Loughborough Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do and places to visit in Loughborough with our comprehensive travel guide. From culture and history to outdoor adventures and local cuisine, this guide has everything you need to plan your trip.


Introduction to Loughborough

Loughborough is a market town in the county of Leicestershire, located in the East Midlands region of England. It is a bustling university town with a vibrant mix of cultural and historical attractions, picturesque countryside, and an exciting food and drink scene. Loughborough is also home to the largest bell foundry in the world, where the famous Big Ben was cast. Visitors can explore the town’s impressive heritage, take part in exciting outdoor activities, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and experience the warmth of its friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Loughborough

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Loughborough is home to a range of museums and historical places that offer a glimpse into the town’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can start with a visit to the Loughborough Carillon, a 152-foot tower with 47 bells, or explore the award-winning Charnwood Museum, housed in a Georgian building that showcases the town’s local history from the Iron Age to the present day. Other must-visit museums and historical attractions include:

  • John Taylor & Co Bell Foundry Museum
  • Great Central Railway
  • Old Rectory Museum
  • Foxton Locks & Museum

Natural Attractions of Loughborough: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Loughborough is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and boating. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the River Soar, go on a nature trail at Broombriggs Country Park or Beacon Hill, or enjoy the scenic views from Bradgate Park, which was once home to Lady Jane Grey, the Queen of England for just nine days. Other popular outdoor attractions in Loughborough are:

  • Queen’s Park
  • Watermead Country Park
  • Outwoods
  • Swithland Wood

Hiking/Biking Routes of Loughborough

Loughborough offers plenty of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Some of the most popular routes include the Great Central Railway Trail, which is a 10-mile long path that passes through beautiful countryside and small villages; Beacon Hill, which offers panoramic views of the area; and the Soar Valley Way, which runs alongside the River Soar from Leicester to Loughborough. Other routes include:

  • Charnwood Forest
  • Bradgate Park
  • Broombriggs Country Park
  • Swithland Woods

Best Things to Do in Loughborough: Activities and Tours

Aside from exploring the town’s cultural and natural attractions, Loughborough offers a range of exciting activities and tours. Visitors can take part in a brewery tour at the Charnwood Brewery, learn how to make cheese at the renowned Manor Farm, or take a flight in a hot air balloon with the Loughborough Balloon Company. Other recommended activities and tours include:

  • Quad biking and off-road driving
  • Canal boat ride
  • Archery and clay pigeon shooting
  • Ghost tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Loughborough

To make the most out of your trip to Loughborough, we’ve put together a week-long itinerary that covers the town’s top attractions.

Day 1: Visit the Charnwood Museum and Old Rectory Museum, followed by a relaxing stroll at Queen’s Park. Day 2: Explore the Great Central Railway and John Taylor & Co Bell Foundry Museum, and go on a brewery tour at the Charnwood Brewery. Day 3: Hike or bike the Beacon Hill Trail and visit Bradgate Park. Day 4: Explore the countryside with a hot air balloon ride or canal boat trip. Day 5: Visit the Foxton Locks & Museum and learn how locks work, followed by a visit to the Loughborough Market. Day 6: Discover the town’s local cuisine with a cheese-making experience at Manor Farm and a meal at a local restaurant. Day 7: Have a day trip to the nearby National Space Centre or the city of Leicester.

Food and Drink Scene of Loughborough

Loughborough has a thriving food and drink scene that reflects the town’s diverse cultural background. Visitors can try some of the region’s best food and drink at a range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Some must-try dishes are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Melton Mowbray pork pie
  • Stilton cheese
  • Bakewell tart
  • Red Leicester cheese

Local Beverages

  • Everards Tiger beer
  • Charnwood Brewery’s Vixen ale
  • Leicestershire gin

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

Loughborough offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from boutique hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and charming guesthouses. Some recommended places are:

  • Burleigh Court Hotel
  • Quorn Grange Hotel
  • The Falcon Inn
  • Caravelli

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

Visitors to Loughborough can bring a piece of the town home with them by purchasing locally made souvenirs and products. Some popular items to buy include:

  • Melton Mowbray pork pie
  • Blue Stilton cheese
  • Everards Tiger beer
  • Boots the Chemist beauty products

Local Culture and Customs of Loughborough

Loughborough has a diverse cultural background that is reflected in its many festivals and customs. Some notable festivals include the Loughborough Fair, which has been held for over 800 years, and the Shepshed charity Gala, which showcases eclectic music, dance, and food.

Best Time to Visit Loughborough

Loughborough is a year-round destination, with something for every season. However, the best time to visit depends on your interests. The summer months (June-August) are ideal for exploring the town’s outdoor activities, while the winter months (December-February) are perfect for experiencing the town’s festive traditions and shopping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Loughborough

Do:

  • Explore the town’s cultural and historical attractions
  • Take part in outdoor activities like hiking and biking
  • Try the local cuisine, especially the Melton Mowbray pork pie and Stilton cheese
  • Attend local festivals and events

Don’t:

  • Leave litter in public areas
  • Smoke in public areas, including pubs and restaurants
  • Take photographs of private property without permission
  • Damage or vandalize historical sites or monuments

Safety and Health

Safety in Loughborough

Loughborough is generally a safe town, but visitors should still take necessary precautions, such as staying alert when walking alone at night, keeping valuable items out of sight, and avoiding deserted or poorly lit areas.

Health in Loughborough

There are several hospitals and medical centers in Loughborough, and visitors can easily seek medical assistance in case of emergencies. Visitors should also be aware of the risks of Lyme disease, which can be transmitted by ticks in the countryside.

Getting to Loughborough: Transportation Options and Logistics

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

Airports Near Loughborough

  • East Midlands Airport: located 9 miles away from Loughborough

Bus Stations Near Loughborough

  • Loughborough Bus Station: located in the town center, with regular services to nearby towns and cities

Other Options

  • Train: Loughborough railway station has regular services to Leicester, Nottingham, and London

How to Get Around in Loughborough

Loughborough is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. However, visitors can also use buses, taxis, and trains for longer distances or to reach nearby towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Loughborough: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore the surrounding area, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to choose from. Some popular options include:

  • Leicester: a vibrant multicultural city with museums, galleries, and entertainment options
  • Market Harborough: a charming market town with boutiques, galleries, and antique shops
  • Nottingham: a historic city with a range of cultural and architectural attractions

Conclusion

Loughborough is a historic market town with plenty of cultural, natural, and gastronomic attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or historical sites, Loughborough has something for everyone. So pack your bags and plan your visit to this charming town today!