Coalville Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Coalville, UK with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit places, hiking trails, local culture, food, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Coalville

Located in the Leicestershire district of East Midlands, Coalville is a peaceful town in England that is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by charming countryside and offers a range of outdoor activities that are perfect for adventurers. Coalville is also home to several museums and historical sites that showcase the town’s rich industrial past.

List of Places to Visit in Coalville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Coalville has plenty of cultural and historical landmarks that are worth exploring, including:

  • Snibston Discovery Museum: This interactive museum showcases the cultural heritage of Coalville, exhibiting vintage vehicles, science exhibits, and historic objects. It is a particular favorite among families and school groups.

  • Grace Dieu Priory: This 13th-century priory is an important historical landmark in Coalville and features some of the finest examples of medieval architecture.

  • Abbey Pumping Station Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of steam-powered engines and displays several working steam engines, as well as other industrial objects.

Natural Attractions of Coalville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Coalville is surrounded by natural beauty and offers plenty of outdoor activities, including:

  • The National Forest: Spread across 200 square miles, the National Forest is home to a range of wildlife and landscapes, including ancient forests, heathlands, and wetlands. It’s a great place to go on a hike, watch birds, or simply relax.

  • Broombriggs Farm: This 321-acre wildlife park offers plenty of opportunities to see native animals like deer, rabbits, and birds.

  • Charnwood Forest: This ancient woodland area covers a large part of northwest Leicestershire and provides some of the best panoramic views of the countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Coalville

Coalville is a hiker’s paradise, offering plenty of routes for people with different levels of experience. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • The Hermitage Trail: This 1.5-mile trail takes you through the beautiful Hermitage Nature Reserve, which is home to several rare plant and animal species.

  • The Ivanhoe Trail: This 37-mile trail connects several points of interest in Leicestershire, including Ashby Castle, Bosworth Battlefield, and Ravenstone Castle. It’s perfect for seasoned hikers looking for a challenge.

  • Conkers Trail: This 6-mile trail is suitable for families and takes you through the forests and woodlands of the National Forest, where you can see a range of animals and birds.

Best Things to Do in Coalville: Activities and Tours

Coalville offers plenty of exciting activities for tourists, including:

  • Historic Ghost Walks: Take a guided tour of Coalville’s historic sites and learn about the town’s haunted stories and legends.

  • Archery and Rifle Shooting: Test your aim with a round of archery or rifle shooting at the Conkers Activity Centre.

  • Gin Tasting Experience: Coalville is home to several gin distilleries, and you can take a guided tour and tasting experience that offers a glimpse into the art of gin-making.

Week-Long Itinerary for Coalville

Day 1: Snibston Discovery Museum and Coalville Heritage Trail. Day 2: Ivanhoe Circular Hike. Day 3: Charnwood Forest Walk and Local Pub Lunch. Day 4: Shopping in Coalville Town Center. Day 5: Archery and Rifle Shooting at Conkers Activity Centre. Day 6: Gin Tasting and Tour of a Local Gin Distillery. Day 7: Grace Dieu Priory and Visit to Local Farm Trails Off-Road Driving.

Food and Drink Scene of Coalville

When it comes to food and drink, Coalville offers plenty of options for tourists. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pork Pie: This traditional British delicacy is made with succulent pork meat and crispy pastry and is a favorite among locals.

  • Stilton Cheese: Made from the milk of cows grazing in Charnwood Forest, the Stilton cheese is a protected and highly prized product of Coalville.

  • Leicestershire Pudding: A savory dish made with pork or bacon, sage, and onions baked in a pastry crust.

Local Beverages

  • Gin: Coalville has several artisanal gin distilleries, and it’s worth sampling some of the locally made gin.

  • Leicester Ale: This traditional English beer is brewed locally and has a unique flavor that’s attributed to the local water and malt.

Where to Stay in Coalville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Coalville has several accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences:

  • Hermitage Park Hotel: This country house hotel is set in beautiful gardens and offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a spa and fitness center.

  • Conkers Camping and Caravanning Club: Located in the heart of the National Forest, this campsite offers stunning views and a range of outdoor activities.

  • Charnwood Arms: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Coalville and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Coalville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home, here are some of the local products that you should consider:

  • Coalville’s Heritage Ale: This beer is brewed locally and celebrates the town’s rich industrial history.

  • Shire Horse Prints: The National Forest Shire Horse Centre offers prints and souvenirs that celebrate the beautiful and majestic shire horses.

Local Culture and Customs of Coalville

Coalville has a rich cultural heritage that is influenced by the town’s industrial past. Visitors should take special note of the following customs:

  • Leicestershire Pudding Day: On the first Sunday in December, Coalville hosts a festival that celebrates the traditional dish of Leicestershire Pudding.

  • Coalville Ghost Walks: Local guides offer tours of Coalville’s haunted sites, telling visitors about the town’s spooky legends and tales.

Best Time to Visit Coalville

The best time to visit Coalville is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is usually warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Coalville

Do:

  • Respect the Local Culture: Coalville has a rich cultural heritage that visitors should respect and appreciate.

  • Take Advantage of the Outdoor Activities: Coalville offers plenty of scenic hiking trails, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures, so make sure to pack appropriate gear.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Keep Coalville clean and green by disposing of your trash responsibly.

  • Trespass on Private Property: Respect the privacy of the locals by not entering private properties without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Coalville

Coalville is a safe town to visit, with generally low levels of crime. However, visitors should take standard safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.

Health in Coalville

Coalville has several pharmacies and clinics that cater to the health needs of tourists. Visitors are advised to carry a basic medical kit that includes sunscreen, insect repellent, and pain relievers.

Getting to Coalville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Coalville is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.

Airports Near Coalville

  • East Midlands Airport: This airport is located just 13 miles from Coalville and serves both domestic and international flights.

  • Birmingham Airport: This airport is located 35 miles from Coalville and serves a range of airlines, including budget carriers.

Bus Stations Near Coalville

  • Coalville Bus Station: The town has a modern bus station that offers a range of national and local services.

  • Leicester St Margaret’s Bus Station: This bus station is located in Leicester, just 11 miles from Coalville, and offers a range of regional and national services.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest railway station to Coalville is Loughborough, which is located 7 miles away.

  • Car: Coalville is well connected by road, with the A511 and M1 motorway both passing through the town.

How to Get Around in Coalville

Coalville is a walkable town, and visitors can explore most of the attractions on foot. However, for those who prefer to drive, there are several car rental companies in town, and public transport is readily available.

Where to Go Next from Coalville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Coalville is surrounded by several charming towns and villages that are worth exploring, including:

  • Ashby-de-la-Zouch: This historic market town is located just 7 miles from Coalville and has several cultural landmarks, including Ashby Castle and the Elizabethan manor house.

  • Melton Mowbray: Famous for its pork pies and stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray is a vibrant market town located just 16 miles from Coalville.

  • Loughborough: This university town is located just 7 miles from Coalville and has several cultural attractions, including the Loughborough Market and the Charnwood Museum.

Conclusion

Coalville is a hidden gem in the Leicestershire district of East Midlands that offers plenty of outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or gastronomy, Coalville has something to offer for every type of traveler. So plan your next trip to Coalville and experience the town’s unique blend of industrial heritage and country charm.

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