Ibstock United Football Club

Ibstock United's ground is a proper working football club, the kind of place where you'll actually see locals who've supported the team for decades. It's non-league football - currently sitting in the National League North - so don't expect Premier League polish, but that's rather the point. The stadium itself is modest, with a small stand and terracing that captures the grassroots spirit of English football at its most honest.

If you're a football fan on holiday in Leicestershire, catching a match here beats sitting in front of a screen. The atmosphere on match days has genuine warmth, no corporate nonsense, just fans who care about their club. Admission is typically inexpensive compared to professional league grounds, though you'll want to check their website or ring ahead for specific match dates and ticket prices.

Don't expect luxury facilities - the tea bar does the basics well enough. Allow a couple of hours if you're attending a match, including pre-match buildup and a post-game pint at the local. It's not the sort of outing for very small children unless they're already football-mad, but teenagers and adult supporters will find it rewarding.

The location near Nuneaton puts it within easy reach of several caravan sites in the area - Fire & Stars and New Forest View are just a few miles away. Pair it with a walking break in the broader Leicestershire landscape, and you've got a proper mixed weekend rather than just another tourist tick-box.