Get outdoors
Discover our beautiful parks and trails to make the most of the great outdoors. Our town boasts many secluded spots within a short stroll of our built-up areas. So, transport yourself to tranquillity – just around the corner from our popular shops and restaurants.
Pack a picnic to relax together, and see who can spot the most wildlife. Afterwards, you could take a gentle walk or ride your bike. If you enjoy an adventure, hop on a boat trip or try paddlesports. Finally, history lovers can enjoy the great outdoors while learning at one of our impressive heritage sites.
If you’d like to recommend more highlights of Chesterfield’s great outdoors to be featured here, please let Tara Underhill know by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk
If you’re short on time use our quick links below to jump to the section that interests you the most.
- Chesterfield Canal
- Queen’s Park
- Holmebrook Valley
- Linacre Reservoirs
- Poolsbrook Country Park
- Eastwood Park
- View from the Crooked Spire
- Just outside of Chesterfield
- Dog walking routes
- Fishing
- Golf
Explore the great outdoors in Chesterfield
Chesterfield Canal
Visit our peaceful haven Chesterfield Canal – perfect for families with beautiful countryside and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. Check out events running throughout the year from the Tapton Lock Festival to the Walking Festival. Walk, cycle, enjoy a boat trip or try paddlesports. Stop for lunch along the way at Barca Bar at Casa Hotel or The Batchhouse opposite the SMH Group Stadium.
Find walking information on the Canal Trust website and cycling information too.
Find out about boat trips and paddlesports.
Accessibility
- Level access
- Accessible toilets
- Mobility scooter loan
- John Varley boat – wheelchair lift
- Hollingwood Hub – fully accessible with two accessible toilets
- The Western section has been resurfaced the whole of the towpath from the floodlock at St Helena’s to Staveley Town Basin. Beyond this point, the Trans-Pennine Trail is fine to Killamarsh, where Killamarsh Greenway takes over. Additionally, Derbyshire County Council has an access map of the whole county including the canal. It is available at all their outlets and at Hollingwood Hub.
- Recommendations for sections for mobility scooter access on the Canal Trust website
Queen’s Park
With playgrounds and a miniature railway, Queen’s Park is the perfect place for families to relax. Queen’s Park is also well known for its picturesque cricket ground and its bandstand with brass band concerts in the summer. A great place to learn to ride your bike, cycling programmes take place during the year – from adapted cycling to family-friendly routes led by experienced riders.
Afterwards, head over the bridge into town to shop, dine and hunt for artwork.
Plan your visit to Queen’s Park
Accessibility
- Level access
- Accessible toilets
Holmebrook Valley Park
Visit Holmebrook Valley Park for plenty of outdoor space and views over Chesterfield. Enjoy a moment of peace by the lake. Explore the many paths by foot, bike or horse. And encourage the kids to use up their energy at one of the many play areas. You can also enjoy homemade food in the cafe from Tuesday to Sunday.
Accessibility
- Level access
- Free parking
Linacre Reservoirs
Next door to Holmebrook Valley Park, Linacre Reservoirs is another example of the many family-friendly, green spaces in and around Chesterfield. Built between 1855 and 1904, the three reservoirs hold more than 240 million gallons of water. You will feel peaceful in the surrounding beautiful fields and woods.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Level access
Poolsbrook Country Park
Spend the day at Poolsbrook Country Park with 180 acres of space, four miles of cycle trails, horse riding routes and lakes for angling. If you still have energy there are children’s play areas and no visit is complete without an ice cream from the cafe.
Plan your visit to Poolsbrook Country Park
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Level access
Eastwood Park
In Hasland discover fun family events at Eastwood Park, especially during the school holidays. There are two play areas to enjoy, an outdoor gym, football and cricket pitches, rose garden and wildlife area.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Level access
- Mobility scooter hire
The view from the famous ‘Crooked Spire’
Why not count up all 152 steps to reveal wonderful views over Chesterfield? Tower tours take place regularly. St Mary and All Saints run them and attract visitors worldwide – so booking is recommended.
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets
- Ramped entrance
- Dementia aware/accessible
- Autism or asperger aware/accessible
- Assistance dog friendly
More of the great outdoors – close to Chesterfield
Go carless with the Peak Sightseer
Explore the Peak District National Park via an open-top bus. Tours begin at Chesterfield Railway with two routes available.
The blue route serves Baslow, Calver, Grindleford, the National Trust Longshaw Estate, Surprise View, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope, Castleton and the spectacular Winnat’s Pass to Blue John Cavern.
