The Oak Leaf Dog Park

Your dog won't stop talking about this place. The Oak Leaf Dog Park, just outside Leicester, is exactly what it sounds like - a proper off-lead space where your pooch can actually run without a lead attached for once. It's a relief for any dog owner who's been cooped up in the city, frankly.

The park itself is straightforward. There's room for dogs to chase balls, sniff about, and do all the ridiculous things they do when they're finally free. You'll see everything from anxious spaniels to confident lurchers, all mixing without too much drama if you time it right - early mornings tend to be quieter. It's the kind of place where your dog might actually come back when called, unlike some parks I could mention.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Mallory Meadows is under a mile away, or Bosworth Caravan Park just three miles off - this is a handy spot to burn off energy between activities. It won't occupy you for more than an hour, but that's not really the point. The point is giving your dog a proper run-around without worrying about the road.

Walkers without dogs might find it a bit dog-focused, and there's nothing here if you're after historic interest or serious amenities. But if you've got a four-legged friend in tow, it solves a real problem. Worth knowing about before you book the holiday, anyway.