Best attractions and places to see around Chesterfield offer a variety of outdoor experiences. The region features numerous trails, cycle paths, and parks, often utilizing former railway lines and canal towpaths. These areas provide opportunities for exploring natural landscapes, including lakes and forests, alongside man-made monuments. Chesterfield serves as a gateway to accessible routes suitable for different activities.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Whether walking cycling or trekking a great palce to absorbe the countryside
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Watch out for cyclists and hikers coming thru the canal bridge, it’s very tight for 2 bikes to pass each other.
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Walton Dam was built in the 18th century to provide a water supply for Walton Manor Corn Mill. The site was bought by Robinson’s in 1899, as a source of water for their cotton wool production. Later it provided an area for sporting and leisure activities for staff. Chesterfield Swimming Club also held events there.
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Queen's Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In its early days, the Park was a popular venue for rallies and demonstrations. When the Derbyshire Miners' Associatiion held their rally here at the end of the 1890s it had a festive appeal with swingboats, roundabouts and coconut shies. The Park has been restored, with a café, lake and miniature railway, as well as playing facilities for younger visitors. There is also a bandstand - sit and listen to a local brass band playing on some Sunday afternoons during the summer.
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Lovely old disused railway line, now a perfect Greenway linking Creswell and Clowne. This Greenway is around 5 miles on easy to cycle gravel path, continues on towards Poolsbrook and Staveley
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This is getting very rutted on the steepest part around the 2 gates, be careful as it's being slowly washed away
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There are several sections where the loch narrows and the towpath that you ride on becomes lesser. These section usually have a secondary route for bikes to ride on at the side
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Chesterfield offers many family-friendly options. You can explore the wide paths of the Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section, which is suitable for all ages. Poolsbrook Country Park Lake is another great spot for easy walks and wildlife observation, including feeding ducks. Walton Dam and Holmebrook Valley Park also provide pleasant environments for family outings.
For easy walks, consider the paths around Poolsbrook Country Park Lake, which offers a pleasant environment and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Walton Dam also features accessible trails. The Clowne Greenway, a former railway line, provides a flat, traffic-free route ideal for leisurely strolls.
Yes, the region offers accessible routes. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section is known for its smooth, wide paths. Similarly, the Clowne Greenway is a multi-user greenway on a former railway line, making it suitable for various users, including those with wheelchairs.
You can observe various wildlife, especially around water bodies and greenways. Poolsbrook Country Park Lake is a great place for feeding ducks and seeing other aquatic birds. The cuttings along the Clowne Greenway are home to diverse wildflowers, insects, mammals, and birds.
Chesterfield is well-known for its cycle ways. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section is a smooth, quiet route suitable for families. The Clowne Greenway is another traffic-free option on a former railway line. You can also explore sections of the Chesterfield Canal and towpath for scenic rides.
Yes, Holmebrook Valley Park offers areas suitable for mountain biking, including some climbs and descents on gravel surfaces. For more dedicated routes, you can find various options in the MTB Trails around Chesterfield guide, which includes routes like the Linacre Reservoirs Trail.
The area boasts several natural features. Poolsbrook Country Park Lake and Walton Dam offer beautiful lakeside views. Queen's Park Lake Wildfowl is also a pleasant spot with a viewpoint. The cuttings along the Clowne Greenway provide unique natural scenery with diverse flora and fauna.
The best time to visit for outdoor activities is generally from spring through autumn (April to October), when the weather is milder and more conducive for walking, cycling, and exploring the parks and trails. During these months, wildflowers are in bloom, and wildlife is more active.
Absolutely. Many of the cycle ways and park paths double as excellent running trails. For specific running routes, you can refer to the Running Trails around Chesterfield guide, which features routes like those around the Chesterfield Canal and Queen's Park Lake.
While popular, the narrow sections of the Chesterfield Canal and towpath can feel like a hidden gem, offering a unique experience with its tight passages and secondary routes for bikes. The cuttings of the Clowne Greenway, locally known as 'the canyons,' also provide a distinctive natural environment away from the main roads.
Visitors frequently appreciate the variety of outdoor experiences, from tranquil lake walks at Poolsbrook Country Park Lake to the traffic-free cycle ways like the Clowne Greenway. The smooth, family-friendly paths of the Trans Pennine Trail are also highly rated for their accessibility and scenic routes.


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