Jackson's

Jackson's is a free sports venue just outside Melton Mowbray that punches above its weight for a casual afternoon out. The ground hosts local football matches and events throughout the year, with a proper community feel - the kind of place where you're not fighting crowds to see the action. It's ideal if you're camping nearby at Eye Kettleby Lakes or The Grange and want to catch a match without the hassle of getting into a major stadium.

The facility is straightforward: open-air football pitch with basic seating and standing areas. On match days, there's genuine atmosphere from local supporters. You'll want to check ahead for fixtures - there's nothing worse than turning up to find it's a training session rather than a game. Allow a couple of hours if there's a match on, less if you're just having a look around.

Honestly, it's not a destination in itself. But if you've got kids who play football or just want to support local sport while staying in the area, it's worth adding to your itinerary. The real draw is combining it with the nearby parks - Eye Kettleby Lakes and Frisby Lakes Lodge Park both offer decent facilities, so you can make a proper weekend of it. Melton Mowbray itself is worth exploring for its food scene and market, so Jackson's fits nicely as a morning or afternoon activity while you're in the neighbourhood.