Overlooking the picturesque Churnet Valley, where steam trains chug through the pretty countryside, Shawgate Farm is set in 5 acres of grounds and offers free Wi-Fi, a full English breakfast each morning and free parking on site.

Alton Towers is a 10-minute drive from Shawgate, and Waterworld, the UK’s premier indoor aqua park, is around 20 minutes away by car. It is just a mile to Froghall Wharf, a peaceful area on the Caldon Canal, and the Peak District is a 15-minute drive away.<…