Nightingale Cottage

Amber Valley's countryside offers easy reach of the Peak District, and Nightingale Cottage sits on a small working farm that puts you within walking distance of several routes through the landscape. The farmland here draws badgers, foxes, water voles and less common bird species, so there's wildlife to spot alongside outdoor activity. A pub sits about a mile away, and the shop is three-quarters of a mile.

Inside, the cottage has three bedrooms sleeping six: a double on the first floor, and two further rooms with single beds (one accessed through the other). The bathroom has a bath with shower, and the ground floor holds the kitchen and living room with Freeview TV and DVD player. You get essentials covered—electricity, bed linen and wi-fi are included—and the kitchen is equipped for cooking proper meals. There's an external laundry room with a washing machine, and a patio with garden furniture. A cot, highchair and stairgate are available if needed. One dog or cat is welcome to stay at no extra cost.

What distinguishes this place is free fishing: you can try for tench and crucian carp in the owners' private pond, or head half a mile to a stretch of the River Derwent for trout and grayling. A bike store is on site, and there's dedicated parking. The farm is a genuine working space rather than a converted holiday park, which shapes the whole feel of a stay here. No smoking inside.