South Derbyshire District Council has launched a new Visit South Derbyshire website.

The new website is designed to appeal to tourists, day visitors and local residents looking for ways to spend their leisure time in South Derbyshire and the National Forest.

South Derbyshire is well-known for its rolling countryside and wealth of history, from stately homes and gardens, to tranquil canals and picturesque villages.

Popular attractions in the area include: Calke Abbey, Mercia Marina, Rosliston Forestry Centre, Melbourne Hall Gardens and Swadlincote Snowsports Centre; all of which attract thousands of visitors each year.

Alongside these, and the miles of walking and cycling routes, many small businesses provide overnight accommodation and visitor activities, together with opportunities for shopping and eating out.

Around a third of the National Forest lies within South Derbyshire.

The National Forest Company recently celebrated the planting of the nine millionth tree.

The Forest now attracts over nine million visitors each year which supports over 5,000 jobs and is an increasingly important part of the local economy.

As a visitor destination with many outdoor attractions and a huge variety of self-catered cottages and forest lodges, the forest is well placed to tap into the growing staycationing market with increasing numbers of people expected to look for alternatives to travelling abroad this year.

Frank McArdle, South Derbyshire District Council's Chief Executive, said: "With many people choosing to holiday in the UK this year, South Derbyshire and the National Forest have so much on offer and the new Visit South Derbyshire website will help potential visitors to find out more about the many attractions of the area."

Sue Jerham, Director, National Forest E-Bike Holidays added: "South Derbyshire is a delightful, yet undiscovered corner of Derbyshire.

"Our guests love exploring the beautiful countryside, National Forest woodlands, unspoiled villages and many attractions.

"The varied countryside is perfect for gentle walking or cycling holidays, offering peaceful woodland and countryside trails to stunning river paths and canal towpaths.

"With the increased interest in wild swimming, we're also finding that some of our guests are choosing to visit the area for the opportunity to enjoy a river dip or two as part of their holiday.

"The new Visit South Derbyshire website is a welcome and exciting new asset to help visitors learn more about the many places to stay, explore and experience in this wonderful, yet largely undiscovered part of Derbyshire."

The new website is available to view HERE.