Discover South Derbyshire
43 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
St Wystan's Church, Repton
St Wystan's Church, Repton is a compact but photogenic Anglo‑Saxon/medieval church—notable for its historic tower, carved stonework and atmospheric crypt. Shoot exterior compositions from the churchyard (ancient yews, tombstones) and intimate interior details (arcades, fonts, stained glass). Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on stone; weekday mornings avoid crowds. Modest parking on Willington Rd; entry usually permitted but the crypt may have restricted access or guided‑tour times
Swarkestone Causeway
Historic 18th‑century stone causeway and arched bridge crossing the Trent floodplain—ideal for leading‑line compositions, reflections and moody weather shots. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for low light, or after rain/winter mornings for mist and mirror reflections. Easily accessible from Swarkestone village with roadside parking; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce walkers and anglers. Solid underfoot but bring waterproofs in wet seasons.
Willington Wetlands Nature Reserve
Willington Wetlands offers expansive reedbeds, shallow lagoons and boardwalk hides framing migratory waders, ducks and herons. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and reflections; autumn and spring for migration. Easy parking on Repton Rd, flat accessible paths and hides—entry typically free. Expect muddy edges; bring waterproofs. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Swadlincote Wetlands
Swadlincote Wetlands offers reedbeds, open ponds and marshy margins ideal for birdlife, reflections and intimate nature studies. Visit at dawn or dusk for golden hour light and active birds; misty mornings add mood. Paths and boardwalks are generally flat but can be muddy; casual public reserve with free access and nearby parking off Frank Bodicote Way. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Good year-round interest: migrants in spring/autumn, waterfowl in winter.
Gresley Woods- Forestry England
Quiet Forestry England woodland with winding trails, mature oaks and birches, small ponds and seasonal groundcover — excellent for intimate forest scenes, textured bark close-ups, misty mornings and autumn colour. Free entry with small car park off Park Rd; paths are mainly unpaved so wear boots. Best light: golden hour and low fog at sunrise for shafts of light, late autumn for warm tones, spring for fresh green and possible wildflowers. Weekday mornings minimize walkers; bring insect repellent
Manor Farm Nature Reserve
Manor Farm Nature Reserve is a compact wetlands and meadow site with reedbeds, ponds and hedgerows—ideal for bird, macro and seasonal wildflower shots. Best at dawn and dusk for soft light and active wildlife. Easy to reach from Long Eaton; small car park on site, flat paths suitable for tripods and light kits. No entry fee; expect dog walkers and cyclists on weekends. Spring and autumn bring migrant birds and rich colors.
Netherseal Valley
A small, intimate rural valley of rolling pastures, hedgerows, streams and ponds ideal for pastoral landscapes, reflections and seasonal colour. Best at golden hour and misty autumn/spring mornings for atmosphere; weekdays keep crowds low. Access is via Netherseal village with limited roadside parking and short walks along public footpaths — expect muddy sections after rain. No entry fee; respect farmland and livestock. Good for close-up nature studies and wide vistas framed by hedgerows.
Sledge Wood
Ancient mixed woodland offering close-up tree studies, mossy trunks, leaf litter patterns and intimate trail compositions. Best at golden hour, dawn mist in autumn or after rain when colors and textures pop. Accessible via Main St with public footpaths; parking limited—use village car parks or street parking. Expect muddy paths and low light under canopy; no formal entry fee. Great for seasonal color, fungi and quiet nature scenes.
Netherseal river mease
A quiet lowland river with gentle meanders, reed beds and shallow riffles — excellent for reflections, intimate landscape frames and wildlife (kingfishers, herons, occasional otter). Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side-light and long shadows; spring and autumn add wildflowers or colour. Rural location with roadside parking on Netherseal Rd and easy flat footpaths but expect mud after rain. No entry fee; respect protected habitats and keep dogs on lead.
