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Ashby Boat Company
Holiday in a narrowboat hired from the Ashby Boat Company and enjoy all that's best in canal cruising. The company is based at the Canal Wharf in Stoke Golding, while the Ashby Canal is lock-free as it winds its way south to Marston Junction. From here it joins the Oxford and Grand Union canals. It is possible to visit Rugby, Braunston, Warwick and Leamington to the south and Market Bosworth, Tamworth, Great Heywood, Stoke on Trent and Birmingham to the north.
For more information: 01455 212671
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The Ashby Trip
The Ashby Trip offers a variety of cruises along the canal from its base at Sutton Cheney wharf, where there is ample car parking. Three narrowboats - Rose, Jubilee and Bosworth Lady - provide a range of scheduled and charter cruises, while Rosebud operates a waterbus service to the Bosworth Battlefield at weekends from Easter to September.
For more information: 01455 213838 |
Ashby Canal
Enjoy a walk along the towpath that passes through the beautiful rural countryside of south west Leicestershire. The towpath provides an ideal link between Hinckley, Bosworth Battlefield, Market
Bosworth, the Battlefield railway and Conkers at Moira, as well as being an important wildlife corridor where kingfishers, herons and water voles can be seen.
There are picnic sites at Gopsall Wharf and Basin Bridge as well as boat trips along the canal.
For more information: 01455 238141
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Bagworth Heath Woods
The 75 hectare park was previously the site of Desford Colliery and has since been reclaimed to transform the landscape. Situated between Bagworth and Thornton, it offers relaxing walks and extensive views as well as opportunities for fishing and nature study. It has also made an important contribution to the creation of the National Forest.
For more information: 0116 265 7333 |
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Battlefield
Line
Step back in time to the "Golden Age of Steam" with a 10-mile round trip through the beautiful south
west Leicestershire countryside. The Battlefield Line is based at
Shackerstone, where a museum and tea room are also available for visitors to browse and take refreshments. The trains run from March through to October.
For more information: 01827 880754 |
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Billa
Barra
The quarry at Billa Barra, near Stanton under Bardon, has exposed rock outcrops, making it a Regionally Important Geological Site. It is also surrounded by 45 acres of mixed grassland and newly-planted woodland.
For more information: 01455 238141
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Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre
Re-live the historic Battle of Bosworth of 1485 when the last Plantagenet king of England, Richard lll, lost his crown to Henry Vll, who became the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty. The battle marked the last time a king led a charge of knights in full armour, and was made famous by Shakespeare's line: "A horse, a horse - my kingdom for a horse."
As well as sign-boarded walks around the battlefield itself, the visitor centre provides a complete insight into the battle and the medieval age in which it took place. There are special events held at the battlefield site, which is situated two miles south of Market Bosworth at Sutton Cheney, throughout the summer months. Other attractions include a film theatre, a gift shop and picnic areas, while a cafeteria provides refreshments.
For more information: 01455 290429 |
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Bosworth Water Trust
Just west of Market Bosworth lies the 50 acre leisure park with lakes for sailing and fishing. There are sailboards, canoes, dinghies, rowing boats and wetsuits for hire. Facilities for camping and caravanning are also provided, making it an ideal venue for a safe family activity weekend.
For more information: 01455 291876
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Bradgate Country Park Visitor Centre
Leicestershire's largest and most popular country park has heath, bracken, grass, rocky outcrops, small woods, herds of deer and the River Lin amongst its attractions. The ruins of Bradgate House, birthplace of Lady Jane Grey (the Nine Days Queen of England) are set in a medieval deer park of 850 acres. The visitor centre (in the centre of the park) includes displays of Lady Jane Grey, the park and its flora and fauna. There is also a country park shop and information point.
For more information: 0116 236 2713
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Burbage Common and Woods
Burbage Woods is nationally important because of the spectacular ground
flora, while Burbage Common is one of the largest areas of natural
grassland locally. There is a network of footpaths, a visitor centre, bird
observation hide and picnic areas. It attracts over 150,000 visitors
annually and environmental events are held throughout the year.
For more information: 01455 238141
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Cadeby Light Railway and Brass Rubbing Centre
Located at the Old Rectory in the picturesque village of Cadeby is a narrow gauge steam railway, together with a model railway. There is also a museum housing The Boston Collection and a brass rubbing centre in the 13th century Church of All Saints. Admission is free but the attractions are only open on selected Saturdays during the summer.
For more information: 01455 290462
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Concordia Theatre
Hinckley's Concordia Theatre is one of the largest voluntary-run theatres in the country and provides a busy programme of plays, musicals, pantomime, concerts, opera and dance shows throughout the year. In the 30 years since the theatre was first created from a disused hosiery factory, it has established a national reputation for the quality of the productions it stages.
