Paul’s guide to the Town
Sightseeing
A great open space in the centre of town. Go sit on the grass with a picnic in the summer or watch the autumn leaves fall. Observe the Carillon Bell Tower, catch it right and take a trip to the top for a small entrance fee. There's a children's play area, duck pond bowling green and bandstand too.
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Queen's Park
54 Frederick StA great open space in the centre of town. Go sit on the grass with a picnic in the summer or watch the autumn leaves fall. Observe the Carillon Bell Tower, catch it right and take a trip to the top for a small entrance fee. There's a children's play area, duck pond bowling green and bandstand too.
Take the train to Quorn for £7.50 return, hop off and go get a cream tea in the tea room. Or book a dining car service. Id recommend the 1pm Sunday lunch service. The train stops over Cropston Reservoir. Its a great experience. The GCR has been the backdrop for many feature films and period dramas.
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Great Central Railway
Great Central RoadTake the train to Quorn for £7.50 return, hop off and go get a cream tea in the tea room. Or book a dining car service. Id recommend the 1pm Sunday lunch service. The train stops over Cropston Reservoir. Its a great experience. The GCR has been the backdrop for many feature films and period dramas.
Try to visit on a bell casting day, that way you get to see the foundry in full operation. Don't worry if you are a solo traveller as you can usually add onto a group tour. Tour lasts 90mins costs £10.00 pp. Runs tue/wed/thur by apt only.
John Taylor & Co
Freehold StreetTry to visit on a bell casting day, that way you get to see the foundry in full operation. Don't worry if you are a solo traveller as you can usually add onto a group tour. Tour lasts 90mins costs £10.00 pp. Runs tue/wed/thur by apt only.
If you visit the town centre any day you wont fail to find this sculpture. A bronze man sporting a maple leaf and a sock. Representative of the towns now dead hosiery industry and commissioned by the local council at an appalling cost of £28,500 to the local tax payer. In my view a true monstrosity and highly embarrassing. Sit on his leg for a photo.
Sock Man
Market PlaceIf you visit the town centre any day you wont fail to find this sculpture. A bronze man sporting a maple leaf and a sock. Representative of the towns now dead hosiery industry and commissioned by the local council at an appalling cost of £28,500 to the local tax payer. In my view a true monstrosity and highly embarrassing. Sit on his leg for a photo.
Set in the Medieval centre of Loughborough, The Old Rectory building represents a rare survival of a stone built 13th century manor house. Today it stands in its own grounds on Rectory Place on the edge of the modern town centre.
Rectory as seen today The building was home to the Rectors of All Saints Parish Church for most of its life and probably represents one of the oldest Rectories in the country.
The Old Rectory now houses a museum run by the Loughborough Archaeological and Historical Society.
The Old Rectory Museum
Rectory PlaceSet in the Medieval centre of Loughborough, The Old Rectory building represents a rare survival of a stone built 13th century manor house. Today it stands in its own grounds on Rectory Place on the edge of the modern town centre.
Rectory as seen today The building was home to the Rectors of All Saints Parish Church for most of its life and probably represents one of the oldest Rectories in the country.
The Old Rectory now houses a museum run by the Loughborough Archaeological and Historical Society.
Charnwood Museum is situated in the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Queen's Park in Loughborough.
The museum is open all year round, with free admission to both temporary and permanent exhibitions. There are also regular talks by the Friends of the Museum, and monthly get-togethers at the Local History Cafe, alongside a host of events and workshops for children and their families.
Car parks near Charnwood Museum are situated on: Granby Street, Beehive Lane, Browns Lane. We have one disabled parking spot at the front of Charnwood Museum; please call us on 01509 233754 for details.
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Charnwood Museum
Granby StreetCharnwood Museum is situated in the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Queen's Park in Loughborough.
The museum is open all year round, with free admission to both temporary and permanent exhibitions. There are also regular talks by the Friends of the Museum, and monthly get-togethers at the Local History Cafe, alongside a host of events and workshops for children and their families.
