Beanfield Covert

A proper walk through mature woodland on the Leicestershire-Derbyshire border, Beanfield Covert is the sort of place you stumble across rather than plan for. It's dense forest - oak, ash, and birch mostly - with enough space to feel properly away from it all without needing to trek for hours.

The woodland itself isn't dramatically scenic. No dramatic viewpoints or waterfalls waiting at the end. What you get instead is the simple pleasure of being among tall trees, with decent paths threading through and enough birdlife to keep nature types entertained. Dog walkers love it, and families with school-age kids will find a solid hour's exploration without boredom setting in. Younger children might want more incident or open space.

Swadlincote is the nearest town, though the covert sits quietly between Leicestershire and Derbyshire proper. It works brilliantly as a half-morning excursion if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Bosworth Lakeside Lodges is only four miles away, and The Dandelion Hideaway's glamping clients often fancy a proper walk without faffing about with a thirty-minute drive. Free to access, no facilities that we could find, so arrive ready to walk.

Best in autumn when the canopy is turning and midges have cleared off. Summer makes it muggy and the paths get a bit boggy in places. Worth the detour if you're already in the area and fancy stretching your legs, but don't plan a trip around it alone.