Melton Mowbray

Famous pork pies aren't the only thing putting this Leicestershire market town on the map, though they certainly don't hurt. Melton Mowbray sits pretty in the heart of fox hunting country, where rolling countryside meets proper market town bustle twice weekly.

The town centre still feels properly lived-in rather than touristy. Market days bring a proper buzz to the streets, while quieter weekdays let you appreciate the Georgian architecture without the crowds. Melton Mowbray Town Estate Golf Course offers decent greens for a quick round, though the real draw lies beyond the town boundaries.

Venture out to Priory Water for peaceful lakeside walks. This stretch of water draws anglers and dog walkers alike, particularly lovely on crisp winter mornings when mist hangs over the surface. The surrounding villages deserve exploration too - Long Clawson's village sign is a proper piece of folk art, while St Remigius Church there dates back centuries.

Countryside walking is exceptional around here. Cant's Thorns and Broughton Hill provide woodland rambles through ancient hunting territory, where you'll spot riders on horseback most weekends. The landscape rolls gently between copses and farmland - quintessentially English without being chocolate box pretty.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A607 runs straight through town, connecting to the A1 and M1 within reasonable striking distance. Leicester lies 17 miles southwest if you need proper shopping or rail connections.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Leicestershire. You're well placed for market town visits, countryside walks, and even day trips to Nottingham or Leicester. Eye Kettleby Lakes offers both camping and lodge options, while Frisby Lakes provides a more upmarket base. The rural setting means proper dark skies at night, yet you're never more than a short drive from civilization.