Car parks near Charnwood Museum are situated on: Granby Street, Beehive Lane, Browns Lane. We have one disabled parking spot at the front of Charnwood Museum; please call us on 01509 233754 for details.
The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood.
The Outwoods consists of a variety of different routes and walks, including an easy access path with a bird feeding station, and has a 24 hour car park for visitors.
The Outwoods was gifted to the people of Loughborough in 1946 by two local benefactors, Allan Moss and George Harry Bowler.
See conifers, sycamore, oaks, bluebells silver birch. you will also find green woodpecker and woodcock amoungst he woodland birds.
There is surfaced paths, shelters bird feeders, picnic benches and toilets amongst the short walks as well as parking.
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Outwoods, Leicestershire
The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood.
The Outwoods consists of a variety of different routes and walks, including an easy access path with a bird feeding station, and has a 24 hour car park for visitors.
The Outwoods was gifted to the people of Loughborough in 1946 by two local benefactors, Allan Moss and George Harry Bowler.
See conifers, sycamore, oaks, bluebells silver birch. you will also find green woodpecker and woodcock amoungst he woodland birds.
There is surfaced paths, shelters bird feeders, picnic benches and toilets amongst the short walks as well as parking.
The park consists of over 135 hectares (330 acres) of grassland and woodland and offers recreational walking, and some short climbs. With a maximum height of 248 metres (814 ft), it is the second highest point in Leicestershire after Bardon Hill[1], although the OS map shows Birch Hill, which is near Copt Oak to be 254m.
An extinct volcano, in Whitwick, 4 miles (6 km) to the west, was responsible for the fine-grained igneous rocks that the hill consists of. Beacon Hill was the site of a Bronze Age hill fort. Today a toposcope indicates landmarks which can be seen from the summit. These include Lincoln Cathedral and the hills of the Peak District.
Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station is aligned so that, seen from the summit, only two of its eight cooling towers are visible.
On a clear day Belvoir Castle can be seen as well as the hills in the Peak District. Derby, Nottingham, and the tower of Lincoln Cathedral can be seen with a pair of binoculars. Loughborough is seen below the hill as is Beaumanor Hall. You can also hear and see steam trains on the Great Central Railway which has stations at Loughborough, Quorn and Woodhouse.
It was featured on the 2005 TV programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the Midlands. There are some very interesting rocks on the summit.
Nearby are two small woods both accessible to the public. Jubilee Wood is 2 miles (3 km) north-west of the lower Beacon hill car park on the Woodhouse Eaves to Nanpantan road and the Outwoods which is adjacent to Jubilee Wood.
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Beacon Hill
The park consists of over 135 hectares (330 acres) of grassland and woodland and offers recreational walking, and some short climbs. With a maximum height of 248 metres (814 ft), it is the second highest point in Leicestershire after Bardon Hill[1], although the OS map shows Birch Hill, which is near Copt Oak to be 254m.
An extinct volcano, in Whitwick, 4 miles (6 km) to the west, was responsible for the fine-grained igneous rocks that the hill consists of. Beacon Hill was the site of a Bronze Age hill fort. Today a toposcope indicates landmarks which can be seen from the summit. These include Lincoln Cathedral and the hills of the Peak District.
Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station is aligned so that, seen from the summit, only two of its eight cooling towers are visible.
On a clear day Belvoir Castle can be seen as well as the hills in the Peak District. Derby, Nottingham, and the tower of Lincoln Cathedral can be seen with a pair of binoculars. Loughborough is seen below the hill as is Beaumanor Hall. You can also hear and see steam trains on the Great Central Railway which has stations at Loughborough, Quorn and Woodhouse.
It was featured on the 2005 TV programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the Midlands. There are some very interesting rocks on the summit.
