Hartington Hills, Peak District

Halfway between two rivers – the Manifold and the Dove – and in the very heart of the White Peak area of the Peak District, Upper Hurst Farm is a place where old meets new. Visitors light campfires, pitch tents and enjoy far reaching views that have drawn campers here for generations – hills criss-crossed by drystone walls and dotted with Derbyshire sheep – while a plush modern wash block includes underfloor heating and an eco-friendly energy system that couldn’t be more 21st century. As for the camping? If grass tent pitches and campervan hardstandings are too old hat, how about a stay in Gaia's Hideaway, a luxury Mongolian yurt?

Two miles from the picturesque village of Hartington and at one end of the popular Manifold Way, Upper Hurst Farm is a well established campsite with around 40 pitches in total, almost all with the option of electricity. While facilities such as WiFi, a laundry room and a motorhome service point can match some modern holiday parks, the laid-back style of Upper Hurst still lends it that thoroughly rural appeal. Campfires are allowed and small hiker’s tents mix among bigger family models. The adjacent four-acre field, meanwhile, has been set aside entirely, with pathways mown into the long, wildlife-friendly grass and a large apron of space for children to play ball games or make use of the swings and slide.

At the very far end of the campsite, separately secluded away among young trees and daffodils, Gaia's Hideaway can be found. The yurt has its own private composting toilet, so you needn’t worry about the extra walk to the loo, and on the south-east-facing deck outside guests enjoy the ultimate luxury of a wood-fired hot tub too. Inside the comforts continue: The enormous bed has a handmade bamboo headboard, there are Persian rugs, a wood-burning stove and a cabinet with kitchen facilities including a sink, hobs, kettle, microwave and more. If the weather’s not right for a barbecue around the hot tub, you could happily cosy away in here for hours.

When you do leave the campsite, it’s worth the walk (just under two miles) to the quaint village of Hartington, with its antique shop, tea room and pair of pubs, plus a village store if you need to stock up on essentials. The oval duck pond finishes the picture-perfect scene. It’s a popular spot from which to set out on longer walks; just up the hill there’s a car park where you can join the Tissington Trail and you can rent bikes fairly locally from Parsley Hay a little further along the route. By car, four of the Peak District’s main market towns are easily reached – Bakewell, Ashbourne, Leek and Buxton are all within 10 miles – as are historic properties like Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. It’s all within easy driving distance, yet you might just find getting behind the wheel too much of an ask. With so many good footpaths on the doorstep (and so many good pubs nearby), you needn’t go far to enjoy Upper Hurst Farm.