Castles by mid-morning. Woodland by lunch. A cosy pint by dusk.

Twinlakes Park in Melton Mowbray is pulling out all the stops this week with not one but three unmissable reasons to visit. Grandparents Weekend is a lovely chance to bring the whole family together across the generations, while The Witch Wagon adds a delicious dash of spooky seasonal theatre that little ones will be talking about for days. Round it all off with Family Scream Park for those who fancy their thrills a little more dramatic, and you have a full, gloriously chaotic day out sorted in one go. Over at Conkers in Moira, the fun takes a very different shape. The Chubby GC Comedy Night brings proper belly-laugh energy, performed with that unmistakable North East accent, the songs, the mannerisms and, of course, the legendary suit. If that whets your appetite, Bavarian Night follows hot on its heels with Karl's Brass Oompah Band leading an Oktoberfest celebration at the Discovery Centre that promises steins-up good cheer and a genuine festival atmosphere under one roof. Back in Leicester, Paul Smith rolls into De Montfort Hall with his brand-new tour, Happy, billed as the biggest and boldest show of his career. Comedy fans will want to snap up tickets promptly. And if you prefer something more hands-on, the Events and Craft Workshops at Volpo Lounge in Fosse Shopping Park offer a creative and sociable way to spend a few hours, with Loughborough Folk Dance Club providing a wonderfully cheerful community option for those who like their evenings with a little footwork. Three venues deserve a special mention this week. Twinlakes Park offers that rare combination of farm animals, go-karts and water slides that keeps every age group completely absorbed from arrival to farewell. The Bosworth1485 Trail near Market Bosworth invites you to walk through a landscape carrying five centuries of remarkable history, where a single day in 1485 reshaped an entire nation. And Burrough Hill Country Park, one of eastern Leicestershire's most striking outdoor spots, rewards those who make the climb with sweeping views that feel genuinely restorative. The week is settling in at around 12 degrees and mixed across the county, which makes it perfect layering weather for outdoor adventures and a lovely excuse to duck inside for live entertainment when the clouds gather. Wrap up, pack snacks and let Leicestershire do the rest. There really is no better time to start planning your visit than right now.