West Leake Hills

The hills themselves are what draw you here - proper rolling woodland that feels a world away from the flat Midlands you'd expect. West Leake sits just outside Loughborough, and it's the kind of place where you can lose an hour or two wandering through beech and oak without noticing. The terrain varies enough to keep things interesting: open grassy slopes one minute, dense forest floor the next, with decent views out across the countryside when you reach higher ground.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination with facilities or a visitor centre - just good woodland paths that reward exploration. You can tackle it in an afternoon, though you'd be better off allowing three hours if you want to actually enjoy the place rather than rush through. Families with older kids will manage fine; the little ones might find it a bit samey after an hour.

Timing-wise, spring's when the woodland floor comes alive, but autumn gives you better visibility through the thinning trees and fewer bugs. The ground can be boggy after heavy rain, so pick your weather.

If you're staying at Wolds Wine Estate - the glamping spot just down the road - West Leake makes a proper morning walk before heading back for lunch. It's genuine countryside, the sort of place that reminds you why Nottinghamshire gets overlooked. Not Instagram-worthy, just genuinely good.