Leicestershire: Rocks, Forests and History

The rugged rock outcrops of Charnwood Forest formed half a billion years ago. Its landscape is among the oldest in England. Beyond this geological feature, Leicestershire offers a range of travel experiences, including wildlife watching, walking trails, historic sites, and activities centred on crafts and local specialities.

Experience the landscapes and nature

Bradgate Park is the only surviving enclosed medieval deer park in the East Midlands and contains some of the oldest rocks in England. The park is open daily year-round and can be reached via public footpaths, by bicycle, by bus 120 or by car. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

The National Forest covers 200 square miles northwest of Leicester. Its landscapes include ancient woodland, newly planted forests, wildflower meadows and rugged, rocky uplands. The grounds of Belvoir Castle feature formal gardens and woodland with lovely views.

At the lake at Hicks Lodge, visitors can watch migratory birds such as sand martins from a bird hide. There are also signposted, traffic-free cycling routes suitable for families and beginners. Hicks Lodge combines wildlife watching with the chance to explore the surrounding area by bike.

Leicestershire has more than 70 miles of waterways. Leisure options include narrowboat trips, family kayaking tours and paddleboarding. If you are planning a specific activity, check its availability in advance.

Conkers is located on the site of a former coal mine and is now used for outdoor adventures and to showcase Leicestershire’s mining history. Visitor attractions include a barefoot trail, an activity trail and a fairy maze. Twycross Zoo is home to more than 500 animals and all four species of great ape. The zoo also has a history of breeding endangered species as part of conservation programmes.

History, crafts and local experiences

At Ashby de la Zouch Castle, the tower-like Hastings Tower stands as a separate residence within the castle. Visitors can also explore an underground passage from the kitchen to the tower. Check the current access arrangements for the passage before your trip.

Bosworth Battlefield tells the story of the Battle of Bosworth: King Richard III was defeated there, and the battle marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. The Battlefield Trail is 2.2 km long and has audio and visual information points. Visitors can also try on armour and shoot a longbow.

The 1620s House and Garden offers a glimpse of life in the 17th century. Topics covered there include the history of the Gunpowder Plot, the Age of Enlightenment and witchcraft. For those especially interested in industrial history and crafts, Loughborough has another notable story: Loughborough Bellfoundry is the last working bell foundry in the United Kingdom. Since 1859, it has cast more than 25,000 bells, which hang in over 100 countries.

Melton Mowbray Market is over 1,000 years old and has stalls selling Melton pork pies and Stilton. As market times can change, check the market days before your visit. At Brockleby’s, a hands-on workshop offers the chance to make pork pies yourself; check booking availability before planning to attend.

Trails, railways and practical information

Two different route profiles are the focus for longer walks. The Leicestershire Round is a 102-mile circular walking route through the county of Leicestershire. The National Forest Way covers 75 miles and passes through rocky outcrops, rolling hills, striking viewpoints and landscapes with an industrial heritage. The distances help you compare the routes’ overall lengths, while their descriptions highlight different aspects of the landscape.

With the Great Central Railway, you can travel through the Leicestershire countryside in a restored steam train along the historic line, from Leicester North to Loughborough Central. All four railway stations are accessible to wheelchair users: Loughborough Central, Quorn & Woodhouse, Rothley and Leicester North. Check current station conditions before your trip.

Leicestershire is centrally located in the Midlands and is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Several towns have railway stations with direct connections to Leicester, including Market Harborough, Loughborough, Melton Mowbray and Hinckley. Check current train timetables before travelling. Leicestershire’s country parks are open daily and admission is free, although parking charges may apply. Check parking arrangements in advance.

When looking for a hotel in Leicestershire, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to spend time on walking trails, watch landscapes and birds, explore historic sites, or discover crafts and local specialities?

Discover more destinations: Redmile, Sproxton, Stathern, Knipton, Higham on the Hill, Measham, Goadby Marwood, Rothley, Orton, North Kilworth, Melton Mowbray, Medbourne, Markfield, Market Harborough, Quorn, Hathern, Swannington, Narborough, Sibson, Shepshed, Buckminster, Market Bosworth, Lutterworth, Loughborough, Kegworth, Hinckley, Coalville, Castle Donington, Broughton Astley, Ashby De La Zouch, Appleby Magna, Earl Shilton, Sutton Cheney, Great Glen, Croxton Kerrial, Great Easton, Sapcote, Old Dalby, Harby, Bottesford, Ibstock, Moira, Kirkby Mallory and Woodhouse Eaves.

Back to the regional travel overview: East Midlands.