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As summer draws to a close why not kick off Autumn in style with a visit to Leicestershire’s picturesque landscapes. Rustling leaves against the backdrop of rolling countryside, vibrant market towns and the National Forest, all of which take on a whole new beauty during the Autumnal months. You don’t have to take our word for it though! Check out our brand-new videos, taking you on a tour of Leicestershire’s market towns, National Forest & Ashby de la Zouch. A perfect weekend getaway!
Market Towns
Our brand new market towns video showcases the best of Leicestershire's unique market towns. Let's take you on whistlestop tour!
Fancy a trip to the ‘Rural Capital of Food’? Melton is famed for its pies and boasts a culinary heritage very few can match. A must see is a visit to Dickinson & Morris’s Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, established in 1851 and one of Melton’s top attractions, or the multi award winning Brockleby’s bakery! Did you know Melton is also a town known for its Royal connections, including a visit from King Richard 1 in 1194, and Thomas ‘Wolf Hall’ Cromwell owned the priory which is now the Anne of Cleves pub. A charming and historic 14th Century pub nestled at the heart of Melton.
Journey to the picture-perfect town of Market Bosworth, which was the backdrop to the end of the Wars of the Roses. Georgian architecture, cobbled market square, steam train line and countryside walks…it’s the quintessential English experience
500 animals, 60 years of history and the only UK zoo that is home to four species of great apes. Twycross Zoo is a wild day out for the whole family and perfect for your little monkeys!
The beautiful market town of Market Harborough has been a shopper’s haven for 800 years! Enjoy the historic surroundings and a range of boutiques and independent stores. There’s more than enough to keep you busy.
Four miles west of Market Harborough and close to the village of Foxton is the home of Britain’s longest set of staircase locks – Foxton Locks. Enjoy the peaceful countryside surroundings as you watch boats pass and grab a bite to eat at the nearby café or pub.
If you’re a rail enthusiast, then there is no better place to visit than Great Central Railway. Step back in time and visit the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place you can see full size engines passing each other and did you know Stan and Ollie was filmed here, starring Steve Coogan and John C Reilly. The list of films shot here goes on and includes The Hours, satrring Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman, Shadowlands with Anthony Hopkins and the spy thriller Enigma! Check out our 'Movie magic made in Leicester' article to see other filming locations in the area.
National Forest & Ashby de la Zouch
Our brand new National Forest & Ashby de la Zouch video throws a light on what to expect when you visit the tranquil and breathtaking National Forest. You'll find Ashby just as stones throw away!
Spanning 200 square miles is the National Forest and one of Leicestershire’s hidden gems. Ancient forest, newly planted woodlands, wildflower meadows and rugged rocky uplands. Its landscape features date back 500 million years and a massive nine million trees have been planted since 1990. Enjoy the splendid views across Thornton Reservoir, followed by a visit to the National Forest’s many attractions and historic sites like Moira Furnace, 1620s House and Conkers.
Moira Furnace is one of the UK’s best-preserved examples of an Industrial Revolution, where you’ll be able to find out how minerals became iron. Explore the countryside, craft village and nearby Conkers outdoor discovery centre
Right next to the Furnace is Moira Country Park where you’ll find woodland trails and walks along the canal and the Hicks Lodge Cycle Hire. Why not hire a bike so you can explore a little further?
Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty is the centuries old Staunton Harold. The estates former stable block is now the Ferrers Art Centre for Arts and Crafts, were you can watch craftspeople, from painters to blacksmiths. Guaranteed to capture your attention is the Victorian Model Workshop!
Find yourselves amidst stories of intrigue, betrayal and murder at Kirby Muxloe Castle. Step back into the time of the War of the Roses and take a walk round the unfinished remains of Kirby Muxloe Castle.
If you’re looking for something more continental then Ashby de la Zouch is the perfect destination. Open air markets selling organic products and independent shops.
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Forest adventure goes above and beyond. A former colliery site which is now the home of outdoor adventures, Conkers allows kids to get active in the countryside and explore the history of mining in Leicestershire.
England’s first forest for 1,000 years - With landscape features which go back 500 million years, the former industrial landscape of north-west Leicestershire has been transformed in recent years. Nine million trees have been planted since 1990, creating a hidden gem in the heart of the country.
Enjoy a gentle E-Bike or walking holiday, exploring the beautiful, peaceful Leicestershire countryside
A day return to the birthplace of popular tourism. Step back in time and ride the rails as you board a steam train straight out of classic literature. Relive the early days of tourism as you take the same journey as Thomas Cook’s first day trip passengers.
Explore Foxton Locks, a historic canal marvel in Leicestershire, offering picturesque landscapes, canal heritage, boat trips, and a glimpse into 19th-century engineering brilliance.
With a 60-year history, Twycross Zoo has more than 500 animals, and is the only UK zoo which is home to all four species of great apes
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