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Loughborough& Charnwood

Visitor Guide

FREEWelcome

Loughborough, a town centre steeped in avibrant heritage, provides visitors from acrossthe world with the warmest of welcomes. Thisis a destination that’s perfect for shopping,eating out, days out with family and friends aswell as stepping back in time to explore theGreat Central Railway, Taylor’s Bell Foundry, the famous Carillon tower and just a few milesfrom the town centre, Stoneywell Cottage.

The town is also home to the world-renownedLoughborough University and its thousands ofstudents who create a lively buzz during termtime.

Just a few miles from the bustling market town,you’ll discover the great outdoors ofCharnwood. Take time out exploring stunningcountryside, the ancient Charnwood Forestwoodlands and picturesque villages – there areplenty of tea rooms and pubs along the way for you to stop off and refuel!

Whether you want to shop ‘til you drop, enjoytasty food and drink, explore the countrysideor enjoy fun-filled family days out, this usefulguide will provide you with great ideas onwhere to visit in Loughborough and thesurrounding Charnwood countryside.

Throughout the year there is a calendar packedwith events, from the annual LoughboroughStreet Fair and the award-winning panto atLoughborough Town Hall to woodland foodfestivals and performances in Bradgate Park.

For more information and ideas of where to visit and details of events please visitwww.goleicestershire.com/charnwood

About this guideTOP TENInsider Tips!

TOP TENTips for Family Fun!

The iconic Sock Man, in Market Place,celebrates Loughborough’s hosiery heritage.The kids will love climbing over it and it’salso a great opportunity for a family selfie!

During October Loogabarooga Festival ofIllustrated Children’s Literature brings youincredible illustrations and brilliant books. As well as fantastic festival events with allyour favourite authors and illustrators, theLadybird book benches will return to thetown centre - which one’s your favourite?

Want to find out more aboutLoughborough’s fascinating past? VisitCharnwood Museum to discover thehistory of the town and Ladybird bookswhich were produced in the town.

Scream if you want to go faster at theannual Loughborough Street Fair whichtakes over the town every November.

He’s behind you! Enjoy the annualperformance of Loughborough Town Hall’saward-winning panto.

To find out more about what to see and doin Loughborough and Charnwood visitwww.goleicestershire.com/charnwood

Loughborough & CharnwoodVisitor Guide

EVENTS JANUARY

Holocaust Memorial Day,Queen’s Park, Loughborough

FEBRUARY

Loughborough’s Big Weekend,part of the Leicester ComedyFestival

Leicestershire Half Marathon(Prestwold Hall)

APRIL

Loughborough Half Marathon

MAY

Ceramics in Charnwood,Market Place, Loughborough

Loughborough Bike & Trike Show

JUNE

Picnic in the Park, Queen’s Park

Classic Car Show, Market Place

1940s War Time Weekend atGreat Central Railway

Armed Forces Day

JULY

Rempstone Steam Show,Rempstone

AUGUST

Loughborough Mela

Loughborough by the Sea

SEPTEMBER

Edible Forest Festival,Charnwood Forest

Loughborough Dog Show

Living History Weekend atBradgate Park

OCTOBER

Loogabarooga Festival ofIncredible Illustrations andBrilliant Books, Loughborough

Diwali Lights Switch On,Loughborough

NOVEMBER

Loughborough Street Fair

Armistice Service Day,Remembrance parade andservice, Loughborough

Christmas Lights Switch On,Loughborough

Pantomime, LoughboroughTown Hall

DECEMBER

Santa Fun Run, Market Place,Loughborough

Christmas Tree Festival,Loughborough

Santa Steam Train, GreatCentral Railway

LOUGHBOROUGHTOWN MARKETS

General Market - everyThursday & SaturdayFarmers Market - secondWednesday of every month(please check dates beforevisiting in November)Vintage Market - every Friday

Visitwww.goleicestershire.com/charnwood for details onspecialist markets

Like us @goleicestershire

Follow us @loveleics

Loughborough and Charnwoodhave a calendar jam-packedwith festivals and events.Whether it’s farmers, vintageor weekly markets or thelegendary annual fair, there’splenty to see and dothroughout the year.

