Oakthorpe Colliery and picnic site, Leicestershire

In the heart of the national forest, at the edge of Donisthorpe is Oakthorpe Colliery. An old mining site turned into six hectares of beautiful woodland and grassland with large areas of wildflowers. There are well maintained pathways throughout, a lake and picnic area. You can continue your walk into the neighbouring 40-hectare Willesley Woods. Hicks Lodge and Donsithorpe Woodland park are a stone’s throw away too.
It's a very peaceful place, you can often walk without seeing anybody else! The car park is free to use but is quite small.