Taking some time for a day out alone gives you the freedom to do exactly as you please. You can set your own pace, lingering at places of interest and skipping anything that doesn’t take your fancy.
Plus, you can eat what you like when you like, with no compromises. And it’s a great way to really focus on your senses, taking in the sights and sounds of your surroundings with no distractions.
If you like the idea of a solo day out, keep reading to discover six of the best in the Derbyshire and Staffordshire areas.
Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, according to Visit Britain, 28% of overnight trips in 2024 were made by solo travellers, and this trend was also reflected in day trips in the same year.
Our local area has an abundance of places to visit, making it perfect for a day trip alone, seeing the sights and relaxing in your own company. Here are six you might like to consider for your next break.
Buxton offers a blend of beautiful scenery and olde-worlde buildings, and is great if you want to enjoy the benefits of a day out in a town with the relaxing feel of the countryside.
Stroll through the Pavilion Gardens, a 23-acre Victorian park with perfectly landscaped gardens, ornamental flower beds, and a boating lake. Grab a coffee, sit with your book, and enjoy some peace and people watching. You could also browse the retail arcade, which showcases some of the region’s local producers.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many eateries in Buxton, from independent cafés and tearooms to pubs and international restaurants.
It’s not a visit to Buxton without admiring the splendour of The Crescent, a Grade I-listed Victorian building. Plus, you can sample some of Buxton’s famous spring water at its source, St Ann’s Well.
A trip to Buxton Opera House is also a must. The beautifully restored Edwardian theatre hosts musicals, comedy, live music, drama, and cinema screenings. If nothing takes your fancy, then you could do a guided tour of the building and find out more about its history.
This is a perfect destination for a solo adventure. Cromford village is home to Cromford Mills, the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. This is now part of the Derwent Valley Mills world heritage site, so is well worth a visit.
Then you can stroll along the picturesque Cromford Canal, from which you can join the High Peak Trail. This follows the route of a former railway line, with wide paths and clear signposting. Enjoy beautiful landscapes, stunning scenery, historic railway features, and breathtaking views. The route is mainly traffic-free and is very easy to navigate, making it ideal for a solo stroll.
This is one of the Peak District’s most famous beauty spots, and here you can immerse yourself in nature. Take the stepping stones over the River Dove and stroll along the riverside path through the limestone valley. As you walk, you’ll pass visually stunning and dramatic rock formations, including Lover’s Leap, Reynard’s Cave, and the Twelve Apostles limestone pinnacles.
For a longer day out, you could combine your visit with a trip to nearby Ilam Park, a National Trust estate featuring pristine landscaped gardens and spectacular views across the countryside. The park’s tearoom is also a lovely place to enjoy a coffee or lunch as a break along the way.
Try to arrive early on a weekday for a quieter experience, as the venues are very popular during weekends and school holidays.
If you’re planning your day trip for a Wednesday or Saturday, then you could take a trip to Uttoxeter and explore its traditional market, which features a mix of local produce, gifts, clothing and artisan stalls.
You can also visit the Redfern’s Cottage Museum, which is the former home of Victorian naturalist and artist William Redfern. Here, you can find out more about Uttoxeter’s fascinating history, with changing exhibitions and a collection of local artefacts. The five museum galleries chart the town’s history from its beginnings as a small Anglo-Saxon settlement to the modern town it is today.
Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the River Dove, or along one of the surrounding footpaths which take you through the beautiful Staffordshire countryside.
This large National Trust property is set within 900 acres of parkland on the edge of Cannock Chase. The elegant Georgian mansion is filled with beautifully furnished rooms, and you can learn more about the origins and former owners of the house. Plus, you can wander through the estate’s formal gardens, featuring a walled garden and historic farm.
Moving beyond the house, you’ll find marked walking routes through woodlands, riverside meadows, and open parklands.
Whether you’re interested in history, photography, gardening, or simply enjoying a pleasant solo walk in peaceful surroundings, Shugborough is lovely for a day out alone. The estate also hosts regular seasonal exhibitions and events, so take a look at what’s on before you visit.
Designated a National Landscape, Cannock Chase is one of Staffordshire’s finest destinations for a solo day outdoors. Here, you’ll find miles of waymarked walking routes and cycling trails, taking you through ancient woodland and open countryside.
You’ll also find lots of wild animals in their natural habitat, including free-roaming cattle, fallow deer, and a variety of birds.
Picnic areas are dotted throughout the forest, making it the perfect place to sit and relax in the peaceful natural surroundings.
The visitor centre has plenty of maps and local information to help you plan your day, plus there are cafés on-site to enjoy a leisurely lunch or coffee.
A well-planned financial strategy can help you make the most of your free time. If you’d like to find out more, please email enquiries@integritasfp.co.uk or call 01283 777014.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.