- The town was a major centre for the bell-founding industry, with John Taylor & Co casting the bell for St Paul's Cathedral and the world's largest tuned bell, Great Paul.
- Loughborough is home to one of the UK's oldest weekly street markets, having been granted a charter in 1221.
- The town's modern identity is heavily defined by its university, which is widely recognized as a premier destination for elite sports training in the United Kingdom.
- The Carillon Tower in Queen's Park is a unique war memorial and one of the few purpose-built carillon towers in the entire country.
- Loughborough was the site of the world's first package tour, organized by Thomas Cook in 1841 to transport temperance supporters to a meeting in the town.
About Loughborough
Loughborough is a prominent market town in Leicestershire, historically rooted in industrial engineering and home to a globally recognized university. The town serves as a gateway to the Charnwood Forest, offering access to high points like Beacon Hill, Leicestershire [1359345] and the distinctive Old John Tower [40305]. Its connection to heritage transport is cemented by the Great Central Railway - Loughborough [199154], which preserves the golden age of steam travel. Visitors can also explore the serene grounds of Mount St. Bernard Abbey [39575] or unwind in the expansive greenery of Queen's Park [55371].
Highlights of Loughborough
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Experience authentic steam train travel on a preserved double-track mainline.
Parks
View the historic Carillon Tower, a distinctive memorial set within well-maintained public gardens.
Natural attractions
Hike the rugged landscape of Charnwood Forest for expansive views over the Leicestershire countryside.
Historical places
Visit this iconic folly that serves as a landmark atop Bradgate Park's highest hill.
Temples
Explore the peaceful monastic grounds of the only active Trappist monastery in England.
Places of interest
Discover a unique Arts and Crafts-style cottage designed by architect Ernest Gimson.
Parks
Enjoy a tranquil walk through this ancient semi-natural woodland area situated near the university.
Historical places
Cross this historic stone structure that has stood as a local landmark for generations.
Top things to do in Loughborough
The 88 highest-rated places in Loughborough, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The Great Central Railway in Loughborough is the United Kingdom's only double-track, main-line heritage railway that all...
2
Parks
Queen's Park in Loughborough is a Victorian-era municipal park featuring a diverse array of mature trees and ornamental...
3
Parks
Beacon Hill Country Park is a 135-hectare site situated in the Charnwood Forest area of Leicestershire. It features some...
4
Museums
Quorn & Woodhouse Station serves as the primary hub for the Great Central Railway, the United Kingdom's only double-trac...
5
Temples
Mount St. Bernard Abbey is the only Cistercian monastery in England and the first established in the country since the R...
6
Places of interest
Stoneywell is a Grade II listed Arts & Crafts cottage designed by Ernest Gimson for his own family in 1899. Nestled with...
7
Historical places
Old John Tower is a prominent Gothic-style folly situated at the highest point of Bradgate Park in Leicestershire. Built...
8
Parks
The Outwoods is one of the oldest surviving ancient woodland sites in Charnwood, Leicestershire, covering approximately...
9
Museums
The Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre is a volunteer-run museum dedicated to preserving the industrial and...
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Historical places
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Temples
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Parks
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Temples
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Historical places
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Museums
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Loughborough on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Loughborough
Late spring to early autumn, when the surrounding Charnwood Forest trails are dry and the heritage railway runs a full timetable.
2-3 days, allowing time for both town-centre heritage sites and regional hiking in the nearby forest areas.
The town centre is highly walkable, with a local bus network providing access to surrounding villages and major attractions like the railway stations.
Stay in the town centre for proximity to historic landmarks and transport links, or choose a guesthouse near the university campus for a quieter atmosphere.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are generally more affordable than in nearby major cities like Leicester or Nottingham.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 88 curated attractions in and around Loughborough, ranked by traveller ratings.
Great Central Railway - Loughborough is the highest-rated place to visit in Loughborough right now.
The largest category is temples, with 42 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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