Alstonefield Camping Barn

The heavy barn door creaks open to reveal stone walls that've sheltered walkers and shepherds for centuries, now yours for a night under the Peak District sky.

This is proper camping territory in the heart of the White Peak — Dovedale's stepping stones are close enough to reach before breakfast, and the limestone valleys that carve through this part of Derbyshire pull in walkers, cyclists and anyone after a bit of proper countryside. The barn itself offers a solid basecamp feel, with space for tents, campervans and caravans, so it suits mixed groups, families who like their creature comforts, and couples plotting ridge walks over morning tea.

You've got toilets and showers on site, which takes the edge off wilder camping without losing the feel of it. Ask about campfires when you arrive — sometimes they're on, sometimes not, depending on conditions. It's a straightforward, no-frills setup in working farmland, the kind of place where you fall asleep to absolute silence and wake to birdsong and bleating.