Sharpe's Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust
Small heritage centre documenting Stoke-on-Trent/South Derbyshire pottery industry — classic kilns, historic workshop interiors, tools, glazed ceramics and artist studios. Photograph textured pottery surfaces, kiln architecture and display cases; exterior golden hour brings warm brick tones. Best visited weekday mornings for quiet, or late afternoon for warm side-light on displays. Check opening times and permission for flash/tripod; free street parking and short walk from Swadlincote centre.
Pessall Brook Wood
Small mixed woodland centered on a meandering brook — ideal for intimate nature and waterscape shots: slow-water silky streams, mossy rocks, fallen logs, seasonal autumn colours and winter frost. Best at golden hour or after rain when reflections and saturated greens pop. Easy public access from Swadlincote; no formal entry fee but parking is limited to a nearby layby/small car park. Paths are muddy — waterproof boots and a short walk bring varied compositions. Quiet weekdays yield the best undr
Goseley Dale Wood
Small mixed woodland with winding paths, coppiced trees and dappled light—great for intimate forest scenes, seasonal color and close-up nature shots (moss, fungi, insects). Best at golden hour for warm side-light and in autumn for foliage; after rain for saturated colours and reflections. Accessible from the A514 near Hartshorne; entry is free but paths are narrow/uneven—wear waterproof boots. Limited roadside parking nearby; visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid local walkers.
Fullens Lock Park
Small riverside park beside the Derby Canal lock in Chellaston offering classic waterscape scenes: locks, towpaths, brickwork, calm reflections, mature trees and seasonal wildlife. Best at golden hour for warm light on the brick and smooth reflections; overcast days bring even, moody tones. Easily accessible from roadside parking and short walks along flat towpaths — no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; check for muddy sections after rain.
Shelton Lock Caterpillar
Shelton Lock Caterpillar is a large painted roadside sculpture ideal for quirky urban and local-attractions shots. Photograph its bright form against residential streets, moody skies at golden hour, or close-up textures. Easy street-side access with informal on-street parking on Sinfin Ave; no entry fee. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and fewer pedestrians; weekdays quieter. Accessible for tripods; respect nearby homes and traffic.
Fullens Lock Arch
A compact brick canal-arch and lock on the Derbyshire towpath offering textured masonry, curved leading lines and reflective water. Shoot close-up details of stonework, the arch framed with willow and canal reflections, or long exposures of sluice flow. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and calmer water; autumn mornings bring mist. Easily accessed from Chellaston via flat towpath; roadside parking nearby. No entry fees — expect walkers and anglers on weekends.
Hall Wood Pond
Small woodland pond with tree-fringed shores and calm reflections — good for intimate landscapes, reflections, waterfowl and seasonal colour. Visit at dawn or dusk for low-angle light, mist and saturated colours; autumn and spring offer strongest palettes. Easily accessible from Newman Dr with nearby street parking; no entry fee. Paths can be muddy so bring waterproof shoes and protect gear from insects. Popular with walkers on weekends.
Coton Wood
Small mixed-woodland near Coton in the Elms offering intimate forest scenes, seasonal colour (spring bluebells, autumn russet), mossy trunks and dappled light—good for close landscape and nature studies. Easy walk-in site with public footpaths, no entry fee; parking available in the village. Best at golden hour or misty mornings for mood; after rain for saturated colours and reflections. Expect narrow paths and some uneven ground; respect local wildlife and keep to trails.
Broomfields Lake
Small peaceful lake with reed beds, boardwalks and open water offering reflections, waterfowl and intimate landscape compositions. Best at golden hour or misty dawn for soft light and mirror reflections; late autumn and spring bring migratory and breeding birds. Easy access from Swadlincote with nearby roadside parking and level paths—no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect walkers and anglers, so be respectful of wildlife.
Dunsmore Park
Dunsmore Park is a greenbelt with ponds, reedbeds and mixed woodland—good for intimate landscape, waterscape and bird photography. Paths and viewing screens provide accessible vantage points; free parking nearby. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; quieter on weekday mornings. No entry fee; bring waterproof footwear in wet seasons.
