Husbands Bosworth Dog Walking Field

The name says it all really - this is a proper working dog field on the edge of Husbands Bosworth, just a few miles outside Market Harborough. It's exactly what you'd expect: open grassland where dogs can run about without a lead, chase a ball, and actually get some decent exercise instead of plodding round a town centre on a lead.

You'll find it's free to use, which is the right way to do things. There's nothing fancy here, no facilities to speak of, but that's part of the appeal. Dogs get what they need, owners get a peaceful half hour away from the village. The field itself is fairly large, so even on a busy day you can find a quiet corner. Ground conditions vary depending on the season - muddy as anything after rain, which means you'll want old trainers and a towel in the car.

If you're stopping at one of the nearby caravan parks - Brook Meadow or Dome From Home are closest at under three miles - this is a genuinely useful spot to burn off some dog energy before a family meal or a settling-down evening at the park. It's not a destination in itself, but for anyone with a dog in tow, it's worth knowing about. Market Harborough itself has decent pubs and shops if you need to sort other bits out while the dog's had its run.

Allow 30-45 minutes. Go early morning if you want it quieter. Weekends tend busier.