Stuck for ideas this holiday weekend? Well, here are some family-friendly suggestions for places to visit in and around Ashby.

From stepping back in time to being actively part of the National Forest, there is something for everyone in and around the town.

And no matter what the weather, there is always something to tide you over between now and the New Year.

Ashby Castle

South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1BR

Open: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm

Prices: Adults: £6.20; Child, 5-17 years: £3.70; Concession: £5.60; Family, two adults and up to three chldren, £16.10.

Ashby Castle is one of those places that is on our doorstep but not always somewhere the town's residents think of when choosing a day out. Think again.

This is a huge slice of history within the town, just off South Street.

The Castle's website tells you what to expect from a visit.

The property began as a manor house in the 12th century and reached castle status in the 15th century.

You can find out about the castle's colourful history with our lively audio tour. Hear how Edward IV's Chamberlain Lord Hastings added the chapel and the impressive keep-like Hastings Tower – a castle within a castle.

Visitors can still climb the tower today despite it suffering massive damage during the Civil War. There are great views from the top! Then make sure you discover the underground passage from the kitchen to the tower, probably created during this war, which can still be explored today.

Make sure you walk the underground passage between the tower and the kitchen; be amazed that you can still climb to the top of the half ruined tower; and find out more about the castle's dramatic history in the company of our amusing audio guide

Conkers

Open: Saturday/Sunday: 10am-5pm

Prices: Adult Entrance Ticket £5/Child Entrance Ticket £5/Concessions Entrance Ticket £5/Child Entrance Ticket (0 - 2yrs) FREE/Family Entrance Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £18.95/Super Family Entrance Ticket (2 adults and 4 children) £25.95

The Conkers website tells you that it is an award winning attraction at the heart of the National Forest with a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences – that will keep your family engrossed for hours.

You can the Waterside & Discovery Centres with the 4D Cinema, Enchanted Play Zone, 4D Cinema, Indoor Play and Exhibits. 

There are 120 acres of woodland and lakes to explore, along with a barefoot walk and adventure play areas. Jump aboard the Conkerchoo Train or head below the surface of the earth with The Warrens.

Conkers now has, for 5years old-plus, an updated Activity Trail and Obstacle Course. You can book a visit online.

Hicks Lodge

Open: Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm.

Parking Prices are as follows: Up to one hour £2; Up to two hours, £3; All Day £5. Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member. Number of accessible parking spaces: 5.

Hicks Lodge is a recreational area to the west of Ashby. It is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

Their website tells you that it is a great day out for the budding cyclist, from toddlers to young teens perfecting their skills, they have a range of trails for beginner to intermediate appetites.

There is also a lakeside bird hide where you can soak in the beautiful scenery and spot some unique wildlife, such as the migratory sand martins. There are also walking and horse riding paths, a play area and a cafe.

Hicks Lodge has: 1 walking trail; 2 cycling trails;1 seasonal horse riding trail; a Play area; Bike hire; a Picnic area and Dogs are welcome.

Staunton Harold Hall

The Estate, close to junction 13 of the M42 for Ashby, is open to the public throughout the year, barring Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Ferrers Centre is closed on Mondays.

The Staunton Harold Estate's website tells you that it is a traditional country estate of some 2000 acres, centred on the great Georgian mansion, Staunton Harold Hall.  Family run, and 'hands on' in its management style, the estate has embraced modern uses for its diverse assets.

The suite of fine 'State Rooms' on the east and north front lend themselves to large functions, and here we host weddings and other events up to 12 times a year.

There is a large Georgian stable block, which had stood abandoned and ruinous.  It is now in good repair, and in 1974 began its conversion to craft workshops and studios.  Now known as the Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts, this is a true 'making' centre with 18 businesses covering a range of disciplines.

CALKE ABBEY

Open Saturday/Sunday 11am-5pm

Whole Propery Prices: Adult £15: Child £7.50; Family £37.50; Group adult, minimum size 15, £14.25; Group Child, minimum size 15, £7.10

Garden, stables and park only: Adult, £9.70; Child, £4.85; Family, £24.25

Situated north of Ashby, Calke Abbey's website tells you the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. The house and stables are little restored, with many abandoned areas vividly portraying a period in the 20th century when numerous country houses did not survive to tell their story.

You can discover powerful stories of a family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures and visit the beautiful, yet faded walled gardens and explore the orangery, auricula theatre and the kitchen gardens.

Escape into the ancient and fragile habitats of Calke Park and its National Nature Reserve.

Attractions include, The stunning state silk bed, erected for the first time in 1985 after lying undiscovered since the 18th century; Spot the 'Old Man of Calke', a 1,200 year old oak tree; Enter a world of little light and follow the twists and turns of the brew house tunnel; Visit the red and fallow deer in their restored deer enclosure; Stroll through the pleasure grounds to the flower garden with its unique auricula theatre' Hear new stories of isolation and loneliness, kindness and compassion as part of HumanKind, a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition indoors and out