and then Killer Rock (not as murderous as the name suggests), before stopping at Matlock for well-earned refreshments.

Britain’s first Alpine-style cable cars have been soaring above the Peaks for over 30 years and are a fantastic and accessible way to see the beautiful sights of Derbyshire. From the valley floor, you’ll ascend over 1,111 foot above sea level over the Derwent Valley.

The popular estate also includes the Great Masson Cavern, a system of Roman caverns, a watch tower, adventure playground and Fossil Factory – where you can size up to the fossil of the 3-metre long giant Ichthyosaur, which died out a mere 90 million years ago.

This underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District is accessible only by boat and is a great place to explore, with the help of an informative guide. After descending a long staircase into the caves, take to the waters 450 metres below the hills.

Spot stalagmite and stalactites along the way and combine your visit with a trip into Peak Cavern, which has the largest natural cave entrance in the country.