Outdoors sites

Abbey Park Road, Leicester, LE4 5AQ, Tel: 0116 252 7003

Abbey Park is a park situated in Leicester's city centre. Enjoy exploring a Chinese garden, historical ruins, canals and boating lakes. Abbey Park is also home to fun fairs and festivals. A tearoom is also open for refreshments.

Altar Stones Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PX, Tel: 0116 272 0444

Get a breath of fresh air and take in the views of Leicestershire's landscape and Charnwood Forest.

Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE67 2FW, Tel: 0116

Recreation ground with sports facilities and leisure walks for use by locals.

Heath Road, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1DL, Tel: 0116 305 6918

Enjoy pleasant walks through this 75 hectare reclaimed colliery site in The National Forest.

Beacon Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 8SP, Tel: 0116 305 5000

The perfect country park to head to for those that enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy scrambling on the rocks or an afternoon walk through the rhododenrons.

Bede Island / Castle Park Area, Leicester, LE5 6DE, Tel: 0116 273 7726

Bede Park, located nearby the River Soar,has a play area in the heart of the city. Look out for the high slide!

Church Road off Thurcaston Road, Belgrave, Leicester, LE4 5PE, Tel: 0116 266 6590

Belgrave Hall and Gardens has a calendar of exciting events throughout the year that are ideal for the whole family.

Billa Barra Lane, Stanton under Bardon, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PD, Tel: 01455 238141

Head to Billa Barra Hill and see magnificent views of Leicestershire. Great for an afternoon walk.

South Wigston, Leicestershire, LE19, Tel: 0116 257 2675

Enjoy walks through the grounds of Blaby Road Park.

Deer Barn Buildings, Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, Leicestershire, LE6 0HE, Tel: 0116 236 2713

Explore the 840 acre country park and enjoy some peace and tranquility at Bradgate Park. Take along a picnic or buy a cup of tea at the tearoom.

Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16, Tel: 01604 883 920

Get your bikes and saddle up! The Brampton Valley Way is a picturesque cycleway linking Market Harborough to Northampton.

Hinckley Road, LE1 1DJ, Tel: 0116 252 7003

Head to Braunstone Park and enjoy gardens, play areas, nature rambles and conservation areas.

Burbage, Leicester, LE10 2HF, Tel: 01455

The Fields land was once part of the ancient three field system which operated in Burbage during Medieval times. The area is now used mainly for community events such as carnivals, fireworks, rugby, scouting and young children's play.

Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ, Tel: 0116 257 2888

Spend the day exploring Brocks Hill Country Park. Children will love playing in sandpits, climbing castles and whizzing down the the large 'wiggly' slide! Take a walk around the park and enjoy a cup of tea in the tearoom.

Beacon Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 8SR, Tel: 0116 305 5000, Email, www.leics.gov.uk/countryparks

Explore Broombriggs Farm Country Park and find out about a day in the life of a working farm.

Leicester Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3DR, Tel: 01455 633 712

Enjoy the outdoors - explore Burbage Common and Woods and look out for the many wild flowers that grow there.

High Street, Somerby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2QZ, Tel: 0116 305 5000

Burrough Hill is situated on the site of an Iron Age Hill Fort. Enjoy exploring waymarked trails through woodland and beautiful countryside.

The Newarke, Leicester, LE2 7BY, Tel: 01162 221000

Castle Gardens are located in the historic Castle Park area, includes a rock garden, mixed borders, various shrubs and trees, and part of the city's riverfront.

Astill Lodge Road, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, LE4, Tel: 0116 222 1000

Enjoy time exploring Castle Hill Country Park where you will find Bluebell Woods, Rothley Brook and an apple orchard.

London Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67, Tel: 01530 411767

Coalville Park is situated just a couple of minutes walk away from the town centre on London Road. There are plenty of activities to suit all age groups including tennis courts and a childrens' playground, whilst there are also flower beds

Pitt Lane, The Moor, Coleorton, Leicestershire, LE67 8GE, Tel: 01530 278444

Enjoy the great outdoors of Leicestershire and The National Forest at Coleorton Wood. This former colliery site has been transformed into woodland.

Staunton Harold, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65, Tel: 0116 270 2999

Explore this nature reserve where you will find wildlife, and a landscape with geological and archaeological interest.

Church Street, Donisthorpe, DE12 7RH, Tel: 01530 278 444, Email, www.leics.gov.uk

Created on the former Donisthorpe Colliery which closed in 1990, this 36 hectare site has been reclaimed to create a picturesque new landscape that is accessible for all.

Evington Park House, Cordery Road, Evington, Leicester, LE5 6DE, Tel: 0116 252 7000

Spend the afternoon at Evington Park, a former country estate, where you will find rare Gingko trees, a maze and a children's play area.

216 Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DG, Tel: 0116 267 1950

The Holly Haye's Environmental Resource's Centre has collected a unique databank of information on plants, animals and their habitats. Plan a visit to learn more about nature in the local area.

Hollycroft, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1BZ, Tel: 0844 357 9406

Hollycroft is a large park with bandstand that holds events throughout the year.