Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1 &gt; <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Climbing Station (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theclimbingstation.com/" target="_blank">The Climbing Station</a></strong></h2>



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<p>Adventure seekers will love this bouldering centre run for novice and experienced climbers, by climbers. There&#8217;s over 800 sqm of bouldering surface, covering almost every angle and worry not parents, there&#8217;s a top rope wall that can be used by both&nbsp;kids&nbsp;and adults to learn the basics of roped climbing plus, there&#8217;s extra children&#8217;s climbing groups available during the summer hols.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Beacon Hill Country Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/beacon-visitor/" target="_blank"><strong>Beacon Hill Country Park</strong></a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2020/07/best-picnic-spots-leicestershire-and-rutland-muddy-stilettos-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19219" /><figcaption>Pic Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/">https://www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Just south of Loughborough, you can enjoy wonderful views from the top of this popular park. At 248m, the summit of Beacon Hill Country Park is the second highest spot in Leicestershire so of course, boasts gorgeous views across the county and beyond so well worth the trek. If the dizzying heights don’t appeal, there’s plenty of nice spots further down too where you can picnic. There&#8217;s also woodland walks, impressive wood carvings, kids play areas and plenty of multi-use tracks which loop around the edge of the park for walkers, cyclists and runners. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Manor Farm Park and Woodlands (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.manorfarm.info/" target="_blank"><strong>Manor Farm Park and Woodlands</strong></a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2022/08/manor-farm-woodlands-copyright-k-modessa-muddy-stilettos-leicestershire-rutland-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36974" /><figcaption>Pic Credit K Modessa</figcaption></figure>



<p>Enjoy a full day on this exciting farm and let the kids explore the indoor and outdoor play, the World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail, meet the farm animals and more. During the summer, they often have falconry displays and owl holding and the maize maze. When hunger calls, head to Antlers or enjoy your own picnic on the grounds.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4 &gt; <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/queenspark" target="_blank">Queen’s Park</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2020/07/best-picnic-spots-leicestershire-and-rutland-muddy-stilettos.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19222" /><figcaption>Pic credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/queenspark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charnwood Gov</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Boasting Green Flag status, there’s plenty to admire here. First opened in June 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the park may be small but has lots to enjoy including the swan maze, Charnwood museum, a bowling green, aviaries and more. When the weather&#8217;s good bag a spot and enjoy a picnic or stop off at the Queen’s Park Cafe for ice cream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"> 5 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Modern Painters, New Decorators (opens in a new tab)" href="https://modernpaintersnewdecorators.co.uk" target="_blank">Modern Painters, New Decorators</a> </h2>



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<p>No we&#8217;re not plugging the services of a local painter/decorator, it&#8217;s actually an artist-led organisation running a gallery, shop and studios in the Carillion Shopping Centre. They often run free, family workshops and this month (18-30 July) they&#8217;ve got visual art exhibition, &#8216;<em>Ghost Hat Lizard</em>&#8216; by Daniel Cowlam who merges various objects from bargain toy stores, science fiction films and 1960s graphic design and brings them to life using silicone mould-making and oil painting processes. Sounds quirky! Free to visit. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>6 &gt;</strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Break Escape (opens in a new tab)" href="https://breakescape.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong> Break Escape</strong></a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2022/07/loughborough-things-to-do-with-the-family-muddy-stilettos-rutland-and-leicestershire-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36030" /><figcaption>Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@dariuszsankowski?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Dariusz Sankowski</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/map-key?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Like the idea of being locked in a room and solving puzzles, riddles and deciphering hidden clues to get out? Live out your Indiana Jones fantasy right and here. There&#8217;s four different themed rooms to choose from so pick your fave, book a slot for the family and work together to beat the clock and escape the challenging puzzles in time or else&#8230;duh duh duh! Ready to take on the challenge?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Loughborough Town Hall Theatre (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/events" target="_blank"><strong>Loughborough Town Hall Theatre</strong></a></h2>



