Betty's Bottom (Woodland)

The name alone raises eyebrows, but Betty's Bottom is a genuine woodland landmark near Oakham in Leicestershire - a narrow, wooded valley that's quietly lovely if you know where to look. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper ramble rather than a quick photo stop. The woodland floor is thick with leaf litter, the trees crowd in close, and there's a genuine sense of stepping away from the everyday.

Walkers will get the most from it. This isn't a manicured attraction with facilities and interpretation boards - it's an actual piece of Leicestershire countryside that's been walked for generations. You'll find it tucked away from the main tourist trails, which means you're likely to have the place to yourself on a weekday. The walk itself is straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find it a bit dull - it's woodland, not a theme park.

Allow an hour to explore properly, longer if you're mapping the wider footpath network through the area. There's no admission fee because there's nothing commercial here - just access land and your own good sense. The nearest town, Oakham, is home to the castle and decent pubs, so you can build a proper afternoon around it.

If you're camping at Emily's Cut just down the road, it's worth a walk on your second or third day when the initial novelty of the site has worn thin. Not dramatic or famous, but solid Midlands woodland that doesn't require advance planning or payment.