Fox Covert

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured visitor attraction, Fox Covert sits just outside Swadlincote and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Leicestershire forest - quiet paths, a mix of mature trees, and enough space to actually hear yourself think. It's the sort of place where you can lose an hour without trying, wandering through dappled shade with hardly another soul about.

The woodland itself is manageable rather than vast. You're looking at a straightforward walk through mixed forest - nothing requiring specialist kit or extreme fitness, though the paths can get muddy after rain. Dog walkers absolutely love it here, and families with younger kids will find the scale less overwhelming than some of the bigger country estates nearby. Older children might get a bit restless if you're not building it into something bigger - this isn't an all-day affair.

No visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which means you'll need to sort yourself before arriving. The nearest proper provisions are back in Swadlincote itself. If you're staying at one of the local caravan sites - Valley View Escapes is closest at under three miles - Fox Covert works brilliantly as a morning option before heading somewhere with more infrastructure. Pair it with a visit to Conkers, the adventure park a few miles further on, if you've got kids needing more entertainment.

Worth the detour? Only if you're already in the area. As a standalone day out it's a bit thin, but as part of a broader Leicestershire woodland circuit, it's a decent stretch of your legs.