Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium

Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium is home to Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and it's the sort of ground that rewards a proper visit rather than just passing through. The setting is genuinely pleasant - tree-lined boundaries, decent sightlines from most spots, and that particular calm that comes with county cricket on a summer afternoon.

The main draw here is watching the players themselves. County cricket moves at its own pace, which means you can actually settle in, chat to regulars, grab a pint from the bar, and absorb the rhythm of the game. It's nothing like the roar and theatre of Test cricket at Lord's; instead it's intimate and surprisingly relaxing. Families with kids will find it works well for a few hours - long enough to eat, watch a session, maybe see someone get out - but don't expect wall-to-wall entertainment. Cricket enthusiasts, though, will appreciate the chance to scout emerging talent and see the sport in its purest form.

Match days are your best bet, obviously. Admission varies depending on what's being played, but it's generally accessible. The ground sits just outside Leicester's centre, making it easy to combine with a walk round the town or a visit to nearby Bradgate Park if you're staying at Green Acres Caravan Park. On a decent day, with a decent match on, it's a proper way to spend a few hours without fighting crowds.