For more information: 01455 847676
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Conkers
This developing facility at Moira offers a hands-on experience of British wildlife at the heart of the new National Forest. There are indoor exhibitions as well as 120 acres of walks and trails, with a narrow gauge railway running through the site. There is also an assault course for adults and play areas for children, in addition to a plant centre, craft workshops, and two licensed restaurants.
For more information: 01283 216633
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Fosse Meadows Nature Park
Over 100 acres of newly-created woodland and flowering hay meadows.
Nr Sharnford
Tel: 0116 275 0555
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Groby Pool
The 34 acre natural pool, located in the village of Groby, is rich in aquatic wildlife and a mecca for birdwatchers. Over 150 species have been recorded from ducks and gulls to reed warblers and herons. There is also a two acre picnic site on the margins of the lake.
For more information: 0116 265 7333
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Hinckley and District Museum
The museum is based in a row of restored framework knitters' cottages in Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. There are displays illustrating aspects of the history of the town and district, and among the exhibits is a stocking frame built around 1740.
The museum is run by a charitable company and staffed by volunteers. It is open from Easter to the end of October and visitors can also relax in the delightful cottage garden or take refreshments in the tea room.
For more information: 01455 251218
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Hinckley Leisure
Centre
Hinckley Leisure Centre offers a wide range of activities and facilities for people of all ages and abilities.
For more information: 01455 610011. |
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Mallory Park Racing Circuit
Mallory Park is renowned as being one of - if not the best - car and motor cycle racing circuits for spectator viewing in the country. Located in a natural amphitheatre in the village of Kirby Mallory, the grassy banks that overlook the circuit enable race fans to see all of the action. Events take place every weekend from March to October.
For more information: 01455 842931
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National Space Centre
Leicester's newest attraction is a unique, out-of-this-world journey of discovery. It is the UK's leading attraction dedicated to space, where visitors will experience interactive challenges, stunning images and sounds, and real space hardware. There is also a hi-tech domed Space Theatre, as well as a restaurant and bar.
For more information: 0870 6077223 |
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Osbaston Kitchen Garden
The one-acre walled kitchen garden is situated only a mile from Market Bosworth where a range of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers are grown using organic methods. Some fresh produce and refreshments are available on open days.
For more information: 01455 440811
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Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary
There are a range of farm and domestic animals at the sanctuary, some of which are available for re-homing. It is based at Markfield and is open all the year round, with a gift shop and café also available for visitors.
For more information: 01530 243925 |
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Stanford Hall
Home of the Cave family since 1430. House and grounds (including motorcycle museum) open from Easter to the end of September.
Nr Lutterworth
Tel: 01788 860250 |
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Station PotteryStation Pottery
Paul Young works from a Victorian station building at Shenton - just an arrowshot away from the historic Bosworth Battlefield. His work is traditional, yet also highly innovative, and he has exhibited at many museums and galleries in this country and abroad.
For more information: 077 1162 8337
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Thornton Reservoir
The 75 acre clear water reservoir at Thornton is over 120 years old and offers something for everyone who appreciates the countryside. It provides fly anglers with some great sport from both bank and boat, while others can relax by exploring the sculpture trail and surrounding woodland. There is also a small visitor centre.
For more information: 01455 2381410 |
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Trinity Marina
The new Trinity Marina complex is situated alongside the Ashby Canal in Hinckley. Visitors are able to wander along the towpath and 114-berth marina, browse around the quayside shop or watch the boats pass by from the bar and restaurant.
For more information: 01455 896820 |
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Tropical Birdland
There are over 85 species of tropical birds to try and spot in the walk-through aviaries at
Desford. Visitors can watch spectacular free-flying displays, as well as viewing the chick room. There is also a woodland walk, koi ponds and picnic gardens to explore during the opening season from Easter to the end of October.
For more information: 01455 824603
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Twycross Zoo
Fifty acres of parkland at Twycross house nearly a thousand animals, mainly rare and endangered species. The world famous primate collection ranges from the tiny Pygmy Marmosets to the huge Western Lowland Gorillas. There are also lions, giraffes, pythons, alligators and flamingos, as well as oddities like the termite-eating aardvolves of southern Africa.
There is also a Pets' Corner, an adventure playground, cafeteria, gift shop, licensed bar and picnic areas.
For more information: 01827 880250
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Whitemoors Antiques and Crafts Centre
Set in extensive cultured Victorian gardens, there are antiques, bric-a-brac, books and curios a-plenty to be found at the Centre. Situated in the village of Shenton, there is also a licensed tea room for visitors.
For more information: 01455 212250
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Woodlands Nurseries
One of the UK's premier garden centres can be found just outside the village of Stapleton. The all-weather centre covers 18 acres, with over a million plants being nurtured in the site nursery. As well as a wide and varied selection of plants to choose from, there are also unusual water garden features and colonial-style garden furniture. Visitors can also relax and take refreshment in the Courtyard Café.
For more information: 01455 291494
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