Location: Loughborough
Top Things to do in Loughborough
Top 10 Things to do in Loughborough, United Kingdom (UK)
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. 45 Gin School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 250 reviews
Take a tour of our craft distillery, discovering the history of gin and the fine art of distilling. World renowned master distiller Jamie Baxter will guide you through process of creating your own bespoke and unique gin using your choice of botanicals. Enjoy a G&T whilst your creation is distilling. You'll then bottle and seal your own 70cl bottle before adding a personal label ready to take home.
Reviewed By Heather L - Derby, United Kingdom
Very enjoyable and interesting few hours spent at 45 Gin School learning about how to make gin. Lovely craft distillery with a very knowledge owner. Plenty of gin and tonics offered during the gin course and it was great fun picking the botanicals to make your own gin. Highly recommended for all gin-lovers out there!
2. Great Central Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Richard G - Coventry, United Kingdom
This is a delightful heritage railway, running on a 30-minute trip between Leicester and Loughborough. There are a couple of stations inbetween, which appear to be well decorated each in a different era, but I did not stop so cannot review.
On the mid-March day we visited we travelled on both the main trains that were running, first a 3-car diesel railcar, then a train pulled by a substantial tank engine. There was also a lunch-time dining train running the same day, pulled by a much larger engine (think Henry the Green Engine). Both trains offered open carriages, rather than the more traditional compartment-style carriages.
The station at the Leicester end was small but very welcoming - we were encouraged into the waiting room where a very welcome fire was burning in the grate (given the snow and wind howling outside!). There were snacks and hot drinks available, the man in the kiosk was really friendly and even had a biscuit to offer our dog.
The station at the Loughborough end was more significant, with a small museum (free entry) with some railway memorabilia and a model railway, and a gift shop too.
The staff were all great, with the ticket inspectors particularly being good for a chat and very nice to my 2-year-old son.
A small car park is available at the Leicester end - I didn't see any parking available at Loughborough. Due to steps onto the train itself this may be tricky for a disabled visitor.
3. Beacon Hill Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By DaveThomasLeicester - Leicester
* Highest point in the County
* Palaeolithic rock formations
* Beacon and Trig point
* Fantastic wildlife - such as Jays, Nuthatches and sika deer
* Lovely walks
* Easy parking with toilets an good sign posts
That's what we pay our local taxes for!
4. Charnwood Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Includes exhibits reflecting the history, geology, archaeology and industries of Charnwood and the surrounding area,
Reviewed By Jennifer T - Lincoln, United Kingdom
We visited Charnwood museum after hearing how wonderfully accessible it was for children. We were not disappointed. It was brilliant. There were many things to do and see. I particularly loved the 'lift the flap' hatches that contained different animals. These were all at different heights for young and old.
It was very interesting and lots of fun.
There are changing facilities, toilets and a reasonably priced cafe that has Seating out in Queen's Park which also has so much to see and do in it. There is a small gift shop too that has pocket money priced gifts and much more grown up crystals and jewellery items.
The staff are friendly and helpful also.
I highly recommend the museum. It's one of the best local history museums I have been to for with children for some time.
5. Manor Farm & Woodlands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By dick h - Derby, United Kingdom
It wasn't busy today,which was nice, but it was cold, so we mainly stayed inside. (After a donkey ride and seeing the owls, feeding the ducks etc.!). One of the turkeys was on the loose and keopt displaying to my grandson (who was smaller that the turkey). He didn't mind toooo much.
The indoor play area is great, especially as I say, when it's not too busy, and especially as my grandson has now picked up the courage to explore the spooky castle, (how brilliant is the spooky castle! Less spooky now they have lights inside.), and the pirate ship. The lunch was ok, nothing much to write home about, but the staff were friendly and helpful.
6. Loughborough Carillon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Due to a major refurbishment we will not be open during 2018. Work starts after Easter and should be finished by September. Remembrance Sunday will be as normal.
Reviewed By Pandorapus
You need to have reasonable mobile as there are quite a few stairs to get to the top of the tower. It is worth doing for the view. It is also good to go when they have an open day and someone is playing but...MoreJust to confirm, the tower and museum are open everyday except Monday. 1 pm till 4.30 pm. Good Friday till 30 September
7. Queens Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By mick m - Derby, United Kingdom
we visited here after our lunch,having been to the Gardens early on in the year it was a pleasure to see them in full bloom and familys enjoying them.the hanging baskets were a joy,and the aviary was also worth a visit.the museum was closed but when it is open do call in.
8. John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By StellaCaroline - Orpington, United Kingdom
14 of us (from Orpington U3A Industrial Archaeology group) booked a tour of the foundry - which, since the Whitechapel bellfoundry closed, is the only operating bellfoundry in England. Also, unlike Whitechapel, you see the working foundry - it's not just a museum of artifacts.
Our guide, Chris Birkby, was very knowledgeable and we saw the whole process in different parts of the foundry, from casting the bells to polishing and testing for tone. Absolutely fascinating. Definitely to be included in your itinerary if you like industrial heritage.
You must wear strong (not fabric) enclosed shoes eg trainers or boots
9. Whatton House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By hannah93xo - Peterborough, United Kingdom
Me and my partner visited whatton Gardens on easter Sunday as we were staying closeby.
To cut a long story short we didn't even make it into the Gardens, a lady working in a greenhouse/ garden area asked if we had paid, we explained that there was no member of staff to pay and that we had seen the signs but we're not sure how to go about paying. To which she replied 'well it makes itself quite clear on the sign' her tone was so rude, as she shouted this over to us from across the courtyard. We immediately left feeling embarrassed and annoyed. As a young couple we felt that we were treated unacceptably and will not come back ever again. Manners cost nothing.
10. The Outwoods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By MalcH - Loughborough, United Kingdom
Lucky to live near the National Forest and this ancient woodland provides lots of pathways to explore. Little quiet this week in terms of wildlife but still nice for a walk. Best time of year is either when the bluebells are out or autumn when there is normally lots of fungus to be seen.
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