Cossington Recreation ground

You'll find yourself in proper countryside within spitting distance of Leicester at Cossington Recreation Ground - a surprisingly decent bit of green space that locals have done well by. It's a nature reserve rather than some manicured park, which means actual hedgerows, native trees, and the kind of grassland where you might actually spot something interesting instead of just a mowed lawn.

The ground works best if you're after a decent walk without the faffing about. You can loop it in an hour or so, moving through different habitats - there's woodland, open meadow, and bits where the undergrowth gets thick enough to feel like you've properly left Leicester behind. Birdwatchers tend to hang around here, particularly in spring and autumn migration seasons, so bring binoculars if you're that way inclined.

It's the kind of place families with restless kids will get an hour's peace from, though it's not set up as a playground - there's walking and looking, mostly. If you're camping at Village Farm Getaway nearby, it's practically on your doorstep and worth a morning ramble before heading elsewhere. The lack of obvious signage or facilities is either charming or annoying depending on your temperament, but it keeps the place from feeling like every other packaged nature reserve.

Best visited when it's not waterlogged - Leicestershire clay doesn't drain brilliantly - and early morning beats midday if you actually want to see wildlife.