New Park

Just outside Melton Mowbray, New Park is a proper nature reserve where you can actually walk without bumping into crowds. It's the kind of place where you notice things - woodland paths that open onto grassland, the sort of habitat that draws in birds and keeps local naturalists happy. The reserve itself isn't massive, so you won't need a full day, but it's excellent for a couple of hours between other activities.

Walkers will appreciate the marked trails through mixed woodland and open ground. The paths are straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger children might find it a bit samey after the first half hour. Birdwatchers absolutely belong here - bring binoculars and a notebook.

It's free to access, which is always a bonus, and there are no opening hour restrictions to fuss about. Best visited during spring and early summer when the woodland is actually alive with sound rather than just green and quiet.

Stay at The Grange or Eye Kettleby Lakes just down the road - both within a mile and a half - and you've got a proper base for exploring the area. Melton Mowbray itself is worth a wander for the town itself, then New Park fills in a morning nicely before heading to one of the lakes for lunch. Not a showstopper on its own, but well worth factoring in if you're camping or caravanning locally.