Dominated by the rugged tourist hot-spots of the Peak District, Derbyshire is also a county of lush Midlands pastures ideally suited to sheep - although pork is the meat of choice among local butchers.

Buxton and other spa towns have exploited the therapeutic qualities of the region's springs for years, and were in forefront of the great bottled water revolution.

The county has produced a number of famous local specialities, notably Bakewell tart and Ashbourne gingerbread - both of which turn up in pubs and hotels.