During the summer months,Loughborough town centreis alive with the sound ofmusic with Queen’s Park Bandand Picnic in the Park - enjoychoirs, jazz and more whilsttucking in to a tasty picnic.

Head out in to the Charnwoodcountryside and BradgatePark which has events takingplace throughout the yearincluding fascinating guidedwalks through the 850 acrepark, historic ghost walks,suppers and art workshops.

The Loogabarooga Festivalof Incredible Illustrations andBrilliant Books, which takesplace in October, is anexciting annual event forfamilies who love books andillustrations. There’s a packedprogramme which includesworkshops, storytellingsessions, meet the authorsessions and tips on how to write and illustrate yourown book.

There are also appearancesfrom some of the nation’sbest-loved children’s authorsand illustrators.

Charnwood is home topicturesque villages whoeach year compete to havethe best scarecrow at theannual Scarecrow Festivals,where you can find out how creative the villageresidents are!

During the festive seasonLoughborough sparkles with Christmas lights,decorations and family funevents around the towncentre.

To find out about morefestivals and events visitwww.goleicestershire.com/charnwood

All information in this guide was compiled in good faith and was believed to be correct at the time of going to print. Every effort has been made to avoiderrors and omissions. Leicestershire Promotions cannot accept any responsibilityfor any inaccuracies or subsequent changes made by the establishmentsfeatured. You are advised to telephone establishments before you visit toavoid disappointment.

GETTING AROUNDTravel InformationBY RAIL

Loughborough Train StationNottingham Road, LE11 1EX0845 712 5678www.nationalrail.co.uk

BY BUS

For information on bus timetables visit:www.kinchbus.co.ukwww.arrivabus.co.uk

BY ROAD

Loughborough is less than two miles from junction 23 of the M1 motorway.

Loughborough is a thriving market town in the heart ofCharnwood’s rolling countryside. It offers a wide range ofshopping, tasty eating out experiences, fun family attractions,vibrant events and plenty of places to explore.

GREAT PLACE TO VISIT

The town is home to the highly acclaimed LoughboroughUniversity and its thousands of students who add a livelybuzz to an already bustling community.

With a compact shopping centre, the main pedestrianisedMarket Place joins together two shopping areas and boasts a thriving and varied market.

FOOD & DRINK

The town has a great mix of young, vibrant bars and clubsas well as more relaxed, laid-back restaurants, cafés and tearooms. You can also enjoy a calendar of great music, comedyand stage shows at Loughborough Town Hall throughout the year. A full list of restaurants can be found atwww.loveloughborough.co.uk/business

EASY ACCESS

Loughborough has a large selection of car parks locatedaround the main shopping areas which are easily accessiblefrom the main routes in to the town centre. They offer greatvalue and convenience and have won secured car parkawards, so shoppers know that they are safe to use.

About Loughborough

ACCOMMODATION

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Jump around at Jump Giants! You and thefamily can bounce away to your heart’scontent.

Enjoy life on the farm at Stonehurst FamilyFarm. Feed the farm animals, collect yourown eggs, take a pony ride and duringlambing season you can meet the newadditions to the Stonehurst family.

Spend the day rambling on the rocks atBeacon Hill and see who will be first in therace to the top of the hill. Enjoy panoramicviews of the surrounding counties.

All aboard! Great Central Railway has acalendar of great family events and atChristmas you can enjoy an extra specialtrain ride with Santa.

Enjoy life on the water and hire a boatfrom Barrow Boating or Sileby Boatyardfor a day exploring the River Soar.

From country house hotels, family run guesthouses to farmstays and luxury hotels, there’s a great choice of awardwinning places to stay in Loughborough and Charnwood. For more information and great offers please visitwww.goleicestershire.com/charnwood.