Nearby are two small woods both accessible to the public. Jubilee Wood is 2 miles (3 km) north-west of the lower Beacon hill car park on the Woodhouse Eaves to Nanpantan road and the Outwoods which is adjacent to Jubilee Wood.
Craft Beer Experience
Visit the towns micro brewery. You can take a tour but Id simply recommend heading there for a locally brewed beer. The micro brewery has a small bar its open Fri 12noon until 6pm & Sat 11.30 until 2pm. The shop is open regular hours. Vixen & Salutation are the regular beers but they also brew seasonal ones.
Charnwood Brewery
22 Jubilee DrVisit the towns micro brewery. You can take a tour but Id simply recommend heading there for a locally brewed beer. The micro brewery has a small bar its open Fri 12noon until 6pm & Sat 11.30 until 2pm. The shop is open regular hours. Vixen & Salutation are the regular beers but they also brew seasonal ones.
This is one of my favourite bars. Its a micropub which serves craft beers and ciders. Its tiny and they serve an ever changing drink menu. Also good for craft gins too. There's an upstairs area with record player. You can take and play your own or spin up from Sean's collection. A small beer starts from around £1.80. There's also imported bottles and cans from all over the world. You can buy souvenir glasses too.
The Needle and Pin
15 The RushesThis is one of my favourite bars. Its a micropub which serves craft beers and ciders. Its tiny and they serve an ever changing drink menu. Also good for craft gins too. There's an upstairs area with record player. You can take and play your own or spin up from Sean's collection. A small beer starts from around £1.80. There's also imported bottles and cans from all over the world. You can buy souvenir glasses too.
Food scene
Slip in for a coffee. The couches at the front are my favourite spot. Great for evening dining too with a regular menu change. Its one of my favourite dining experiences.
Goodliffes Bar
52 Church GateSlip in for a coffee. The couches at the front are my favourite spot. Great for evening dining too with a regular menu change. Its one of my favourite dining experiences.
Go for lunch. Sit in the rear open/outside space on the couches. The kitchen area is open plan so you can see the chefs at work. They have Charnwood Brewery beers on draft. Happy Hours daily 5 to 7pm & 10 until midnight Fri & Sat with 2-4-1 cocktails.
Fenways
17-18 Baxter GateGo for lunch. Sit in the rear open/outside space on the couches. The kitchen area is open plan so you can see the chefs at work. They have Charnwood Brewery beers on draft. Happy Hours daily 5 to 7pm & 10 until midnight Fri & Sat with 2-4-1 cocktails.
Get the tapas sliders or breakfast. Its all good, another of my favourite relaxed eating/drinking experiences. Tapas Tuesdays - 3 tapas and a glass of wine £10.50.
Centro Lounge
2 Old Hospital CtGet the tapas sliders or breakfast. Its all good, another of my favourite relaxed eating/drinking experiences. Tapas Tuesdays - 3 tapas and a glass of wine £10.50.
Get a table in the window so you can watch life go by outside. Remember to bring beer as they allow BYO. That makes it a super value experience. I usually get some craft bottles from Need & Pin or Tesco's just before my visit.
Indian Ocean
11 Swan StGet a table in the window so you can watch life go by outside. Remember to bring beer as they allow BYO. That makes it a super value experience. I usually get some craft bottles from Need & Pin or Tesco's just before my visit.
There are 2 of these in the town, Ashby Rd & Baxter Gate. If you need food on the go then this is the place. Fresh unpretentious and simple. 12ins burrito £7.50.
Plan Burrito
57 Ashby RdThere are 2 of these in the town, Ashby Rd & Baxter Gate. If you need food on the go then this is the place. Fresh unpretentious and simple. 12ins burrito £7.50.
One of my favourite eateries. I've sampled breakfast lunch and dinner here and hosted a Christmas event or two. Id recommend a table in the back. I can recommend the eggs benedict from the breakfast menu and any of the small tapas plates.
