Radcliffe Olympic F.C

Saturday afternoon football at its most authentic - that's what you get at Radcliffe Olympic's ground in Nottinghamshire. This is proper grassroots football, the kind where you stand on a grassy bank rather than sit in plastic seats, and where the tea van does a roaring trade at half-time.

Football purists will love the raw atmosphere here. The players are close enough to hear their tactical shouts (and the occasional industrial language), while the small but vocal crowd creates an intimacy you'll never find at bigger venues. Kids often get kicked footballs back over the fence, making them instant heroes.

Expect a no-frills experience that's all about the beautiful game rather than corporate hospitality. The facilities are basic but functional - think proper old-school football rather than modern stadium bells and whistles. Most matches are weekend affairs, with the season running from August through to May.

For families staying at nearby parks like Nottingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Holme Pierrepont Campsite, it's an easy hop over from your base. Nottingham's just down the road if you fancy combining it with city sights. Budget an hour or two, depending on whether extra time's needed, and bring a flask - you'll feel like a proper football fan.