Why not discover the National Forest Way– a long distance walking trail exploringthe highlights of the National Forest thatextends over 75 miles from the NationalMemorial Arboretum in Staffordshire toBeacon Hill Country Park inLeicestershire.

Don’t miss the fabulous street food stallson Loughborough Markets.

Every spring, the Outwoods, Jubilee Woodsand Swithland Wood are a sea of bluewhen bluebells come into bloom.

Head to Bradgate Park and explore theancient parkland, see roaming deer and the ruins of Bradgate House, home to thetragic nine-day Queen, Lady Jane Grey.

Discover a weekend full of scrumptioussurprises and mouth-watering events atthe Edible Forest Festival in CharnwoodForest during September.

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If gin is your tipple, then head to BurleighsGin for a great gin making and tastingexperience.

Queen’s Park is home to a series of greatevents including the Summer Bandconcerts – take a picnic along and enjoythe music!

Tucked away in the ancient CharnwoodForest is the fascinating StoneywellCottage. Step back in time and discoverone of the most notable Arts and Craftshouses in England, designed by ErnestGimson.

Discover where the great bell of St Paul’swas cast at the unique Taylor’s BellFoundry.

Indulge in a sumptuous chocolateworkshop at Chocolate Alchemy inChurchgate Mews.

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Explore the GreatOutdoors

Pick up your free copy of the Great Days Out Guide at various locations within Leicestershire including Leicester Visitor Centre

From ancient woodland to craggy rocks,Loughborough and Charnwood have plenty ofcountryside and open spaces for you to explore.

Use this handy map to plan your visits throughout the year. For more information on attractions, events and where to eat and drink visit www.goleicestershire.com/charnwood

Sports and Leisure

Places to Eat and Drink

Whether you want a high-tech gym, an Olympic sizedswimming pool or to head to a fun work-out class,there’s plenty of choice to keep you fit and healthy.

With award-winning restaurants, independentgastro pubs, cosy tea rooms and cafés, there’splenty of choice to give your taste buds a realtreat. For more information visit www.goleicestershire.com/charnwood

Charnwood Map

Loughborough Town Centre Map

37. LoughboroughLeisure CentreBrowns Lane,Loughborough LE11 3HE01509 611 080

Located in the heart ofLoughborough, this popularleisure centre offers a 124station state of the art gym,two indoor heated pools,three studios which arehome to over sixty classesper week, soft play centre,café with free wi-fi and alarge sports hall.

38. Soar Valley LeisureCentreoff Kingfisher RoadMountsorrel LE12 7FG0116 237 5267

The centre offers a largegym, 25 metre pool, healthsuite (featuring a sauna,steam room, ice feature,plunge shower and heatedbenches), two exercisestudios (one is dedicated toindoor cycling), outdoorflood-lit pitch and a sportshall.

39. South CharnwoodLeisure CentreParkstone RoadLeicester LE7 1LY0116 264 0057

This is a modern leisurecentre located in Syston.Facilities include a groupexercise studio, 25 metrepool and an 80 station gym.

40. Charnwood IndoorBowls CentreBrowns LaneLoughborough LE11 3HE01509 210 018

As well as an excellent eightrink bowling facility there isa function room and membersbar as well as a well-equippedprofessional kitchen.

41. Radmoor CentreRadmoor RoadLoughborough LE11 3BT01509 517 110

The centre has excellentsporting facilities including a well-equipped gym, indoorcycling studio, dance andexercise class studio andtwo sports halls. There isalso a Bod Pod, a full sizefloodlit, all weather rubbercrumb pitch, sauna andsteam room. The centre alsooffers a range of beautytreatments, hairdressing,complementary therapies.

42. Loughborough PoolLoughborough UniversityEpinal WayLoughborough01509 226 200

The Olympic sizedswimming pool has publicaccess. Please check foropening times.

43.The Climbing StationOff Moor Lane, EmpressRd, Loughborough LE111RH 01509 217636

Enjoy over 800sqm ofbouldering surface, coveringalmost every angle that youcan possibly think of! Climbthe top rope wall that canbe used by both kids andadults to learn the basics of roped climbing.