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The Priory
Nanpantan RoadOne of my favourite eateries. I've sampled breakfast lunch and dinner here and hosted a Christmas event or two. Id recommend a table in the back. I can recommend the eggs benedict from the breakfast menu and any of the small tapas plates.
Gift Shopping
Tyler's is a small family independent department store which was started in 1922. Over the years it has reinvented itself by moving from hardware and home-wear to furniture gifts and fashion. There is even a café on the first floor.
In 1922 Charles Tyler and his brother Fred started a business in the Derby Square area of Loughborough. The store was an instant success and quickly developed a reputation for quality goods that were reasonably priced. Tyler's is a unique store that has developed over the past century from a traditional hardware store to an inspirational department store.
Tylers Department Store & Cafe
1 Carillon CourtTyler's is a small family independent department store which was started in 1922. Over the years it has reinvented itself by moving from hardware and home-wear to furniture gifts and fashion. There is even a café on the first floor.
In 1922 Charles Tyler and his brother Fred started a business in the Derby Square area of Loughborough. The store was an instant success and quickly developed a reputation for quality goods that were reasonably priced. Tyler's is a unique store that has developed over the past century from a traditional hardware store to an inspirational department store.
Supermarkets
This is the nearest large supermarket to my house. Open 7 days a week. Weekdays until 10pm. Sundays until 4pm. Petrol Station & Café. Large car-park. Gorse Covert centre Post Office is next door.
Morrisons
This is the nearest large supermarket to my house. Open 7 days a week. Weekdays until 10pm. Sundays until 4pm. Petrol Station & Café. Large car-park. Gorse Covert centre Post Office is next door.
Lidl
Station AvenueRecently opened. Big car-park. Budget ranges. Open 7 days.
Free car-park for 2hrs otherwise its ANPR controlled. My least favourite store but the car-park is good for free town parking. Petrol Station & Cafe also onsite.
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Sainsbury's
11 Castle Bridge RdFree car-park for 2hrs otherwise its ANPR controlled. My least favourite store but the car-park is good for free town parking. Petrol Station & Cafe also onsite.
Råd om byen
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Bus routes & taxi info
The kinch bus 5 runs from the end of my street. Use that to get to town. 150mtrs away on Old Ashby Rd you can get the Arriva Bus 126/127 which will take you to Leicester. Its a long journey and you could get a faster bus from the town centre which only takes 25 to 30mins on the Skylink service. An Uber or Taxi from my place to the train station will cost around £8.00. An Uber or cab to the EMA airport will cost around £25.00 plus £3 car parking for drop off.
Kultur og skikker
shops and supermarkets
The closest shop to me is 300mtrs away - Spar on Old Ashby Rd. Its a bit pricey and only open until 9pm. I recommend the Late Stop shop on Wordsworth Rd, better range. Open till 11pm
The nearest Supermarket is Morrisons Gorse Covert open until 10pm.
There is also 2 Aldi stores & a Lidl Store in the town as well which are really good value for basics.
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Parks & Open Spaces
Be sure to visit Queens Park in the town centre. Also check out Boothe Wood and pathways at the back of my house as well as Beacon Hill & Bradgate Park, both possible to get to on public transport but car is easiest.
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Public Transport - Train Bus Coach & Uber
Arriva Bus 126/127 Service will take you from my place to Loughborough town centre/Leicester & Coalville.
Kinch Bus 5 is a local service which will take you to the town centre. Town centre bus fare is approx. £2.20 single ticket.
Skylink by Kinch will take you from the town centre to Leicester / Derby & East Midlands Airport.
Loughborough Railway Station is on the East Midlands Trains line and you can get trains to London Nottingham Sheffield York Derby direct.
Uber operates in the town and an Uber to the train station will be approx. £7.
National Express operate the N440 service to London from the town centre outside The Amber Rooms bar & Megabus run their M12 service from Loughborough University stop on Ashby Rd near to the science park . Both coach services London tickets start from £4 to £5 single. Its possible to get a train ticket to London for as low as £15 one way.