New Aylestone Park Library (Within Leisure Centre)

The library tucked inside New Aylestone Leisure Centre is one of those places that surprises you - not because it's flashy, but because it actually works. You've got a proper modern branch here in south Leicester with a decent selection of books, computers, and the kind of quiet reading space that's become rarer than hen's teeth in leisure centres.

It's worth an hour or so if you're based nearby, particularly if you've got kids who need a wet-weather activity. The leisure centre location means you can combine it with a swim or a coffee without trekking across town. Staff know their stuff and the children's section is well-organised rather than chaotic.

For a caravan holiday at Green Acres just down the road, this is handy to know about - stock up on books for the holiday rather than relying on whatever's in the holiday home. Free admission, naturally, since it's a library. You won't need more than ninety minutes here unless you're seriously researching something.

It's not a destination in itself - you're not driving from Birmingham to visit this particular branch. But as part of a broader Leicestershire break, especially if Bradgate Park and the forest walks are on your agenda, knowing there's a decent indoor fallback matters. The building's functional rather than inspiring, but then libraries rarely are. They just need to be useful, and this one is.