Appleby Dog Park

The dog park at Appleby sits just outside Swadlincote and is exactly what it says on the tin - a proper space for dogs to run about without a lead. It's not fancy or particularly vast, but if you're staying at Bosworth Lakeside Lodges or anywhere else in the area with a pooch in tow, it does the job well enough.

You'll find fenced areas where dogs can properly stretch their legs and socialise with other hounds. The setup is straightforward: grass, space, and enough room that your dog won't feel cramped. On a decent day it's pleasant enough, though it's not the kind of place where you'd linger for hours yourself - this is pure functionality for dog owners, not a scenic spot where you'd take a picnic.

It's worth knowing that opening hours and admission details aren't widely published online, so it's worth ringing ahead or checking locally once you've arrived in Swadlincote. Allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much your dog wants to play and whether you fancy a quick chat with other owners.

If you're combining a holiday in the area - perhaps based at one of the nearby lakeside lodges - and your dog's gone stir-crazy, this takes the edge off nicely. It won't be the highlight of your trip, but it's genuinely useful for keeping your companion happy while you're away from home.