Why Leicestershire
With an excellent network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes linking fascinating villages, historic sites and country parks plus landscapes which vary from the granite hills of Charnwood Forest, the peaceful valleys and canals, the rolling countryside of eastern Leicestershire to the growing woodlands of the National Forest, Leicestershire's countryside has it all!
The Leicestershire Round is 100 mile circular walking route round the county, connecting places of interest and taking in a variety of landscapes along the way.
Leicestershire Events - keep up to date with 'things going on' in Leicestershire.
Leicestershire Culture - Museums & Libraries to visit.
Wistow Maize Maze Find clues hidden in a giant maize maze with nearly 4 miles of paths. High-level bridges and viewing towers give stunning panoramic views. Includes Activity Funyard with mini-mazes and games for all the family. Open July - September.
Melton Mowbray (Rural Capital of Food) - market town famous for Hunting, Pork Pies and Stilton cheese.
Market Harborough - market town famous for it's Grammar School on stilts - lovely selection of independent shops and restaurants.
Market Bosworth - a market town which takes pride in it's many floral displays throughout the town in the summer months.
The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland, located in nearby Wigston Magna is the centre for research into the history of the area. Records of all kinds, including manuscripts (the archives of local government, institutions and families), maps and photographs are preserved and made available for research by the public. The Record Office also houses the local studies collection, including general works on Leicestershire and Rutland, local newspapers and periodicals, writings of local authors and sound recordings Admission is free and there is full access for the disabled.
Foxton Locks The recently refurbished lock flight (built in 1810) takes the canal 75 feet down the hill (a journey of 45 minutes by boat). Also of interest is the abandoned inclined plane, a lift built in 1900 to respond to the competition of the railways and to enable the larger barges to travel along this stretch of the canal in a reduced time of just 12 minutes. Unfortunately traffic did not increase and the lift was closed for economic reasons. Although only in use for 11 years, the lift was a major achievement, the most modern and biggest built at the time. Foxton Locks Inclined Plane Trust is in the process of restoring the lift to its former glory. The award winning Museum tells the story of the lift and the local canals
Belvoir Castle - A privately owned castle in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir. Lots to see.
Bosworth Battlefield - where the Battle of Bosworth Field was thought to be fought!
National Space Centre - 'Hands On' Space fun for all the family.
Conkers Discovery Centre - Woodland exploration centre.