Once upon a time, Rivendale was an upland farm, before morphing (with a little help from human hands) into a massive industrial quarry. When this was closed down, nature began to reclaim the site, until the wild brambles were cleared away to finish its metamorphosis into today's campsite - a perfect balance between the man-made and the natural.

Spread over 37 acres and dotted with limestone farm buildings, this pretty and well-manicured site sits on a hillside overlooking Eaton and Alsop Dales, offering pitches for campers, as well as timber yurts and pods for glampers. Boasting numerous awards for conservation, it's a very leafy, natural site, with ponds, thousands of trees, and an abundance of flora and fauna.The grass pitches within the main camping area are generous, and enjoy a sheltered location thanks to the horseshoe-shaped quarry walls on the north, east, and west sides - and by a wooded bank on the south side. No-frills campers have the magical option of pitching in a separate 10-acre meadow amid orchids and other wild flowers, or taking an isolated pitch perched on the hillside overlooking stunning Eaton Dale.

COOL FACTOR A natural spot for every kind of camper.

WHO'S IN? Everyone welcome.



ON SITE BBQs and small (off ground) campfires allowed in the meadow. B&B, yurts, and pods; disabled facilities; loos and 4 decent showers on the camping meadow, 10 more in the reception building and under-floor heated shower block (all free). Laundry and (small) children's play area, plus cafe-restaurant (disabled access), well-stocked shop, and pub.

OFF SITE The Tissington Trail is 100 metres away, and there are footpaths from the site into Eaton, Alsop, Biggin, and Dove Dales. Crich Tramway Village (01773 854321) is a restored period village and home to the National Tramway Museum.

FOOD AND DRINK Rivendale's onsite pub offers food made from regional produce and local ales on draft. For something upmarket try Rowley's (01246 583880) at Baslow.

GETTING THERE Rivendale is directly off the A515 (Buxton Road) between Buxton and Ashbourne - on the left-hand side if you're travelling from Buxton.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Bowers' bus no. 442 travels between Buxton and Ashbourne and stops nearby (ask for the stop between Biggin Church and Newton House).

OPEN Friday nearest 1 Feb-Sunday after New Year's Day.

THE DAMAGE Tent plus 2 adults £11 per night in summer.