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<p>This Grade II listed building began life as a ballroom in 1855 but now serves the local community as a theatre. There&#8217;s always something on and this September you can catch, <em>The Music of Lionel Richie, Ed Gamble, Calendar Girls</em> and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Green Place  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenPlaceVenueSileby/" target="_blank"><strong>The Green Place </strong></a></h2>



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<p>It may not look like much from the outside but this cafe, slightly off the beaten track, serves wonderfully delicious vegetarian food and has in recent years become a community-run hub which hosts showcase ethical and sustainable events and workshops. In the summer, there&#8217;s acoustic afternoons and outdoor cinema in the summer plus, don&#8217;t miss the quirky dining pods to dine in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9 &gt; <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Barefoot Festival (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.barefootfestival.com/barefoot-festival-essential-info.php" target="_blank">Barefoot Festival</a></strong></h2>



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<p>Running for almost 15 years, this intimate, chilled out two-day family fest takes place over summer in the spacious grounds of Prestwold Hall. In the past they&#8217;ve had everything from arts and crafts, forest school, circus skills,&nbsp;belly dancing and even fire dancing! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Outwoods  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/outwoodsinformation" target="_blank"><strong>The Outwoods</strong></a></h2>



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<p>This impressive 110 acres of ancient woodland is located towards the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It&#8217;s a great place to explore the different routes and walks, and there&#8217;s even a bird feeding station. Kids can run wild, climb trees and explore the rock formations and dogs love it too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">11 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Laser Quest  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://lqloughborough.co.uk/about/" target="_blank"><strong>Laser Quest </strong></a></h2>



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<p>The kids will feel like they&#8217;ve stepped into their very own computer game here. Laser Quest is a non-contact, sci-fi adventure for people of all ages so whether you&#8217;re 6 or 36, you&#8217;ll love the adrenaline pumping exhilaration of stalking your opponents and unleashing a searing volley of laser fire in this futuristic battle zone!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">12 &gt; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Great Central Railway (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>Great Central Railway</strong></a></h2>



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<p>The UK&#8217;s only double track, main line heritage railway, you can see full-size steam engines passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails. It runs for 8.25 mile stretch between Loughborough and the north of Leicester.&nbsp;Throughout the year, there&#8217;s a whole host of different events that take place here from their Santa Steam Trains to their Summer Fair events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">13 &gt; <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://whattonhouse.co.uk/gardens" target="_blank">Whatton Gardens</a></strong></h2>



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<p>Gorgeous gardens to enjoy here – parts of the original 1802 gardens remain, but much of the 15 acres of mixed woodland and garden areas was laid out much later. There’s trails leading through shaded trees as well as a myriad of paths lead through the woodland garden, abundance of flowering shrubs and ornamental trees. We love the Chinese Garden with their terracotta warriors and in the summer you&#8217;ll get some gorgeous shots for your IG grid over in the Rose Garden that&#8217;s in full bloom. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">14 &gt; <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.chocoberrycafe.com/" target="_blank">Chocoberry Cafe</a>, Loughborough</strong></h2>



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<p>Pop in for dessert at this brand new cafe on Baxter Gate. Here, sweet treats are inspired by world travels think French macarons, Spanish churros, American milkshakes and even Middle Eastern pastry, Kunafeh. There’s smaller dishes like chocolate dipped strawberries and mini waffle bites but the kids will love the Yum Bubblegum Waffles that come with Nutella, Kinder Bueno and bubblegum sauce! One word &#8211; scrumdidliumptious!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">15 &gt; <a href="https://www.jumpgiants.com/"><strong>Jump Giants</strong></a></h2>



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<p>Head down to this mammoth trampoline park over on Wymeswold Rd,&nbsp;where there&#8217;s over 100 trampolines for the big and little kids to bounce, jump and flip on. After they&#8217;re done, there&#8217;s still plenty for them to tackle from the foam zone, Ninja Court, Wipe Out and Battle Beams &#8211; they&#8217;re bound to have some thrilling fun. It&#8217;s a little bit further from town, but well worth the drive.</p>


15 fun things to do in Loughborough

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