Camping in Asfordby Hill

There are no formal campsites in Asfordby Hill itself, but the surrounding Wreake valley countryside, threading between Melton Mowbray and villages such as Frisby on the Wreake, Kirby Bellars and Brooksby, has a reasonable spread of caravan and camping parks within a short drive, many geared towards touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, and several offering coarse fishing on site alongside the pitches. As with anywhere in England, wild camping on private land here is not permitted without the landowner's explicit permission, so it is worth booking an established site or seeking permission directly from a farm or landowner rather than assuming open fields are fair game.

The terrain around Asfordby Hill is gentle rolling farmland rather than rugged upland, with well-maintained country lanes and footpaths making it easy going for families and less experienced campers, while still offering proper countryside quiet once you are away from the A6006. The River Wreake and its old canal course provide level, scenic walking and cycling routes straight from many of the local sites, and Melton Country Park's lakes and woodland trails are a short drive away for a day out without needing to move the car far.

Late spring through early autumn, broadly May to September, is the most comfortable window for camping here, with the driest ground conditions and the best chance of long, warm evenings around the pitch. July is a particularly good time to combine a stay with Melton Mowbray's food festival events, including its well-known Piefest celebrating the town's pork pie heritage. Outside these months the ground can turn heavy after rain, and days are shorter, so it suits hardier campers or those in a well-equipped caravan more than a first tent trip.

For anyone who would rather skip the tent altogether, a handful of sites in the wider area offer glamping options such as static caravans, pods or safari tents, giving a taste of the Wreake valley countryside with rather more comfort, and these tend to be booked up well ahead of the summer food festival season.