A DAY OUT

You don't have to go too far to have a lovely day out. We have our own delightful Evington Park, but just a little further afield you'll find Spinney Hill Park, Humberstone Park, Victoria Park and Abbey Park.

Abbey Park is very spacious – some 57 acres. I don't know about you, but I have no idea how to visualise an acre - other than to tell you that 57 acres covers a big area! It's a beautiful park and a haven for wildlife with a variety of ducks, swans and herons. A gentle stroll takes you through the grounds where there are varieties of shrubs and trees, flower displays, lakes, and the River Soar rushing through on its journey to the North Sea .

If you're interested in history you'll see the remains of the twelfth century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a seventeenth century mansion.

If you fancy being active then you'll be spoilt for choice. The boating lake opens on Good Friday, so how about exercising your arms by hiring a rowing boat, or giving your legs a work-out on a pedalo boat? There are tennis courts, a bowling green , an orienteering course, and large grassy areas ideal for playing catch, kicking a ball about and playing family cricket. There's a large children's play area and a model railway (open most Sundays during the summer). My favourite is pets' corner! Don't forget to take a carrot for the guinea pigs and rabbits! And when you need refreshment you'll find the park Café just over the bridge that crosses the river.

Abbey Park is only a mile from the city centre. You can get there easily by bus, and there's ample free car parking. The park also forms part of the central section of the Riverside Walk and cycle route – in itself another great local day out.

Enjoy yourselves on a trip to Abbey Park . Don't forget to take a camera – oh! and some carrots!

Have you been anywhere interesting recently? A day trip, a holiday abroad, a school outing? Write and let the Editor know. The winning entry will receive a prize of £30 and be published in the Evington Echo.

Sue Massey