Free up some family time
While the weather is good, what could be better than getting outdoors and exploring new places with the family, while soaking up the sun and not having to pay for the privilege? We’ve come up with some great days out across the East Midlands at parks, country estates, gardens and beauty spots where you’ll only have to shell out for the price of the petrol to get there, some food for the picnic and (probably) the car park when you get there The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
This is a historic venue situated in the heart of the town. Nestled within 23 acres of restored parkland, the main building is Grade II listed and forms a natural base for visitors.
First opened in August 1871, the Pavilion Arts Centre was completely refurbished and reopened in 2010.
Entry is free and there are refreshments available on site, along with a miniature train where charges apply.
Hicks Lodge, near Ashby
Perfect for off-road cycling for all abilities, from complete beginners and toddlers, to experienced mountain bike riders. Walkers are more than welcome too – and don’t leave your furry friend at home either as they’ll enjoy a walk around the trails!
There’s also a cosy cafe, bike hire hub and a fantastic play area for kids, big and small.
Free to visit but parking is £3 for all day or £1 per hour. Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood, Newtown Linford
For a day out with the family, Bradgate Park, in Leicester, is the place to visit.
Extending to 830 acres – you don’t have to walk the whole way round in one go – the park has a wild and rugged aspect you wouldn’t expect to see so close to a city.
There are rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are more than 500 years old.
If you don’t fancy tramping over the hills, the lower part of the park is easily accessible with a driveway running through the middle.
The River Lin runs through the lower park and is a popular spot to sit and picnic or just sit and watch the deer while children paddle in the shallows.
Admission to the Park and Swithland Wood is Free but car parking charges apply.
Idle Valley, Retford
The wetland is the size of 600 football pitches and is one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands.
For children there is a bronze rubbing trail, and a natural outdoor play space which includes a picnic area, a musical bridge and lots of sculptures.
There are discovery packs available to hire for £1.50 a day and have monthly themes and everything the little ones will need to explore including binoculars.
The reserve is open for walking during the summer months and the learning centre is open seven days a week. Kelham Hall and Country Park, Derby
A fantastic day out for all the family at one of Nottinghamshire’s hidden gems, set within 44 acres of grounds.
It is home to the UK’s second largest freestanding concrete dome and in summer there is The Maize Maze where visitors are encouraged to get lost within the four acres of twists and turns.
Events take place throughout the year both indoors and out. Open all year round, the hall and park offer free admission.
Elvaston Castle
The first country park in England, Elvaston Castle and its surrounding parkland is a beautiful spot on the outskirts of Derby.
The park has around 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal gardens and it’s won a national standard Green Flag Award for five years running.
Sadly, the house itself, described as a “gothic revival masterpiece”, is not open to the public. Entry to the park is free but car parking charges apply.
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Families can enjoy a free day out at the beauty spot. This is the perfect place to take the family out for a picnic overlooking the calming stretch of water.
There is an adventure playground, countryside walks and public footpaths lead to Calke Abbey and Foremark Reservoir, along with picnic tables and seats.
Entry is free but there is a charge for car parking.
Dovedale, near Ashbourne
The stepping stones across the river are a perennial favourite and one of Derbyshire’s most iconic beauty spots. If you fancy a good walk that’s not too challenging, start in Staffordshire (the river Dove is the border between the two counties) at the National Trust-owned Ilam Hall and country park with its fabulous gardens and views of the White Peak, and follow the trail to the stepping stones.
Markeaton Park, Derby
Derby’s most visited park has lots for families to enjoy on a day out together.
During the summer there is a free paddling pool and in the grounds there is always something going on.
Feed the ducks at Markeaton Lake and you can also pay to hire a rowing boat or pedalo.
Entry is free and there are refreshments available on site.
Foremark Reservoir, Ticknall
Probably best-know in the area for its beach - yes, a beach - the reservoir is nestled within the National Forest and has lots of waymarked footpaths for families to follow.
There are great views, varied wildlife and Carvers Rocks Site of Specific Scientific Interest for its geology and plants. There is a refreshment kiosk open seasonally and the site has a sailing club and fishery.
Open all year, except for Christmas, entry is free and there is a charge for car parking.
Goldhill Adventure Playground, Leicester
There are indoor and outdoor facilities where kids can express themselves creatively and test themselves physically.
By exploring the natural elements which make up the world, children are encouraged to learn how to influence their environment.
The challenging activities are designed to encourage physical, mental and social development and show the children what they’re capable of.
And what’s more, it’s free admission!
Wollaton Hall and Park
This spectacular Tudor building dates back to 1588 and is set within 500 acres of deer park.
While the hall is home to Nottingham’s Natural History Museum, the courtyard stables are home to the city’s Industrial Museum, the Steam Engine House, the Wollaton Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery.
There are daily public tours of the hall and admission is free. There is a charge for the car park.
Stonebridge City Farm, Nottingham
The community project is the perfect antidote to city living with its gardens, nature walks and access to farm animals.
You and the kids will have the chance to meet cows, goats, ducks, sheep and ponies and hold the rabbits and guinea pigs in the petting barn.
There are some lovely open spaces around the farm which are ideal to partake in a picnic.
Open all year round and while admission is free, donations are very welcome.
Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton
Set within 150 acres of country park, there is something for everyone including falconry, Morris dancing, craft courses and children’s trails.
There are walks around the tranquil woodland, meadow and gardens and you can pause at the lake to feed the ducks or take a peep into the romantic ruins of Rufford’s 12th century abbey.
If the kids need to let off steam they can head to the Play Village which has tunnels, playhouses and a sandpit.
Rufford Abbey Country Park has 150 acres of beautiful country park to explore and enjoy.
Open all year round, entry is free. However, activities may have a charge attached to them.
Belper River Gardens
Belper River Gardens are great. Little ones can play in the play area and explore the bandstand and there are great views over the Derwent.
You can hire a rowing boat for a small fee but it can be as much fun watching inexperienced rowers struggle!
There is no charge for admission but car parking charges apply.
Abbey Park, Leicester
Lying just one mile from the city centre, the River Soar divides the park into two areas. To the western side of the river are the Abbey Grounds with the remains of the 12th century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th century mansion.
To the east lies the decorative Victorian part of the park with its evergreen shrubberies, trees, boating lake, miniature railway, and formally planted flower displays.
The popular and well-established pets corner on the western side of the park is free to enter and has a selection of birds and animals.
The park also features a bowling green, tennis courts, a boating lake and a lavender maze.