1. Queen’s Park Granby StreetLoughborough LE11 3DU01509 634 565

This formally laid outpark is home to theCarillon and WarMemorial, CharnwoodMuseum and café.Children will loveexploring the play area aswell as seeing the birds inthe aviary and feeding theducks on the pond.

2. Bradgate ParkNewtown Linford (maincar park) LE6 0HBHallgates (car park) LE7 7HQHunts Hill (car park) LE6 0AH0116 236 2713

Bradgate Park isLeicestershire’s largestand most popular countrypark. It comprises 830acres of publiclyaccessible parkland withheath, bracken, rockyoutcrops as well as theattractive valley of theRiver Lin where red andfallow deer roam freely.Within the park are theruins of Bradgate House,home to Lady Jane Grey,the tragic nine-day Queenof England. After exploringthe park enjoy tea andcakes at the Deer BarnTea Room.

3. Beacon Hill CountyParkBeacon RoadWoodhouse Eaves LE12 8SP0116 305 5000

There are some fantasticviews from the top ofBeacon Hill, one of thehighest points inLeicestershire. Thetoposcope at the peak of the 802ft hill givesdirections to all locallandmarks. This park isover 100 hectares and hasa range of good qualitypathways for you toexplore. The bottom ofthe hill is perfect forfamilies to explore with a rhododendron labyrinthand picnic spots.

4. Stonehurst FamilyFarm & Motor MuseumBond LaneMountsorrel LE12 7AA01509 413 216

Come and see all theanimals of a working farmincluding horses, donkeys,chickens, goats, sheep andpigs as well as a range ofanimals that children canpet. Enjoy a tractor rideand the adventureplayground. Treat yourselfto tea and cakes at thefarm café.

5. Jubilee WoodWoodhouse LaneWoodhouse Eaves LE12 8RS0116 305 5000

Jubilee Wood comprises10 hectares of mixedwoodland with rockyoutcrops and was presentedto Leicestershire CountyCouncil in 1977 tocommemorate theQueen’s Silver Jubilee.

6. The OutwoodsWoodhouse LaneLoughborough LE11 3YG07890 999 176

The Outwoods is 45hectares of ancientwoodlands. Situated to thenorth of Loughborough, it is one of the oldestsurviving woodlands inCharnwood. Enjoyexploring a variety ofroutes and walks includingthe easy access path witha bird feeding station.

7. The National Forest01283 551 211www.visitnationalforest.co.uk

A large area ofCharnwood sits withinthe National Forest.Across this 200 squaremile forest there are over 400 woodlands to explore along withaward-winning attractions,historic houses, greatwalks and fun activitiesfor you to try.

8. Broombriggs Farm& Windmill HillBeacon RoadWoodhouse Eaves LE12 8SR0116 305 5000

Broombriggs Farm is a 62 hectare mixed arableand stock farm with a 1½ mile farm walk andinformation boardsexplaining the workings of a farm.

9. Barrow BoatingMill LaneBarrow Upon Soar LE12 8LQ01509 415 001

Barrow Boating offers agreat way to see the areafrom the River Soar – youcan either hire a boat or a canoe, or enjoy a guidedriver cruise.

10. Sileby Mill BoatyardMill LaneSilebyLE12 7UX01509 813 583

Explore the area bywaterway on the RiverSoar – take in the viewsfrom a traditional styleday boat or holiday on a narrow boat.

History and Heritage

11. CharnwoodMuseumQueen’s Park Granby StreetLoughborough LE11 3DU01509 233 754

Informative and interestingmuseum with interactivedisplays, there’s plenty tokeep the little onesentertained. Get a feel forthe exhibits by handlingthe rocks fromCharnwood’svolcanic past and examinethe 4,000 year old‘Cossington Boy’. Themuseum is also home tothe Ladybird exhibitionwhich tells the story ofthe production of thefamily’s favourite books,which were produced inthe town until 1999.

