When the sun’s out, there’s no need to travel far or spend big to enjoy the day. The Peak District and Derbyshire are packed with great places to explore — and they’re just a short drive from Nottinghamshire.
Whether you’re after peaceful walking trails, wide open picnic spots, or just somewhere the kids can run wild, there’s plenty that won’t cost a fortune. Pack your own food, bring a few games or nature kits, and make the most of the sunshine without the stress.
Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to swap screen time for green time.
🖼️ Check out our photo gallery of 12 cheap and cheerful sunny day trips here:
1. Cheap days out
These are some of the best places for a cheap family day out across Derbyshire. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Fairytale park
The scenic walk through Osmaston Park towards the village of Shirley and back is great if you want to catch a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill - and the 4.5 mile route will take you back to the Shoulder of Mutton in Osmaston. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714 Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714
3. Explore the ‘plague village’
Eyam certainly has a unique place in history. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century. If you want to learn more about the Black Death, Eyam is the perfect place to start - and it won’t cost you anything to wander the village and delve into the area’s past. Photo: Jason Chadwick
4. Take in the magnificent views on the Chatsworth Estate
The area surrounding the magnificent Chatsworth House is an ideal place for a scenic walk or picnic. While you will have to pay for admission into the grounds of the house itself, there are plenty of great vantage points where you can take in the views without having to pay anything. Photo: Brian Eyre