Langdale Community Play Park

Just outside Hinckley, this community play park gives you a proper no-fuss spot to let the kids burn off some energy. It's the sort of place that does exactly what it says on the tin - swings, slides, climbing frames, the basics done well. Nothing fancy, but that's rather the point. The equipment is well-maintained and there's decent open space around it, so you're not watching your child shoulder-to-shoulder with twenty others.

Families with younger kids will get the most value here. Under-eights will happily spend an hour or so, though teenagers might find it a bit tame. There's no café or facilities to speak of, so bring a packed lunch if you're making an afternoon of it. It's free to use, which helps when you're staying in the area.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Mallory Meadows or Bosworth Caravan Park are within five or six miles - this is a handy spot to know about for an hour when the weather's decent. Don't expect to spend your whole day here, but as part of a broader day out in the area it works well enough. Hinckley itself has a bit more to offer if you need attractions beyond the play park, and the Leicestershire countryside around here is pleasant enough for walks. Worth a quick visit if you're in the neighbourhood with kids who need a climb and a slide.