Six picturesque Leicestershire villages for perfect days out
Leicestershire may have plenty to attract tourists, from our world-beating sports teams to attractions like the National Space Centre and Twycross Zoo.
But we have more than our fair share of subtle, hidden gems too.
Throughout the Fox County you’ll find picture postcard scenes, of rolling countryside and timber framed buildings, of quaint market towns and the sorts of pubs to read a sunday paper by the fireside with a foaming ale.
Read more about what’s on around Leicestershire here.
So if you’re after a day out at a leisurely pace, off the beaten track, here are a few of our favourites.
Wymeswold
Close to the northern borders of the county is the large village of Wymeswold.
The village near Loughborough has a charm of its own, with the River Mantle running alongside roads in drainage channels – home to the famous Duck Races each summer.
Hammer and Pincers at Wymeswold
There’s a few stores including a traditional butcher and an antiques shop to visit, some fantastic pubs, and the historic listed church with lych gate is picture perfect.
Outside the village too is the Wymeswold Meadows nature reserve.
Anstey
The large, busy village of Anstey is the gateway to Charnwood Forest’s delights for Leicester.
There are some fantastic places to eat and drink here, from The Old Hare & Hounds and Mash & Press pubs and the Passage to India and Sapori restaurants.
It’s a gorgeous walk north of the village where you can stride out towards Bradgate Park.
But the jewel in the crown is the oft-overlooked Castle Hill Country Park, with the ancient King Williams Bridge, a medieval crossing linked to the monks of Leicester Abbey which straddles Rothley Brook.
Shackerstone
The tiny village of Shackerstone, between Market Bosworth and Measham, is a tale of two transport links.
You can set off along the Ashby Canal north towards the basin at Snarestone or south towards Market Bosworth and the marina there.
Market Bosworth station on the five-mile Battlefield Line heritage railway (Image: Will Johnston)
Or you can climb aboard the Battlefield Line heritage railway, and ride through to Market Bosworth and Shenton.
In the village are a few interesting things to spot too – a working traditional red phone box, the historic St Peter’s church, and of course the village pub The Rising Sun.
Hallaton
While famous for bottle kicking and hare pie at Easter, this picturesque village is worth a visit all year round.
Hallaton used to have a railway station many years ago
The beautiful Butter Cross is surrounded by postcard perfect properties, and an abundance of thatch.
There’s a village museum too, and a choice of pubs to visit once you’ve finished your stroll.
Wymondham
To the far east of Leicestershire is the village of Wymondham – not to be confused with the town in Norfolk of the same name.
Our Wymondham is home to a windmill, which is open to visitors.
People can spend a day enjoying tea rooms, boutique shops and woodland walks from the mill, while we would suggest a trip to the village centre to see the church and parheps the ice cream parlour too.
Breedon
It’s hard to miss Breedon, in north west Leicestershire, with the iconic priory church sitting atop the hill.
As well as seeing the sights for miles from on top of the hill, Breedon village is also a pleasant place to stroll.
There’s a large open green, Breedon Priory shops, and some excellent pubs to frequent too.
Which is your favourite village to visit in Leicestershire? Let us know in the comments!
