Location: Loughborough
Top Things to do in Loughborough
The 8 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Loughborough, England
Loughborough (/ˈlʌfb(ə)rə/ ( listen) LUF-b(ə-)rə) is a town in the Charnwood borough of Leicestershire, England, seat of Charnwood Borough Council, and home to Loughborough University. The town had a population of 57,600 in 2004, making it the second largest settlement in Leicestershire. It is close to the Nottinghamshire border and within short distances of Nottingham, East Midlands Airport and Derby. The town has the world's largest bell foundry – John Taylor Bellfounders, which made the bells for the Carillon war memorial, a landmark in the Queens Park in the town, Great Paul for St Paul's Cathedral, and York Minster.
Restaurants in Loughborough
1. The Needle and Pin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By adamkX9612PI
Hi. I have been visiting The Needle & Pin "Almost" since it first opened. I wrote a brief review some 9 months ago, and and seeing so many 5 star reviews since. Sean and Rebecca have continued to deliver knowledgeable, consistent high standards, and a very welcoming experience. There is in addition to the vast array of craft ales and ciders, an expanding portfolio of gins and whisky, whiskies. From Scotland, and Ireland and Japan. What makes The Needle & Pin special? The owners, and staff and the intelligent conversation from everyone. A superb venue to visit.
2. Break Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 841 reviews
Welcome To Loughborough’s Most Original Escape Rooms Set In A Prime Location Adjacent To The New Cinema Complex, Break Escape Offers A Challenge To You; Can You & Your Team Escape Our Immersive, Interactive, Puzzle Experience In Under 60 Minutes To Join Our Leader Board? Every Detail You Come Across In Our Atmospheric Rooms May Lead You Another Step Closer To Your Escape!
Reviewed By D3893YYsarahm
we did our 1st escape room tonight ( 3 of us ) for my sons 13th birthday 'the sands of time' Brilliant fun with a great host Ally very friendly and good fun made it a fantastic night and will definitely return . felt very safe all current guidelines followed highly recommend
3. Beacon Hill Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Reviewed By Sars560 - Tamworth, United Kingdom
I took my toddler here on a spur of the moment trip and found it had everything we needed... amazing views, amazing rocky formations on the hill itself with perfect views on a clear day, a woodland walk, good little play area and lots of space for picnics. Really loved it as a different morning out for the little one.
4. Chocolate Alchemy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Belgian, hand-crafted chocolate. Pop in to our coffee shop and try some of our free samples over a coffee or our famous hot chocolate! Book onto one of our chocolate workshops-learn how chocolate is made, try chocolate from all over the world and make some truffles and chocolate of your own to take home! Friendly, knowledgable chocolatiers who love to have a chat about all things chocolate!
Reviewed By Choggy3
Delicious afternoon tea with sandwiches, a large scone with jam and cream, 2 types of chocolate cake each, choc buttons and 2 handmade chocs each, plus any hot drink of your choice, all for £9.95 each! We were really full and ended up taking home a doggie bag,so it was really good value for money. Friendly service and the best hot choc in town! Would definitely recommend!
5. Whatton House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Open gardens, group visits, plant nursery, coffee shop (in planning), wedding venue. Come and enjoy the tranquil surroundings at your leisure we look forward to welcoming you!
Reviewed By hayla-lales - England, United Kingdom
Went to Whatton Gardens today for Mother's Day in our bubble of five consisting of my parents, sister, myself and my grandma in a Mother's Day double trip that we could all go on. It's not far from Loughborough, about 10 minutes drive. Along the A6006 from Hathern to Kegworth, you see the house on top of the hill and there's a narrow road going up. It's £5 for an adult, not sure about children, but they operate an honesty box policy, and for the amount of time and amount of things you can see within the garden. We're going back in summer, it'll be so much more gorgeous. It's equally pretty and pleasant in spring just as the bulbs and buds are blooming. Some of the statues are a little discoloured and the bench beneath the balcony is a tiny bit broken, but it doesn't matter and I think that actually adds character to it. There's a small plant nursery and a little caravan that sells beverages and cake at the entrance that's only a couple of pounds for a drink. I found it a lovely, pleasant afternoon and I'd like to go back when I can. So what if its a tiny bit shabby in some places, that's what the money is for, to help them spruce it up a bit when they can. They have some really unique areas, a platform and a stone shelter with a bench, the bench is so lovely, a Chinese garden, a couple of ponds, a rose garden with statues, and a stone sundial, and many other sweet little features. There's 15 acres but I wasn't able to see it all sadly. But I think they need a couple more signs, as we missed the entrance and went up the road past it, because we didn't know where the entrance was. What's needed, is a big arrow or sign, something large but simple, just to direct people a little better. When you know where the entrance is it's alright, but when you're new it can be a bit confusing and you get a bit mis-directed by all the outer gates further up. But yes, definitely go and give it a chance, because it's such a sweet little gem in the middle of the countryside and it's such a treat to walk around.
6. The Green Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
The Green Place is a community project run by Complete Wasters. our vision was for a place that gently demonstrates greener and ethical living in many ways, from unusual products to special events. Ethical gifts & Fairtrade cafe Craft days, workshops, & events & childrens' parties Green living ideas & Cosy yurt Wildlife Garden & Treehouse hideaway
Reviewed By HollieClegg - England, United Kingdom
All vegetarian & vegan menu and a shop that sells eco friendly products and a recycled book shop. Staff were all really friendly. Food was great. Will definitely be coming back. So refreshing to see so much greenery while you eat.
7. The Outwoods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By cabradyp16 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
We were here with another family, 4 children age 6,10,11 and 12. Feel really safe for the children to walk ahead to explore, climb trees and the rocks while the grown ups followed behind. Car park is £1 for the day, coin only. Cafe and play area still not open. Toilets are open. There are picnic tables near the car park.
8. Great Central Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,447 reviews
