Places to visit in Leicestershire

Calling all space enthusiasts and aspiring astronauts; your mission to the stars awaits at The National Space Centre, the home of British space exploration. For an interactive space mission experience, report to the new Tetrastar Spaceport exhibit for a “low Earth orbit cruise”. Take a seat in the plush Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium to enjoy stargazing with music, relax while watching the Tour of the Night Sky.

Did you know that Leicester is recognised as the home of veganism? Head to The Good Earth, which was founded in 1965 by the current owner’s father. This friendly and homely eatery offers seasonal, hearty plant-based fare including lentil moussaka and pea and mint risotto. Don’t forget to check out their vegetarian and vegan cakes.

Both for the young and young at heart, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre offers a huge range of fun and challenging activities such as archery, paddleboarding, abseiling, kayaking, climbing, bushcraft skills – you name it, there’s something for everybody in your tribe to try their hand at.

Considered one of the top food destinations in the UK, Leicestershire has many different cuisines to choose from. Tuck into mouth-watering South Asian curries at local favourite, Paddy’s Marten Inn on Martin Street. First opened in 1996, it has won several awards and has featured on cookery shows with chefs including Jamie Oliver.

If you prefer to stay in the city, St Martin's Lodge is a luxury 26-room boutique hotel in the Cathedral Quarter and boasts uninterrupted views of the magnificent thousand years-old structure. It’s also a short walking distance from other Leicester landmarks such as Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, the Clock Tower and the Newarke Houses Museum.

Fuel up for your day with a mighty breakfast cob from The Rustic Deli in Mountsorrel. These pillowy bread rolls are filled with dry-cured bacon or Lincolnshire sausage and served hot – there’s also a veggie version with avocado, black beans and fried egg – delicious! Fancy something a little more filling? Choose a breakfast muffin, and if you’re feeling brave, ask the chef to surprise you.

Loughborough Great Central Railway has provided a quaint backdrop for various films and TV series, including The Crown, Enigma, The Hours, Ripper Street and even Top Gear. You can drive one of the old steam or diesel locomotives, or follow the rural branch line on footpaths past the Grand Union Canal and to pretty villages like Quorn and Woodhouse Eves.

Walk along the line toward Rothley (one hour) and stop off in Barrow for lunch at The Moorings, a dog-friendly waterside pub on the bank of the River Soar, popular with locals and ramblers alike. Their Italian-inspired menu offers two courses for £15 and includes dishes like seafood, pasta and steak sandwiches.

Instead of turning to your favourite bottle of pinot grigio or merlot, join a wine-tasting session  in the afternoon at Rothley Wine Estate to try the different vinos named after past English monarchs. Run by Liz Robson since 2008 and a staff of volunteers, the vineyard has grown from just one vine that came with the property to many, with fruit plants added to create blackberry and elderflower wine too.

Just a few minutes’ drive west brings you to a tranquil little sanctuary on the edge of the National Forest. Horseshoe Cottage Farm is an award-winning B&B, sympathetically restored from 200-year-old stone barns. Enjoy breakfasts made with local ingredients and welcome baskets filled with organic toiletries. Plus, there are plenty of great restaurants within seven miles of it – the owners will happily book a table for you and a taxi too!

You can’t leave Leicestershire without tucking into a Melton Mowbray pork pie – especially one that you’ve handcrafted yourself. Head to Brockleby Pies and learn to make one of these iconic foods in a three-hour masterclass and see for yourself why Leicestershire is fiercely proud of this tasty snack. Bring comfy shoes and an apron – you’re guaranteed to get covered in flour!

Step back in time at the oldest pub in Melton Mowbray. The Anne of Cleves serves up a seasonal menu (closed on Mondays) that’s groaning with locally produced food in a gorgeously Tudor atmosphere. History seeps from the timbers - did you know that the building was gifted by Henry VIII to his fourth queen (Anne of Cleves, would you have it), as part of their divorce settlement? We can see the appeal!

Eagle-eyed fans of The Crown may have spotted Belvoir Castle standing in for Windsor Castle for several key scenes. Built in the 19th century, several of the castle’s richly decorated rooms were also used in the 2010 film, The Young Victoria. Not to mention The Da Vinci Code and Victoria & Abdul. Don’t forget to head outside to admire its gardens and views of the Leicestershire landscape from atop the hill.

Finish up your trip with a hearty dinner at this gorgeously rustic 16th-century Berkeley Arms, which sits on the border of Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire. The regularly changing menu is sourced from locally produced ingredients and is complemented with their selection of real ales, which changes on a weekly basis.