Bradgate Park (Hallgates Entrance)

The Hallgates entrance gets you into Bradgate Park without the crowds you'd find at the main gates closer to Leicester. It's a proper country walk - 900 acres of rolling parkland where red deer roam freely and grey stone outcrops interrupt the grassland. You'll spot the ruins of Bradgate House on the skyline, though getting there means a solid trek across fields. Most people allow two to three hours to do it justice, longer if you're photographing the deer or just taking in the views across Leicestershire.

Walkers get the most from this place. The terrain is gently undulating rather than gruelling, so families with older kids cope fine, but pushchairs are out of the question. History buffs will appreciate the Tudor connections - Lady Jane Grey was born in the house - though there's precious little left to see up close. Birdwatchers and nature photographers linger longest, especially early morning in spring.

Admission is free, which is the best part. There's no visitor centre at Hallgates, so come prepared with water and sturdy boots. The park opens dawn to dusk year-round. If you're staying at nearby Meadow Farm Marina - which gets strong reviews - you're barely twenty minutes away. High Meadows Farm is slightly further but worth the drive. Winter can be muddy and bleak, but summer's glorious. Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends bring families and the odd jogger, but nothing remotely hectic.