The Plantation

The Plantation is a proper woodland walk on Leicestershire's doorstep, just outside Leicester itself. It's the kind of place locals know about but visitors often miss - a managed forest with decent trails threading through the trees, ideal if you want to stretch your legs without driving halfway across the county.

What you get here is straightforward: woodland paths, some open sections, and enough shade to make a summer afternoon bearable. It's good for families who don't need a visitor centre or gift shop to feel entertained - kids can run ahead on the tracks, and there's enough variation in the terrain to keep them interested for an hour or two. Dog walkers clearly rate it, and you'll spot plenty of them most days.

The walk works best in autumn when the canopy does something worth looking at, though frankly it's pleasant enough year-round if you're local and just want to get outside. Bring waterproof shoes after rain - the ground can be boggy in places. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for a circular route depending on which paths you take.

It pairs well with a stay at any of the nearby caravan sites - Holly Farm Fishery and Valley View Escapes are both within five miles, so you could use The Plantation as a morning outing before heading to a bigger attraction elsewhere in the region. Not life-changing, but if you're camping locally and need a woodland fix, it's worth knowing about.