Top Town Plantation

A proper woodland walk through mixed forest just outside Loughborough - nothing fancy, but solid if you want a dose of green without the crowds. Top Town Plantation is the sort of place locals know and tourists miss, which is fine by us.

The woodland itself is typical Midlands forest: conifers mixed with broadleaf trees, decent paths that aren't waterlogged in summer, and just enough space to feel like you've escaped town for a couple of hours. You won't find ancient monuments or heritage plaques here - it's straightforward walking territory. Families with younger kids get a decent ramble in without needing to book anything or navigate a visitor centre. Older walkers appreciate the accessibility and the chance to stretch legs between park visits.

Head here on a weekday morning if you can; weekends bring the usual fair-weather crowd and the car park fills up quick. Allow an hour minimum for a proper loop, though you could knock it over in 40 minutes if you're just after the basics.

If you're staying at Hill Top Caravan Park or Ragdale Glamping nearby, this works as a solid morning activity before heading to one of the bigger attractions in the area. It's not going to be the highlight of your week, but it's the sort of place that keeps caravan holidays from turning into armchair marathons. Free to walk, naturally - just turn up and go.