12. Great CentralRailwayGreat Central RoadLoughborough LE11 1RW01509 632 323

The Great CentralRailway is Britain’s onlydouble track, main linesteam railway. There’splenty to see at the mainstation in Loughborough– as well as taking a rideon board a steam train,you can find out thehistory of the railway atthe museum and explorethe shop, buffet andemporium. Train rides areavailable at weekends,Bank Holidays and mid-week during the schoolholidays.

13. John Taylor & Co, The LoughboroughBell FoundryFreehold StreetLoughborough LE11 1AR01509 212 241

Enjoy a tour of the bellfoundry and see how bellsare made, including theGreat Paul Bell whichhangs in St Paul’sCathedral and holds thetitle of the largest bell inthe country.

14. Carillon Tower &Memorial MuseumQueen’s Park Loughborough LE11 3DU01509 233 754 (contactCharnwood Museum)

The Carillon is first andforemost a war memorialto the fallen in two worldwars but is also a museumwith artefacts, items anddocuments that recall the events of the war throughthe eyes of local people.The Carillon tower is 46metres high and you canreach the top level by a138 step spiral staircase.

15. Old RectoryMuseumRectory PlaceLoughborough LE11 1UW01509 233 754

The Old Rectory building represents 800years of the town’sheritage. Standing inRectory Place, the OldRectory represents a rareexample of a stone built13th century manorhouse and is now hometo a museum run by theLoughborough Archaeologicaland Historical Society.

16. StoneywellWhitcrofts LaneUlverscroft LE67 9QE01530 248 040

Built as a summer homeby arts and crafts architect-designer Ernest Gimsonfor his brother, Sydney,Stoneywell zig-zags fromits rocky outcrop, amidrhododendrons andheather. Every turnconjures up childhoodpast with memories ofholiday excitement,dashing down the windingsteps – one way to thefort and the other to thewoods beyond. All visitsto Stoneywell, includingmembers of the NationalTrust, need to book atleast 24 hours in advance.

17. All Saints withHoly Trinity ChurchSteeple RowLoughboroughLE11 1UX01509 217029

Loughborough’s oldestparish church, situated onthe highest part of theancient town. Venue forthe delightful ChristmasTree Festival.

Arts and CultureCulture vultures can get their fix with visits tothe galleries, arts centre, theatre and museumsin the Loughborough and Charnwood area.

31. Loughborough Town HallMarket PlaceLoughborough LE11 3EB01509 231 914

Enjoy state of the art facilitiesand a wide programme ofevents including drama,comedy, music, family showsand the award-winningannual pantomime. Roomhire is available forconferences, weddings,trade fairs and celebrations.

32. Sock Gallery & Balcony GalleryLoughborough Town HallMarket PlaceLoughborough LE11 3EB01509 231 914

The Sock Gallery isLoughborough TownHall’s hub for visual artsand crafts. The galleryhosts a programme ofregular art exhibitionsand offers a plethora ofhigh quality, handcraftedBritish goods. Look outfor special events thattake place regularly.

33. LU ArtsEdward Barnsley BuildingEpinal WayLoughborough LE11 3TU01509 222 881

LU Arts presents a seriesof live music and literatureevents by internationallyrecognised performers,companies and writersalong with NationalTheatre live screenings in

a number of venuesacross the LoughboroughUniversity campus.

34. Odeon Cinema7 Cattle MarketLoughborough LE11 3DL0333 014 4501

Six screens of film magicshowing stunning RealD3D. Treat yourself to apizza from their CromaPizzeria and enjoy yoursuper speedy pick upfrom the two fast ticketmachines in the foyer.

35. CineworldLoughboroughBaxter GateLoughborough LE11 1TH0333 014 4501

State of the art eight screenmultiplex cinema in theheart of Loughboroughtown centre, with an arrayof places to eat and drinkincluding Pizza Express,Nando’s, Centro Lounge,Bella Italia, Loco Mexicana,Preto & Starbucks

36. Gallery 1818a ChurchgateLoughborough LE11 1UD01509 232347

Extensive art gallery,original art, limitededitions and open prints,bronzes and ceramics.In house silver jewellerymaking classes.

