Hinckley

Football might be the first thing that comes to mind - Hinckley United FC has a proper local following - but this market town offers more than Saturday afternoon kicks. The High Street runs through the heart of things, though like many Midlands towns it's had better days. Still, there's character here if you know where to look.

St Catherine's Church dominates the skyline with its medieval tower, worth a peek inside for the Victorian stained glass. Trinity Marina brings a bit of waterside calm to the edge of town, while Cineworld keeps the entertainment sorted on rainy afternoons. The train station connects you directly to Leicester and Birmingham, making day trips a doddle.

Just outside town, the countryside opens up properly. Go Ape at nearby Mallory Park gets the adrenaline flowing with high ropes and zip wires. More contemplative types might prefer the Medieval Village of Upper Smite - not much left standing, but the earthworks tell their story to anyone who'll listen.

Top Pool provides decent fishing if that's your thing, though the real draw is the network of footpaths threading through Leicestershire's rolling farmland. Fifteen minutes north and you're in proper countryside - hedgerows, ancient field boundaries, the lot.

Basing yourself at one of the touring parks dotted around makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into Hinckley for supplies or a proper meal, but far enough out to wake up to birdsong instead of traffic. The M69 junction means Leicester's Roman walls and Birmingham's canals are both within easy striking distance. Not a bad spot for exploring the heart of England, really.