Gorse Spinney

The woodland floor at Gorse Spinney is thick with last season's needles and leaf matter, soft underfoot in a way that takes the strain off your knees. It's a proper forest walk rather than a manicured country park experience - the kind of place where you might see a deer if you're quiet enough, though more likely you'll just hear the occasional bird call and the wind through the conifers.

This pocket of ancient woodland sits between Swadlincote and the broader Leicestershire landscape, making it a good half-hour detour if you're already in the area. The spinney itself isn't massive - most people will walk the perimeter in under an hour - but it's exactly the sort of spot that makes sense if you're camping nearby at New Forest View or Fire & Stars. Both sites are within five miles, and if you're after a proper forest mood rather than a destination attraction, Gorse Spinney delivers.

Walkers will appreciate the path network, though it can get boggy after rain. Children might find it a bit quiet if they're expecting play facilities, but school-age kids who like the outdoors will enjoy spotting wildlife and clambering over fallen logs. The spinney is free to access and there's no formal visitor infrastructure, so bring water and wear decent boots. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be quieter, which is when you're most likely to spot anything interesting. It works well as a morning woodland walk before heading to one of the nearby caravan parks for a leisurely afternoon.