Discover Coalville

Coalville brings together theatre, mining history and nature. The Century Theatre stands beside the historic mine buildings of the former Snibston Colliery; Snibston Colliery Park is right next door. Grange Nature Reserve offers a different natural setting. If you’re looking for a hotel in Coalville, you can plan your stay around whether you’re more interested in the performing arts and industrial history or trails and landscapes.

Theatre and mining history

The Century Theatre was designed and built between 1948 and 1952, and is Britain’s oldest surviving touring theatre. It was later renovated and rebuilt on a purpose-built site beside the historic mine buildings of the former Snibston Colliery in Coalville, Leicestershire. The theatre offers performances, stand-up comedy and live music—three distinct types of entertainment for a culture-focused stay.

The mining history is also showcased on the Snibston Heritage Trail, which includes several historic buildings and machines. Snibston also offers colliery tours throughout the year, led by former miners and re-enactors. Another way to explore the subject is the “Into the Dark” mine simulation, which recreates a coal face at Snibston. This means you can learn about mining through both guided tours and an immersive simulation.

Landscape and nature

Snibston Colliery Park is on Ashby Road in Coalville, Leicestershire, right beside the Century Theatre. The site covers more than 40 hectares and includes a variety of habitats. The former colliery spoil heap has been reclaimed as woodland and open, rough grassland. A network of paths runs through the park and includes viewpoints, offering a chance to take in the landscape beyond the historic buildings.

Grange Nature Reserve offers a different range of features, including a Victorian arboretum, a wetland, a boardwalk, a wildflower meadow and two fishing lakes. The two nature sites therefore have different features: Snibston brings together colliery history, trails and reclaimed land, while Grange Nature Reserve is noted for its arboretum, wetland and meadow landscape.

Trails and activities in the park

For a cycling activity, Snibston has a 4 km Blue-grade mountain bike trail. The route runs around the original colliery spoil heap and through woodland and natural vegetation. Jumps, uneven terrain and banked turns are among the features described. This specific cycling route is distinct from the paths and viewpoints that make up the park’s trail network.

Bus information and your stay

There are two specific points of reference for getting around by bus: local bus stops are right outside the entrance to Snibston Colliery Park. Coalville’s main bus stop at Memorial Square is a ten-minute walk from the Century Theatre. These details relate to different destinations and can help you plan your visits. If you’re including a performance or tour in your itinerary, check the relevant dates; for bus travel, it’s worth checking the timetable. This can help you match your search for a hotel in Coalville to the interests you want to shape your stay around.

Discover more destinations: Buckminster, Knipton, Kirkby Mallory, Hinckley, Ashby De La Zouch, Stathern, Croxton Kerrial, Lutterworth

For the main travel overview: Leicestershire.