With family visiting for the weekend and the last of the summer upon us, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore Foxton Locks.

Built in the 19th century, Foxton locks are not only still fully functioning but they are the the largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system. Climbing up the hill, the locks are pretty spectacular with beautiful narrowboats heading through on a watery adventure.

We spent several hours exploring, taking in the incredible victorian inclined boat lift and countryside views and treating ourselves to a homemade ice-cream. We also got to try our hand at opening and closing the locks as one of the friendly members of staff encouraged us to have a go to help a narrowboat on its way.

It was a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning and I will definitely be going back. Next time I’m going to go on the narrowboat ride and swap my picnic for a lunch in one of the lovely pubs that sit right by the locks.

Images by Joanna Payne and courtesy of Peter Leigh on Flickr

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Swithland Wood is a magical place, tucked away in the Leicestershire countryside. I discovered it on a wonderful wintery walk recently and I can’t wait to return and see it change with the seasons. I can imagine spring will be spectacular, especially as the wood anenomes and bluebells come through.

It’s an ancient woodland and one of the most atmospheric ones I’ve visited; you get a sense of seeing and feeling the history as you walk along its many winding paths. Big, old trees stand majestically, whispering with the wind and providing a perch for the aviary of birds that adorn them (make sure you stop and you’ll hear their song punctuating the silence).

The pathways lead you up and down, past streams and brooks, with glimpses of the beautiful surrounding countryside. The old bridal paths are still used by horse riders who amble along, enjoying being off the beaten track. Dogs too can explore all the nooks and crannies, sniffing out the many perfect spots to sit and admire the peace and beauty of it all.

Image courtesy of Phil McIver & Holly Victoria Norval on Flickr

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I like to do my Christmas shopping in independent, pretty shops. Places where I can browse at beautiful things, then stop off for a coffee, maybe even a slice of cake before returning to purchase lovely, unique gifts. Each year, I love finding a hustle of boutique style shops, where I can take my time and enjoy shopping and St Martin’s Square in Leicester is the perfect spot.

Full of a whole host of independent shops, featuring hand made goods, books, vintage clothing, jewellery and textile pieces, it really is a treasure trove of sweetness and delight! And the cobbled streets, old Victorian shopping arcades and buildings brimming with character, make you feel like you’re in a period drama, topped off with a pinch of sparkle.

Two places that I’ll definitely be returning to are Niche for its handmade goods and Croques for its impressive sandwiches. In fact, it’s safe to say, they’re now on my favourites list.

Image by Joanna Payne

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We are lucky enough to have the wonderful Bradgate Park right on our doorstep. I visited as a child and it’s still exactly as I remember it. Now it’s one of my favourite places to take my children. It doesn’t cost a fortune (free apart from a small car park charge which covers upkeep) and they absolutely love roaming around the fabulous grounds.

The park covers 830 acres and is steeped in history. Lady Jane Grey is said to have been born at Bradgate House, and you can still see the remains of the Grey ancestral home. For spectacular views across Leicestershire, I recommend a trek up the highest hill in the park to a prominent landmark called ‘Old John’.

We love to visit in the summer months and take a picnic. The River Lin runs through the park and there are lots of little waterfalls and streams to explore. You can easily find a nice, hidden spot to set up base for the day. And after much running around and when it’s time to head home, there’s the promise of an ice cream from the van in the car park!

Photo courtesy of TomEHook on Flickr.

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There’s nothing more glorious than being out in the sunshine with a fresh breeze and getting away from the everyday. Living in Leicester, my favourite cycling route goes through different stages. First there’s some city cycling through Victorian terraced back streets before turning into River Park and over a low wooden bridge. The hustle of the road is soon lost as the cycle path winds through the trees until suddenly you join the Soar Valley Way.

After the leafy confines of the park, and the bustle of the city streets, the moment of getting out onto a straight, clear, smooth trail is fabulous. The real magic, however, is the transformation of people’s interaction along the way. Everyone smiles and says hello – the dog walkers, parents with pushchairs and whole families on their bikes. The peace found here is only thanks to the closure of the Great Central Way – nearly fifty years ago trains would have been rushing up and down this line. The path takes you under Victorian cast iron bridges and over the Grand Union Canal. On the return route you can cut onto the towpath, and if you’re lucky, while you avoid the banks you might spot a kingfisher.

Before heading home I always cycle on to the lively Queens Road, park my bike up outside one of the cafes, like Salvador Deli, and gradually re-climatise to the real world with the help of a hot chocolate and one of their amazing brownies.

Photo courtesy of weegeebored on Flickr

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Situated next to St Mary’s Church on Church Street, the last cobbled street left in Melton Mowbray, is Caffe & Deli Italia – the best kept street in the town. I love the authentic Italian feel of this place. You always get a warm welcome from the friendly Italian owners and you’ll often spot elderly Italian gentlemen sat outside chatting and drinking espressos. As you might expect, the food is wonderful and freshly made in their tiny kitchen by a Sicillian chef. It’s the place to go for great pastries and coffee as well as amazing risotto and pasta dishes.

My advice is to bag the window seat, great for people-watching, and try their fantastic frittata. You mustn’t miss the deli either. There’s a hidden art gallery upstairs which showcases local artists. Oh and if you order tea you will have a very nice surprise waiting for you!

Photo courtesy of Ned Trifle on Flickr

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I love nothing more than gathering together a big group of friends and heading to The Almanack in Leicester’s Highcross. My ultimate modern gastro pub, the whole feel of the place is very stylish and cool, but without the attitude that it usually associated with such places. It is somewhere you just instantly feel at home.

The bar area is full of amazing vintage 60s and 70s furniture that you can lounge around on and enjoy a drink, and the equally impressively furnish dining area is full of vintage tables and chairs and overlooks the open kitchen, so you can see the chefs at work preparing your amazing food.

The food itself is consistently excellent. The menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal produce, and the food is all freshly cooked for you. The deli boards are great to share as a starter, and the Roast of the Day is always really tasty – no matter what day of the week.

The Almanack prides itself on the service, and that really shows. I have a thing about good customer service which is probably why I love the place so much – I am always made to feel really special when I visit. They are always more than happy to let you breathe after the meal and order more coffee and drinks.

They also put on some great events and offers, such as the monthly jazz and pudding clubs, and if you pop in for your morning coffee on the way to work, you get free toast with it!

Photo courtesy of The Almanack

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