Uncover the best of Leicestershire with new range of trails and maps

New trails cover family fun, history, waterways, beautiful open spaces and more

Visitors to Leicester and Leicestershire can now embark on an exciting exploration of the region with the launch of a range of new trails by Visit Leicester. These trails showcase the best attractions, locations and hidden gems that the county has to offer and the stories behind them.

The trails cater to a variety of interests, including guiding visitors to the finest family attractions, uncovering the region’s industrial and historic past, delving into the royal roots of Melton Mowbray, navigating Leicestershire’s picturesque waterways, and experiencing the charm of Leicestershire’s scenic landscapes and delightful towns and villages.

The trails include:

Leicestershire’s Industrial Past including Moira Furnace, Conkers, Great Central Railway, Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, Triumph Visitor Centre, Foxton Locks, Everards, Stoney Cove and more

Uncover Royal Melton including The Anne of Cleves, St Mary’s Church, Ye Olde Pork

Pie Shoppe, Livestock Market, Melton Royal Mile Walk, Long Clawson Dairy, The Melton Cheeseboard, 8 Windsor Street, Stapleford Park, Belvoir Castle and more

Beautiful Gardens and Landscapes including 1620s House & Garden, The Charnwood Forest, Stoneywell, The National Forest, Staunton Harold Estate, Snibston Colliery Park, Bosworth Battlefield, Everards Meadows and more

Historic Leicestershire including Ashby Castle,

Bosworth Battlefield, Kirby Muxloe Castle, Tithe Barn, Stoneywell, New Walk, Leicester Guildhall, The Newarke, King Richard III Visitor Centre, The Charnwood Forest, Royal Melton and more

Leicestershire’s Historic Towns and Villages including Ashby de la Zouch, Woodhouse Eaves, Quorn, Rothley, Mountsorrel, Kibworth Harcourt, Kibworth Beauchamp, Smeeton Westerby, Loughborough, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray and Cosby

Fun Family Days Out including Conkers, Great Central Railway, Twycross Zoo, Wistow Maze & Wistow Rural Centre, Abbey Pumping Station, Twinlakes Family Theme Park, Moira Furnace & Ashby Canal, National Space Centre, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, The Battlefield Line and more

Three Leicester Riverside Maps – created in partnership with the Canal & River Trust as a series of three maps that highlight walking and cycling routes along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal:

The route starts north of the city at Watermead Country Park, a beautiful open space ideal for bird watching, cycling and gentle walks. The river and canal run their separate paths through the city passing by attractions like Belgrave Hall, Abbey Pumping Station, The National Space Centre, Abbey Park, Newarke Houses Museum, Castle Gardens and King Power Stadium

The southern end of Leicester’s riverside passes by the Great Central Way mile straight, and through Leicester’s largest and richest nature reserve at Aylestone Meadows

The route concludes at Everards Meadows; 70 acres of beautiful green space with pathways and cycleways where you will find Everards Brewery beer hall and shop. You can stop here for a well-earned rest, food and of course local beer.

The new trails can be downloaded from www. visitleicester.info/ideas-and-inspiration/ trails. There are also hard copies of the Riverside Maps available at the Visit Leicester Information Centre (4a St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB).

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton, said: “From picture postcard villages to thriving market towns and beautiful countryside, Leicestershire is a wonderful place to explore. And with the summer holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to get out and about.

“Leicestershire is also home to a 1,925-mile rights of way network, used daily by walkers, cyclists, riders and joggers. Complete with 40,000 way markers, the award winning paths allow people to explore and enjoy the environment across Leicestershire and can often be found right on your doorstep.”

The trails are based on Visit Leicester’s popular Uncover the Story campaign and aim to shine a light on some of the county’s hidden treasures, allowing visitors to plan their trip with the confidence that they’ll be seeing something worthwhile. The campaign also aims to help people to uncover the fascinating stories behind some of our remarkable attractions and locations. For more information on places to see, things to do and where to stay in Leicester and Leicestershire, visit www.visitleicester.info

Tea in an Idyllic English Country Garden Setting

From 15th June to 31st August 2023, guests can revel in a delectable assortment of handcrafted delicacies, specially curated to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season.

Priced at just £35 per person, the Summer Afternoon Tea includes a selection of mouthwatering finger sandwiches, a perfect balance of classic and inventive fillings. A warm pea, asparagus, and pesto tart, expertly baked to perfection, showcases the finest seasonal produce.

No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and we serve them in true British style. Enjoy the light and fluffy texture of fruit and plain scones, accompanied by luscious strawberry jam and indulgent Cornish clotted cream, providing an authentic taste of traditional afternoon tea.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, our pastry chefs have created a selection of exquisite desserts that capture the essence of summer. Savour the delicate strawberry custard tart with a Champagne viola dome, adding an elegant touch to this fruity delight. Discover the harmonious flavours of our honey and lavender financiers, a treat that perfectly embodies the essence of the English countryside. Indulge in the apple, rose, and blackberry mousse, a refreshing and fragrant delight that embodies the vibrancy of the season. And don’t forget to relish the decadence of our chocolate and yuzu cremeux, complemented by a caramelised white chocolate crumb.

Horwood House Hotel recognizes the importance of catering to all guests, including the little ones. A specially crafted kids’ afternoon tea menu, ensures that everyone can enjoy the memorable experience of a summer afternoon tea.

Moreover, Horwood House’s English country garden setting adds an extra layer of charm to your visit. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of our manicured grounds, enveloped by blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and let the serene atmosphere transport you to a world of relaxation and indulgence.