Outdoors
Walking
A peaceful 35 hectare park near the historic town of Market Bosworth, this Green Flag Award winner features meadows, a lake, woodland walks, and an arboretum with rare trees. It’s ideal for picnics, gentle strolls, or the weekly park run. With play areas and easy paths, it’s perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
Address: The Park, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton CV13 0LP
A Leicestershire treasure, Bradgate Park offers over 800 acres of wild beauty, ancient oak trees, and free roaming deer. Explore the historic ruins of Bradgate House, once home to Lady Jane Grey and take in stunning views from Old John Tower. With riverside walks, picnic spots, and a visitor centre, it’s perfect for a day out in nature.
Address: Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HE
Burbage Common and Woods Country Park
One of Leicestershire’s largest countryside sites, Burbage Common blends ancient woodland with open heathland. Great for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, it also offers a visitor centre, café, and play areas, ideal for a family day out in nature.
Address: Burbage Common, Hinckley LE10 3DD
Set in 500 acres of stunning parkland, Coombe Abbey offers lakeside walks, woodlands, gardens, and a historic abbey. With a play area, café, and seasonal activities, it’s a perfect mix of nature, history, and family fun.
Address: Abbey Park Road, Leicester LE4 5AQ
A peaceful countryside escape near Sharnford, Fosse Meadows features woodlands, wildflower meadows, and a lake. With walking trails, a bird hide, and a natural play area, it’s ideal for quiet walks, wildlife spotting, and family adventures.
Address: Roman Road, Hinckley LE10 3AB
Enjoy a fun day at one of the country’s largest maize mazes, set in 8 acres of maize and sunflowers. Perfect for all ages, explore 3 miles of paths, find 12 quiz boards, and enjoy panoramic views from bridges and towers. Come and go all day, with breaks for lunch or fun in the activity fun yard.
Address: Kibworth Road, Wistow, Leicester, LE8 0QF
Explore the 220 year old Moira Furnace, a historic iron blast furnace with a rich story. Set in the heart of the National Forest, it’s perfect for history lovers, nature seekers, and families looking for a fun, affordable day out.
Address: Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT
Leicester’s largest local nature reserve, Aylestone Meadows offers riverside walks, wetlands, and historic canal paths. A haven for wildlife and peaceful strolls, it’s perfect for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers close to the city.
Address: Leicester, LE2 8DZ
Offers 330 acres of ancient woodland, heathland, and rugged volcanic crags, the second highest point in Leicestershire. With easy to follow trails, wildflower meadows, grazing livestock (think alpacas and Highland cows!), and delightful chainsaw sculptures, it’s a hit with families, walkers, and nature lovers. Don’t miss the rhododendron labyrinth, play areas, and the summit toposcope boasting 360° views on clear days. A café, picnic spots, accessible paths, and free parking complete the perfect countryside escape.
Address: Beacon Rd, Woodhouse Eaves LE12 8SP
A peaceful escape built on a reclaimed opencast mine. Today, it’s a vibrant mix of woodlands, lakes, meadows, and surfaced trails perfect for family strolls, cycling, or spotting wildlife. Whether it’s a gentle wander, nature watching, or a weekend family adventure, Sence Valley delivers fresh air and relaxed charm in Leicestershire’s green heart.
Address: Ravenstone Rd, Ibstock LE67 6NW
Golf
In Leicestershire features a scenic 18 hole, Par 71 course with five tee options for all levels. Water hazards add challenge, and the course is playable year round. It offers beautiful countryside views and has hosted major tournaments.
Address: Leicester Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3DR
Enjoy year round golf on resilient 9 hole course, blending challenge and fun for all levels since 1990. Nearby, Congo River Adventure Crazy Golf offers a thrilling jungle themed mini golf experience packed with twists and surprises for the whole family!
Address: Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP
Strike Shack at The Warwickshire
Strike Shack transforms golf practice into social entertainment. Powered by Top tracer technology, the heated bays offer interactive games, live scoring, and food & drink service straight to the bay. There is equipment hire for all ages, making it ideal for families, groups, or casual golfers seeking a fun twist on the traditional range.
Address: Leek Wootton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 7QT
Step into a sleek indoor golf and social lounge, boasting four top tier TrackMan simulators, Nineteen Golf lets you practice on world famous courses, enjoy friendly games, or fine tune your swing all year round . Whether you're a pro or playing for fun, the experience is topped off with a stylish bar serving drinks, wood fired pizzas (thanks to the partnership with The Cow & Plough), live sports on big screens, and a relaxed vibe perfect for groups and families.
Address: Stoughton Grange, Gartree Rd, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2FB
Cycling
In the heart of the National Forest, is a former coal site transformed into a haven for cyclists, walkers, and wildlife lovers. With trails for all skill levels, a lakeside bird hide, play area, café, and paths for walking and horse riding, it’s a great family day out.
Address: Willesley Woodside, Moira Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote, Leicestershire, LE65 2UP
Explore Calke Abbey’s stunning estate on two wheels via the figure of eight Tramway Trail, a family friendly, mostly flat loop through woodland, pasture, and along historic horse drawn tramway lines. The 6–10 km route offers scenic views, peaceful tunnels, and even bike hire and trailers available at Calke Explore (March–November). It’s the perfect blend of gentle exercise and countryside charm for guests of all ages.
Address: Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF
This former colliery site offers a 4km blue grade mountain bike trail with jumps, berms, and woodland views, plus a skills area and pump track perfect for younger riders. Explore the Snibston Heritage Trail with historic buildings, mining displays, and striking sculptures, including Irish elks made from recycled metal, reflecting the area's rich past.
Address: Ashby Road, Coalville LE67 3JX
Located in Miners Welfare Park, offer free, family friendly cycling with three trails of varying difficulty, Newdigate (green) for beginners, Hawkesbury (blue) for intermediates, and Woodlands (red) for experienced riders plus a skills area, pump track, and walking paths for all to enjoy.
Address: Miners' Welfare Park, Rye Piece Ringway, Bedworth, CV12 8JT.
Boating
The perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, offering 4,200 acres of countryside with walking, cycling, fishing, watersports, and a nature reserve home to the Rutland Osprey Project. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone from mini golf and play parks to beaches, cafés, and expert led activities like boat handling and cycle hire.
Address: Normanton Road, Edith Weston, Oakham LE15 8HD
Just outside the charming town of Market Bosworth, this marina sits beside the Ashby Canal and offers over 150 luxury moorings, a boater’s lounge, chandlery, secure parking, and relaxing boat trips along the tranquil, lock free waterway.
Address: Carlton Road, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton CV13 6PG
A historic Grade II listed site with Britain’s longest staircase of locks, set in 34 acres of green space. Enjoy boat trips, a canal museum, cafés, pubs, and seasonal events, all surrounded by rich wildlife and heritage.
Address: Foxton, Market Harborough LE16 7RA
Canal & River Tours in Stratford-upon-Avon
Enjoy a peaceful 45 minute cruise through Stratford’s historic waterways aboard a comfortable, covered boat. With live commentary, scenic views, and a chance to see working locks and local wildlife, it’s a relaxing way to explore the town from the water. Ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to unwind.
Address: Bancroft Gardens, Waterside, Stratford upon Avon,Warwickshire, CV37 6AT
Brindley Cruises in Birmingham Canal Tours
Glide through the heart of Birmingham aboard the Bosworth Lady, the city’s only public trip boat, you'll find comfy seating and a fully licensed bar, making it a relaxing and fun escape for families, couples, or solo traveler's. Perfect for discovering Birmingham’s waterways and heritage in style.
Address: The Water's Edge, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2JB