Midway Fishponds
Small network of ponds and reedbeds offering intimate waterscapes and birdlife close to Swadlincote. Best at golden hour and dawn for glassy reflections and active waterfowl; spring/autumn bring migrants. Easy, level paths from Midway Rd with limited roadside parking; can be muddy—no entrance fee. Quiet community nature spot with good seasonal variety and moody skies for landscapes.
Woodcote Woodlands
Compact mixed woodland with winding trails, mature oaks and seasonal undergrowth — excellent for intimate forest scenes, bluebells in spring, and warm autumn colours. Best visited at golden hour or overcast days for even light; dawn weekdays reduce walkers. Small roadside parking on Smisby Rd; no entry fee. Paths are mostly flat but can be muddy after rain — bring waterproof footwear. Quiet local spot with close-up nature and atmospheric tree compositions.
Eureka Park
Small community park with open lawns, tree lines, ponds and walking paths offering classic English parkscapes and seasonal color. Best at golden hour and after light rain for reflections; autumn and early spring provide peak texture. Accessible on foot or by car (small public car park off the unnamed road); level paths suit tripods and lenses up to telephoto. No entry fee; expect local walkers and dog walkers—weekday mornings are quiet.
Newhall Park
Compact community park with ponds, mature trees and open lawns offering seasonal color, calm water reflections and birdlife. Best at golden hour or autumn for warm light and foliage; early weekdays minimize visitors. Flat paths, street parking on Orchard St; no entry fee. Accessible for walkers and wheelchairs; occasional local events add candid community shots.
Queensferry Gardens
Small riverside park on the River Derwent offering tree-lined paths, river reflections, seasonal wildflowers and informal viewpoints. Best for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, autumn color and quiet long-exposure images. Easy access from nearby parking on Shelton Lock lane; no entry fee. Visit at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and minimal foot traffic; overcast days bring even light for detail and reflections. Paths are flat and wheelchair-friendly; watch for muddy/
The Magic Attic
Quirky vintage emporium housed on West St — shoot dense still-life compositions of antiques, textured fabrics, retro signage and shopfront details. Best visited weekday mornings for soft window light and low foot traffic; interiors are often dim so expect mixed color temperatures. Small shop with street parking nearby; always ask staff for permission to photograph. Great for editorial still-life and local character shots.
Jubilee Road Green Space
Small riverside green space with meadow, mature trees and paths — good for intimate landscape and nature shots (seasonal wildflowers, autumn colour, frost). Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Easily accessible from Jubilee Road with roadside parking; no entry fee and flat paths suit tripods and low-light shooting.
Swadlincote Woodlands Nature Reserve Car Park
Small car park at Swadlincote Woodlands provides access to mixed deciduous woodland, trails and small wetland pockets near the Ski Centre. Photographers can capture intimate woodland scenes, seasonal color, misty mornings and reflective water details. Easily reached by car with free parking nearby; best visited at dawn or late afternoon for soft light and few people. Ground can be muddy—good for atmospheric low-angle shots after rain.
Woodgate Soakway
Small suburban soakway and wetland fringe offering close-up water, reed and birdlife scenes. Best for intimate waterscape, seasonal reflections and macro plant studies rather than sweeping vistas. Accessible on foot from Woodgate Drive with roadside parking; no entry fee. Visit at golden hour or after rain for richer reflections and active wildlife; expect muddy banks and narrow paths—wear waterproof shoes.
Derby War Memorial garden
Small, peaceful World War memorial garden framed by mature trees and formal lawns — ideal for intimate memorial portraits, detail shots of inscriptions and sculpted stonework, and quiet wide-angle compositions. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; Remembrance Sunday yields powerful event and flag imagery but expect crowds. Easily accessible from Shelton Lock; on-street parking nearby. No entry fee; wheelchair-friendly paths in much of the garden.
