Location: Loughborough
Top Things to do in Loughborough
What to do and see in Loughborough, England: The Best Nature & Parks
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. 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.
2. Cloud Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By jmn2017 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom
A great cycle route away from the road. Ideal for youngsters and less confident cyclists. Perfect walk too. Stunning in all seasons. Pub stop in Melbourne is a treat.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Queens Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By Oll1940 - Darvel, United Kingdom
Visited with greatgrandchild and wondered at the clean and tidy spaces, Ducks to feed, varied birds in cages, bandstand,water features, lovely flowerbeds and a terrific play area with safe swings and slides. All free to visitors. An added feature was a lovely peal of bells from the outstanding Carillion a real centerpiece of the Park.
6. 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.
7. Swithland Reservoir
8. Charnwood water
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By HeatherBeattie86 - Leicester, United Kingdom
We have been going here since lockdown and it is a great walk. You can meet up with friends and family and have a lovely walk round which doesn’t take long while chatting away. We go nearly everyday to see the ducks and swans as well as climbing and playing hide and seek.
