Waltham New Covert

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured visitor attraction, Waltham New Covert is the sort of place you stumble upon when exploring the quieter bits of Leicestershire near Oakham. The forest itself is unremarkable in the way that British woodlands often are - mixed broadleaf and conifer, decent paths, the usual suspects underfoot (bluebells in spring, soggy leaf mulch come autumn). What you get here is straightforward: a chance to stretch your legs through the trees without crowds or entry fees. It's free, which helps.

The appeal is entirely dependent on what you want from a forest walk. If you're after dramatic vistas or rare birds, you'll be disappointed. If you need an hour's worth of proper woodland air and don't mind a fairly ordinary landscape, it works fine. The paths are walkable enough, though they can get muddy in wet weather. There's no facilities whatsoever, so bring what you need.

For families with young children it's a bit hit-and-miss - they'll either find it dull or love the freedom to explore without worrying about straying off marked routes. Serious walkers might use it as a warm-up or a break between longer rambles. It makes sense if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like The Grange or Eye Kettleby Lakes and want to kill a morning without leaving the area. Otherwise, it's more of a local's option than a deliberate destination.