Watermead Country Park

Two lakes, walking trails, and proper open space - that's Watermead Country Park in a nutshell. It's Leicester's answer to needing somewhere to stretch your legs without heading too far out of the city. The park wraps around two reservoirs with a decent circuit walk that takes you past water birds, reed beds, and the odd fisherman setting up for the day.

The main draw is simple: it's free and it works. Families do well here - kids can burn energy on the paths, spot wildlife, and there's usually something moving on the water to hold their attention. Walkers will find it honest rather than spectacular. The circuit takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, maybe ninety minutes if you dawdle and actually look at things.

It's best visited on a clear day when you can actually see across the water. Summer brings dragonflies and more bird activity. Winter can feel a bit grey and windswept, but that's when you get the place to yourself, which has its own appeal.

For a caravan or camping holiday based at somewhere like Cossiwild Camping just two miles away, or further afield at Bradgate Park, Watermead makes an easy morning stop. It's the kind of place that slots perfectly into a local itinerary - not a destination in itself, but absolutely worth the walk. Bring decent shoes though; muddy patches aren't unknown after rain.