Melton Mowbray Travel Guide

Explore Melton Mowbray with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Melton Mowbray

Melton Mowbray is a picturesque town situated in the East Midlands of England. The town is known for its livestock market, which has been selling cattle and sheep since the middle ages. Melton Mowbray is also famous for its food, including its delicious pork pies and Stilton cheese.

List of Places to Visit in Melton Mowbray

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Melton Carnegie Museum: This museum is located in the heart of Melton Mowbray and is housed in the old Carnegie Library building. The museum tells the story of the town’s history and the surrounding areas.

  • Belvoir Castle: This stunning castle is located just a few miles from Melton Mowbray and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the castle’s beautiful gardens and grounds, as well as the stunning interiors of the castle itself.

Natural Attractions of Melton Mowbray: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Thorpe Arnold Nature Reserve: This beautiful nature reserve is located on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray and is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters and kingfishers. The reserve also has a number of walking trails for visitors to explore.

  • Melton Country Park: This 140-acre park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The park has a number of walking and cycling trails, as well as picnic areas and a children’s playground.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Melton Mowbray

  • The Melton Mowbray Heritage Trail: This 4-mile circular trail takes visitors on a journey through the town’s rich history. The trail passes by a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the Old Grammar School and St Mary’s Church.

  • The Wreake Valley Walk: This 8-mile walk takes visitors through the stunning Wreake Valley countryside. The walk begins in Melton Mowbray and follows the River Wreake, passing by quiet villages and beautiful countryside along the way.

Best Things to Do in Melton Mowbray: Activities and Tours

  • Pork Pie Making Experience: Learn how to make Melton’s famous pork pies with this unique experience. Visitors will be taught how to create the perfect pastry and filling, before enjoying their creations with a cup of tea.

  • Melton Mowbray Food Festival: This annual food festival is a must-visit for any foodie. The festival features a wide range of local and regional produce, including Melton Mowbray pork pies, Stilton cheese, and local beers and ciders.

Week-Long Itinerary for Melton Mowbray

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Melton Mowbray town center and visit the Melton Carnegie Museum
Day 2 Visit Belvoir Castle
Day 3 Take a walk or cycle ride through Melton Country Park
Day 4 Take a pork pie making experience at Dickinson & Morris
Day 5 Visit the Thorpe Arnold Nature Reserve
Day 6 Walk the Wreake Valley Walk
Day 7 Visit the Melton Mowbray Food Festival (if timing allows)

Food and Drink Scene of Melton Mowbray

Must-Try Dishes

  • Melton Mowbray Pork Pie: This delicious pastry is filled with seasoned pork and encased in a shortcrust pastry. The pork pie is a staple of the town’s food scene and can be found at a number of local bakeries and delis.

  • Stilton Cheese: This world-famous cheese is produced in the village of Stilton, just a few miles from Melton Mowbray. The cheese is made with a distinctive blue mold and is best enjoyed with a cracker and glass of port.

Local Beverages

  • Burleighs Gin: Burleighs Gin is distilled in Loughborough, just a short drive from Melton Mowbray. The gin is made with local botanicals and has a unique flavor that’s perfect for a refreshing G&T.

  • Everards Ale: Everards Brewery is based in Leicester and produces a range of traditional ales that are popular throughout the region. The brewery has its own pub in the town center of Melton Mowbray, where visitors can enjoy a pint of their favorite ale.

Where to Stay in Melton Mowbray: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Scalford Country House Hotel: This elegant hotel is located just outside Melton Mowbray and offers a comfortable stay in peaceful surroundings. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.

  • The Crown Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Melton Mowbray and offers comfortable rooms and a traditional English pub. The hotel is only a short walk from the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.

What to Buy in Melton Mowbray: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Melton Mowbray Pork Pies: Take home a taste of Melton Mowbray by bringing back some of the town’s famous pork pies.

  • Belvoir Fruit Farms Cordials: This family-run business produces a range of natural fruit cordials that are perfect for adding to cocktails or enjoying as a refreshing drink.

Local Culture and Customs of Melton Mowbray

Melton Mowbray is a friendly and welcoming town that’s proud of its heritage. Visitors to the area will find that the town is steeped in history and tradition, with a strong local identity that’s evident in everything from the food and drink to the architecture and landmarks.

Best Time to Visit Melton Mowbray

The best time to visit Melton Mowbray is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the town is alive with festivals and events. Visitors should aim to visit between May and September, when the town’s attractions and natural beauty are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Melton Mowbray

Do:

  • Try a Melton Mowbray pork pie - you won’t regret it!
  • Take a walk or cycle ride through Melton Country Park.
  • Learn about the town’s history and heritage at the Melton Carnegie Museum.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the size of Melton Mowbray - there’s plenty to see and do, so make sure you allow enough time to explore.
  • Forget to try the local Stilton cheese - it’s a must-try for any foodie.

Safety and Health

Safety in Melton Mowbray

Melton Mowbray is generally a safe town and visitors are unlikely to encounter any problems during their stay. However, as with any unfamiliar destination, visitors should take some basic precautions to stay safe, including staying aware of their surroundings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.

Health in Melton Mowbray

Visitors to Melton Mowbray are unlikely to encounter any health problems during their stay. The town has a number of pharmacies and medical facilities in case of emergency.

Getting to Melton Mowbray: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • By Car: Melton Mowbray is easily accessible from the M1 motorway, which passes just a few miles to the west of the town. The town is also well-connected to the surrounding areas by a network of A-roads.

  • By Train: The nearest train station to Melton Mowbray is in Oakham, which is around 9 miles from the town. From Oakham, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Melton Mowbray.

  • By Bus: There are regular bus services to and from Melton Mowbray to nearby towns and cities, including Leicester, Nottingham, and Grantham.

How to Get Around in Melton Mowbray

Melton Mowbray is a small town that’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. There are also a number of taxi companies operating in and around the town for those who prefer not to walk or cycle.

Where to Go Next from Melton Mowbray: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Leicester: The city of Leicester is located around 15 miles from Melton Mowbray and is home to a number of attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Center and the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery.

  • Rutland Water: This stunning reservoir is located just a few miles from Melton Mowbray and is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and water sports.

Conclusion

Melton Mowbray is a beautiful and welcoming town that offers visitors a glimpse into English heritage and tradition. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try some famous local dishes, or an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the countryside, Melton Mowbray has something for everyone.

Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Melton Mowbray Pork Pie