Chellaston Park
Small suburban park with a central pond, tree-lined paths and open lawns — good for reflective waterscape shots, intimate landscape frames and seasonal color. Best at golden hour for warm light and at blue hour for reflections and long exposures. Accessible on foot or by car (street parking/Snelsmoor Ln); paths are flat and stroller/wheelchair friendly. No entry fee; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Look for waterfowl, reed silhouettes and layered tree compositions in autumn and spring.
Coronation Park
Coronation Park is a small community green space with lawns, mature trees, paths and a playground—good for peaceful landscape shots, seasonal foliage, candid community scenes and simple sunset skies. Easily accessible from William Nadin Way with on-street parking; free entry. Best light is golden hour at sunrise or sunset; spring and autumn offer strongest color. Weekday mornings are quieter. Ground is flat and stroller/wheelchair friendly; watch for locals and dog-walkers.
Seale Wood- Forestry England
Small mixed woodland near Overseal offering intimate forest scenes: towering oaks, beech stands, spring bluebell carpets and strong autumn colours. Trails and clearings create layered compositions; morning mist and low-angled light add mood. Free entry with a Forestry England car park nearby (paths vary from compacted to uneven). Best: spring for bluebells, autumn for colour, and dawn/dusk for soft light and fewer walkers. Weekdays quieter; some paths suitable for pushchairs but wear boots after
Acresford woodland
Small mixed-woodland near Swadlincote offering intimate tree corridors, seasonal colour, mossy trunks and small wet areas for reflections. Ideal for close-up nature, moody woodland scenes, and quiet landscape studies. Visit at dawn or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; misty mornings after rain add atmosphere. Easy access from nearby roads with informal parking; flat, walkable trails and no entry fee. Expect local birdlife and classic British woodland textures (bluebells in mid
Maurice Lea Memorial Park
Small community park with memorial monuments, mature trees, formal beds and open lawns — good for intimate landscape and memorial portraiture. Best at golden hour or autumn for warm light and colour; weekday mornings are quiet. Accessible from Common Rd with on‑street parking; no entry fee. Check local drone rules and respect memorial areas.
Riber Drive Soakway
Small urban soakaway and wetland pocket offering reed beds, shallow pools and tree reflections — good for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections and saturated colors; spring–summer brings insect and bird activity. Easily accessible from Kingsgate Rd with street parking; no entry fees. Low-key, local spot for close-up compositions rather than sweeping vistas.
Prestwick Way Green Space
Small suburban green space with meandering paths, open lawns, pond/ditches and mature trees — good for intimate landscapes, seasonal colour, birdlife and reflective waters. Easy access from Chellaston with free street parking; no entry fees. Best at golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows, after rain for reflections, or autumn for colour. Weekday mornings are quiet; paths are flat and walkable but bring waterproofs after wet weather.
Swadhenge
Swadhenge is a modern stone-circle sculpture on Church St, Swadlincote — a quirky local landmark offering strong shapes, textures and scale contrasts against town streets. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm side-lighting or moody skies. Easily accessible on foot from nearby parking; public, no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; watch for passing traffic and nearby events that can add context.
Back Lane park
Small suburban greenspace with lawns, mature trees and walking paths — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and low-key portrait backdrops. Easy, free access from surrounding streets with on-street parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colours; weekdays and early mornings are quiet. Accessible paths suitable for tripods; respect local residents and keep noise low.
Booton Field Park
A small suburban green space with open lawns, tree lines, walking paths and sports pitches—good for tranquil landscape shots, seasonal colour (spring wildflowers, autumn leaves) and intimate nature details. Visit at golden hour for warm side-lighting on trees and long shadows; late spring–summer for longer daylight and blooms; autumn for rich tones. Easy access from Booton Field Cres with roadside parking and level paths (no entry fee). Weekday mornings are quiet; be mindful of sports fixtures.
Pit Close, Recreation ground
Small suburban recreation ground with open lawns, mature trees, pathways and a children's play area — good for informal landscape, seasonal and candid local-life shots. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated greens. Easily accessible from Chellaston with on-street parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; winter bare trees and snow (rare) add mood, while spring brings blossoms and long grass textures.