Manchester Airport 1 hr 20
Ashby de la Zouch Castle (33 min)
15th-century castle, now English Heritage, with Civil War history, a tower and underground passages. National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire) (19 min)
Expansive woodland area with memorials and thousands of trees in honour of those fallen in service. National Trust - Calke Abbey (35 min)
Unrestored NT property vividly showing an estate in decline, with walled gardens and orangery. Lichfield Cathedral (25 min)
Gothic edifice with daily CofE services and choral evensong, plus an Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard. The National Brewery Centre (12 min)
Guided tours explore British brewing, with shire horses, vintage vehicles and beer samples. THE NATIONAL FOREST CO (27 min)
Forest, cycling, reservoir, and outdoor recreation Kedleston Hall (29 min)
18th-century country house with Robert Adam interiors and outdoor theatre/cinema in the summer. Markeaton Park (27 min)
Public space with a craft village, gardens, boating lake, kids' play area plus sporting facilities. CONKERS (28 min)
Family-friendly centre in the National Forest with play areas, discovery zones and an amphitheatre. Derby Museum & Art Gallery (25 min)
Free entry to modern space with collections on regional natural and military history and fine art. National Trust - Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood (15 min)
Ornately crafted 17th-century country manor also housing toys and interactive displays on childhood. Tutbury Castle (9 min)
Ruins of a historic medieval site with a Tudor garden, ghost hunts and paranormal events programme. Mercia Marina (18 min)
Contemporary country-style cottages with private patios overlooking the marina plus free parking. Rosliston Forestry Centre (19 min)
Modern cabins offering kitchens and terraces with BBQs, plus walking trails and outdoor activities. National Forest Adventure Farm (5 min)
Adventure play park with sports areas and go-karts. Onsite casual restaurant using local produce. | 
