Watson's Spinney

You'll find yourself walking beneath tall conifers and scattered broadleaves at Watson's Spinney, just outside Hungarton - it's a proper little woodland that feels miles away from anywhere despite being in Leicestershire's gently rolling countryside. The spinney isn't vast, so you're looking at a leisurely hour's walk rather than a day-long ramble, which makes it ideal if you've got restless kids in tow or fancy a quick stretch of the legs between bigger attractions. The paths wind through mixed woodland, occasionally opening out to give you glimpses of the surrounding farmland - nothing dramatic, but genuinely pleasant on a clear day. Ground-level fungi and bird activity keep nature spotters busy, and the shade is brilliant on hot afternoons. There's something refreshing about woodlands in this part of England - they lack the grandeur of the Peak District's forests but gain an almost intimate charm because of it. If you're staying at Emily's Cut Camping just four miles away, it's a worthwhile morning excursion before heading towards one of the region's more formal parks. Go on a weekday if possible - weekends can draw a crowd of local dog walkers. It's free to access, no facilities on site, so bring water and don't expect cafés or loos. The paths can be muddy after rain, but that's half the point of a proper woodland walk.