Discover South Derbyshire
14 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.