Quarry Side Barn

You won't have to dig deep to see the reasons why folks like staying at Quarry Side Barn – this quiet Cheshire site's nature pond, enviable amounts of space and easy access to roads and footpaths make it a prime pick for holidaymakers looking to stay a few miles west of the Peak District National Park.

The nicely maintained main field is well-suited to tents, with level grounds and plenty of room to spread out all your kit. On the facilities side, things at Quarry Side Barn are on the basic end of the spectrum, with running water, toilets and electricity available to those that want it. For showers and chemical cassette disposal you'll have to look elsewhere (although having a leisure centre and pool five minutes' drive down the road means it won't be difficult to give yourself a good few thorough scrubs while staying here).

Be sure to try some of the local footpaths as well, whether that involves wandering off from base to spy on the stone-digging activities at Eaton Quarry (a few minutes walk) or heading to Astbury Mere Country Park (five minutes' drive) for a few laps of the lake. And for fully-fledged hiking expeditions, there's always the Peak District National Park, the edge of which is a simple 15-minute motor away.

Shops, supermarkets, takeaways and a station are all down the road in Congleton (five minutes), while two pubs can be reached within a one-mile radius.