5 Best Family Walks in Leicestershire

Looking for something to do this summer holiday without having to shell out loads of money? Why not try out one of our five best family walks in Leicestershire . They are free, and you might just discover a part of the county you’d not visited before.

Even just the thought of taking youngsters on a walk may conjure up the overused and irritating responses like; “I’m tired”, “I’m hungry”, “how much further?”, “I want to go home”. To combat this situation be prepared, arm yourself with distraction techniques. I once heard there were six important rules of walking with children:

Rule 1:encourage them to collect things along the way. This can be anything; the prettiest feathers, the shiniest stones, the gnarliest sticks, leaves of all shapes and sizes.
Rule 2: Using your imagination will stimulate theirs. Entice the children to look at their surroundings, searching for unusual things; like if you spot a mushroom ring try getting them to quietly creep up to see if the fairies are home.
Rule 3: Being near water; lakes, rivers, streams, canals, or just muddy puddles can be fun. There are so many different activities to entertain even the most difficult of children; feeding ducks, paddling, throwing in stones and making big splashes, pooh sticks, (whilst being mindful of the wildlife). A warning, a wet child is usually a miserable, moaning one! Remember spare clothes or strip them down if it is warm enough.
Rule 4: Look out for animals and birds, and their tracks, they are a great distraction: sheep, cows, deer, ducks, swans, squirrels; there are plenty to spot.
Rule 5: Leave their “toys” behind and let them play with whatever they find. Children can be very resourceful with what is out and about; such as: scrambling on rocks, jumping off logs, climbing over fallen trees, and sword fighting with sticks.
Rule 6: Bribery. Always have a fail safe. Sweeties, or biscuits and drink for an impromptu picnic, or the promise of a tasty treat from the shop, pub or café.

Tired and happy after fresh air, exercise, and a fun time you may actually get to enjoy some peace and quiet whilst they rest.

Bosworth Battlefield: 2.5miles, approx. 1hr 30mins
Facilities include: parking, toilets, two cafes, visitor centre shop
Free Fun Factor: woodland, canal towpath, , old railway line
Chargeable Fun: The Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, boat rides, steam train rides

Staunton Harold: 2.75miles, approx. 1hr 30mins
Facilities include: parking, toilets, two cafes, shops
Fun Factor: Browse the shops, large lakes, woodland, views from the ridgeway, nature reserve with lake, sheep and cattle to spot

Barrow upon Soar 2.75miles, approx. 1hr
Facilities include: parking, shops, toilets, two cafes, several nearby pubs
Free Fun Factor: River,cattle and horses, playground
Chargeable Fun: boat hire

Wistow 4.5miles, approx 2 hrs
Facilities include: parking, toilets, cafe and shops
Fun Factor: Browse the shops, open countryside to run, canal path, sheep and cattle to spot

Beacon Hill: 6.3miles, approx. 2hrs
Facilities include: parking, pubs
Fun Factor: Rhododendron Labyrinth, amazing views, woodland, open countryside, streams, rocks to scramble, cattle, sheep and alpacas.

KEY:

Car Parking	Cafe	Sheep	Cows	playground
Picnic Area	Labyrinth	View Point	Pub

5 Best Family Walks in Leicestershire

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