Get outdoors
Explore our green spaces in the great 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 Waters
- Poolsbrook Country Park
- Eastwood Park
- View from the Crooked Spire
- Town centre events
- Just outside of Chesterfield
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.
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
Find out more about cycling at Queen’s Park
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.
Find out more about Holmebook Valley Park
Linacre Waters
Next door to Holmebrook Valley Park, Linacre Waters 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.
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
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.
Find opening times for Eastwood Park
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.
Book a tour of the Crooked Spire
More heritage attractions to get outdoors…
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
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
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. Get there via open-top bus or via car (parking can be booked via the Chatsworth website).
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. Kayaking on the pond. In summer and early autumn, why not give kayaking a go?
