Loughborough University Stadium

The stadium sits on Loughborough University's campus, a proper modern sports facility that hosts everything from athletics to rugby. If you're staying nearby - Barrow upon Soar is just a stone's throw away - it's worth knowing what's on during your visit.

This isn't a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. You won't wander round freely; it's a working university venue. But if there's a fixture on - athletics meets, rugby matches, or other events - it can be a cracking afternoon out. The facilities are genuinely impressive, with a track that's hosted some serious competition. Check their fixture list before you go.

Families with older kids who are into sport will get something out of it on event days. Younger children might find a non-event day a bit dull. You're looking at a couple of hours maximum if there's a match or meet on; without one, there's not much to see.

It works well as part of a broader sports-focused trip to the area. Bradgate Park, five miles away, offers something completely different - woodland walks and red deer rather than athletic tracks. Combine both if you've got mixed interests in your group. Book ahead if an event catches your eye, and check admission prices on the university's website beforehand. It's convenient for a rainy-day plan if you're camping at nearby Proctors Park or Meadow Farm Marina, though it's not essential to your holiday.