Leicester

Forty minutes east of Leicester city centre, this slice of rural Leicestershire feels properly countryside without being too remote. Rolling farmland stretches in every direction, broken by ancient woodlands like Billesdon Coplow and scattered villages that haven't changed much in decades.

Evington Park offers decent walks through its nature reserve, while families with little ones will find Windmill Farm Park and Kibworth Windmill Farm Park both deliver proper farmyard fun. The area's dotted with remnants of its long history - Houghton Medieval Cross stands as a fine example of the region's medieval past, and there's even an archaeological site at Stretton Magna for those keen on ancient settlements.

Quiet lanes connect small communities like Billesdon, where the village sign marks one of Leicestershire's prettier spots. Thurnby United Reformed Church and St Paul's Church anchor their respective villages, while the Devana Way Circle provides a gentle route for walkers wanting to explore further afield.

Getting here means driving really - the A47 cuts through the area, connecting you to Leicester in one direction and the A1 towards Peterborough in the other. Market Harborough sits about fifteen minutes south, handy for proper shops and restaurants when you fancy a change from village life.

Basing yourself at one of the local camping spots makes perfect sense. You're close enough to Leicester for day trips - the cathedral, King Power Stadium, or the excellent curry houses on the Golden Mile - but far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic. Several sites offer everything from basic pitches to glamping pods, though most are still establishing themselves in the area.