Leicester

The canals tell Leicester's industrial story best. Foxton Locks remains one of the most impressive staircase lock systems in the country - ten locks climbing the hillside like watery steps, with narrow boats queuing patiently for their turn. It's proper canal theatre.

This corner of Leicestershire feels genuinely rural despite being so close to the city. Rolling farmland stretches between market towns, broken by patches of ancient woodland like Oak Spinney and Holloway Spinney. The Grand Union Canal cuts through it all, creating a green corridor that walkers and cyclists follow for miles.

Foxton Inclined Plane tells a different story - Victorian ambition that didn't quite work out. The remains of this boat lift experiment sit alongside the locks, a fascinating bit of industrial archaeology that most people miss. Saddington Reservoir offers decent fishing and quiet walks, though it's hardly spectacular.

Wistow Rural Centre keeps families busy with its mix of shops, cafes and the seasonal maize maze. It's the sort of place that works well on a rainy afternoon when you need something to do with restless children. Kibworth Golf Club provides a decent round if you're staying longer than a weekend.

The area sits roughly between Leicester and Market Harborough, making it surprisingly well-connected despite the rural feel. Junction 21 of the M1 is close enough for easy access from most of the Midlands and beyond.

Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you right in the heart of canal country. You can walk to Foxton Locks from several sites, and the towpath network means you can explore for miles without touching a road. It's ideal territory for a touring holiday - close enough to Leicester's attractions but far enough out to feel like proper countryside.