The red route links Pilsley, Hassop Station (for the Monsal Trail), Bakewell and the village of Ashford-in-the-Water.
Book tickets for the Peak Sightseer
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Blind/partially sighted/hearing impaired support via their contact page
Monsal Trail and Hassop Station
Cycle or walk up to 6 miles along a former railway line including the adventure of the old, dark railway tunnels. Then back outside to stunning greenery. Stop for coffee or lunch at Hassop Station where you can also hire a bike. Get there via open-top bus or via car (although we recommend arriving early on popular days).
Plan your trip to Monsal Trail
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets at the Hassop and Millers Dale stations
- Level access
Chatsworth
Meander through the grounds of Chatsworth. You could start at Baslow, walk through the ‘kissing gate’, and end at the house. Say hello to the sheep as you walk past. Afterwards, walk to the hunting tower and through the forest. Alternatively, enjoy a stroll around Edensor and stop at the tea rooms. To hear stories from an official guide, book a Tuesday morning Estate Walk on the Chatsworth website. Get there via open-top bus or via car (parking can be booked via the Chatsworth website). The kids can burn off some energy at Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground, or you can explore the gardens together – hunting for sculptures or getting lost in the maze.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible accommodation
- SEND provisions
- Assistance dog friendly
- Mobility scooter hire
Hardwick Hall
On rainy days, shelter under the trees in the forest. Walk down to the pond and save some energy to make it back up! Or explore the beautiful gardens where the path is smooth and flat.
Accessibility
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair hire
Renishaw Hall & Gardens
With over 20 beautiful areas to explore, Renishaw Hall & Gardens invites you to wander through its award-winning Italianate gardens. Each season brings a variety of blooms, from bluebells and magnolias to oriental poppies. Young visitors can enjoy the woodland area, which features a fun-filled play space. Did you know Renishaw Hall & Gardens has a vineyard? On selected Saturdays, you can take a tour and enjoy a wine tasting.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair & mobility scooter hire
- Accessible toilets
- Level access
- Assistance dog friendly
- Accessibility statement
Ogston Reservoir
Want to watch birds in their natural habitat? Ogston Reservoir is home to one of Britain’s largest bird clubs. It is situated in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, nestled between the low-lying hills of the Amber Valley, near the villages of Brackenfield, Ashover, and Clay Cross.
Accessibility
- Disabled Access
More places to explore
The decline of the coal industry left the area with many country parks, including Pleasley Pit Country Park, Peter Fidler Reserve at Bolsover, and Grassmoor on the Five Pits Trail, to name just a few. These parks offer opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, and many other activities.
Dog walking routes
Looking for somewhere different to take your four-legged friend? Try one of our ten easy walks to make the most out of the outdoors. They feature some of our great local dog-friendly routes and recommended spots to visit nearby.
Watch the world go by with a spot of fishing
Chesterfield Canal
Lay in the sun waiting for your float to disappear at Chesterfield Canal. You will find purpose-built fishing platforms. Contact Tapton Lock Visitor Centre for information on where to fish.
Barlow Country Club
Head to Barlow Country Club, set in 50 acres of beautiful secluded valley, featuring three trout lakes, four course lakes, and a specialist carp lake. The Lakeside Café is conveniently located on site, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat.
Country parks
Escape the hustle and bustle of the towns to enjoy fishing in the tranquil settings of our country parks including Holmebrook, Poolsbrook and Grassmoor.
Test your handicap
Stanedge Golf Club
Stanedge Golf Club offers fantastic views of the countryside and is a true test of accuracy and skill rather than power. Though only 5,786 yards long, with a par of 69 (71 for ladies) and 10 different holes, it should not be taken lightly. Brush up on your putting on the practice green.
Tapton Park Course
Just a short distance from the town centre, Tapton Park Course offers both 9-hole and 18-hole options. Why not practice your swing at the driving range? No booking needed—just turn up and purchase your ball tokens whenever you like.
South Chesterfield
South Derbyshire is home to 20-bay floodlit driving range with an indoor putting green – Derbyshire’s largest practice facility. The well-established course follows a traditional and gentle parkland layout which is challenging, whilst not being intimidating.
Chesterfield Golf Club
Enjoy beautiful views as you work your way around the 18-hole course, which has even hosted the Midlands Amateur Championships. Visit Chesterfield Golf Studio, an indoor golf facility featuring the latest Trackman technology, where you and your friends can play virtual golf on over 230 world-class courses.
