North Kilworth Wharf

Moored narrowboats bob gently alongside the towpath here, creating one of those proper working waterway scenes that feels miles from anywhere despite being a stone's throw from Market Harborough. North Kilworth Wharf sits on the Grand Union Canal, where you can hire day boats or longer canal holidays, browse the marina chandlery, or simply watch the lock-keepers at work.

Boat enthusiasts will be in their element, naturally. But even landlubbers find something appealing about the slow rhythm of canal life - kids love watching boats navigate the locks, and there's a decent café for a brew while you're at it. The wharf has that authentic feel that many canal-side spots have lost to gentrification.

Walking the towpath in either direction makes for a lovely gentle ramble. Head south towards Husbands Bosworth or north towards Foxton Locks if you fancy a longer stretch. The whole area has that peaceful quality that canal country does so well.

For families staying at nearby parks like Brook Meadow or Valley View Escapes, it's an easy drive for a change of pace from typical holiday park activities. Allow a couple of hours if you're combining boat watching with a towpath walk. The wharf works particularly well on those drizzly days when you need something low-key but still want to get out and about.