Shopping in Loughborough

27. Loughborough MarketMarket PlaceLoughborough

Loughborough’s award-winning market is heldevery Thursday and Saturday,with the Vintage Marketon a Friday and FarmersMarket every 2ndWednesday each month.

28. Carillon CourtShopping CentreLoughborough LE11 5BE01509 234 783

Carillon Court shoppingcentre is found in the heartof the town centre with over 35 high street namesunder one roof. Onsiteparking and free wi-fi.

29. The RushesShopping CentreLoughborough LE11 5BE01509 236 487

The Rushes offers diverseretail, leisure and diningwith favourites such asM&S, TK Maxx and Next.Onsite parking and easywalking distance to thetown centre.

30. Church Gate

Church Gate & ChurchGate Mews is a hiddengem with boutique shops,artisan chocolate & chicbars and restaurants.

Love Loughborough’s loyalty card & app is the‘must have’ item for shopping, leisure and eatingout with over 90 businesses offering exclusivediscounts and rewards. Download using thetown centres FREE wi-fi at loveloughborough.co.uk/loyalty-card

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Loughborough and Charnwood are steeped in a fascinating history and heritage waiting foryou to discover.

There are lots of great heritage trails to explore around Loughborough andCharnwood including the Great CentralRailway Heritage Trail and the Arts andCrafts Trail. These innovative trails providevisitors with information on the history of the area, places to visit and suggestionson where to eat, drink and stay.

For more information visitwww.goleicestershire.com/Loughborough/charnwood-trails.

Loughborough’s award-winning market town providesshoppers with a fantastic range of specialist boutiques,stylish independents and unique chic stores complementingan eclectic mix of big brand favourites. Three shoppingcentres, all within easy walking distance, complementbustling markets and specialist independent stores.

18. Browns Lane Bar & Restaurant2a Browns LaneLoughborough LE11 3HE01509 217 227

This popular restaurantoffers a contemporarymenu in a bright andrelaxing environment.

19. Hammer & Pincers5 East RoadWymeswold LE12 6ST

The Hammer & Pincers,which has a Michelin Platein their latest guide, offersan exciting menu of modernBritish cuisine set in abeautiful rural location.

20. John’s House139-141 LoughboroughRoad, MountsorrelLE12 7AR01509 415 569

This award-winning venueis Leicestershire’s onlyMichelin starred restaurantoffering exquisite home-grown food using producegrown on the family farmof head chef John Duffin.

21. The Blacksmiths Arms2-4 Church LaneBarrow upon Soar LE12 8PP01509 413100

Located close to the riverin the village of Barrow,you can enjoy affordableluxury at its very best atthis chic but comfortableeatery which has receiveda Michelin Plate in theirlatest guide.

22. The Grey LadySharpley HillNewtown Linford LE6 0AH01530 243 558

Offering diners sophistication,buzz and vibrancy of the

very finest contemporaryrestaurant experiencealong with a historical andfamily heritage that makesit unique.

23. The Café Next Door94 Main StreetWoodhouse Eaves LE12 8RZ01509 890 100

Tuck in to an award-winningafternoon tea, homemadecakes and much morewhilst relaxing in front ofthe log burner.

24. Bom Bom Patisserie12 Derwent DriveLoughborough LE11 3RJ07813 195 537

Head to the award winningBom Bom Patisserie toenjoy artisan coffee andfreshly baked, homemadecakes (including gluten-free) and savoury goodies.

25. The Basin25 Derby RoadLoughborough LE11 5BX01509 239368

Situated on the riversidein the heart ofLoughborough, diners cansample Chinese, Thai andJapanese cuisine as well asa swanky cocktail bar.

26. The Manor HouseWoodhouse RoadQuorn LE12 8AL01509 413 416

Local produce, expertlycrafted. Enjoy modernBritish, fresh, tasty andgenerous food.

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