Landlocked and sitting in the heart of England, Leicestershire is a countryside lover's dream and is full of scenic fields and rural landscapes combined with a deep sense of history and heritage. Leicestershire shares a border with no less than 7 other English counties including Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire, however it retains its own unique culture and personality. Read more
Clover at Stretton Lakes offers Five Star Gold self-catering. Just for two this lovely log cabin is perfectly set overlooking fishing lakes surrounded by woodland with its own private hot tub and indoor sauna providing the ultimate in relaxation for couples wanting a romantic retreat! Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Waterlily offers 5 Star Gold self-catering for two, perfectly set overlooking Stretton Lakes, surrounded by woodland with its own private hot tub and indoor sauna. The ultimate in relaxation for couples wanting some peace and tranquility and a romantic break! Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
A Five Star Gold log cabin for two sitting in a tranquil position in the small county of Rutland. Overlooking the fishing lakes and surrounded by woodland, Poppy offers a high standard of holiday accommodation with its own private hot tub as well as an indoor sauna providing the ultimate in relaxation for couples wanting a romantic retreat! Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Stretton Lakes provides a tranquil haven to escape the pressures of every day life with a choice of six luxury log cabins for a self-catering holiday. Sitting in the county of Rutland, the cabins overlook the fishing lakes and are encapsulated by woods and each has its own private hot tub providing the ultimate in relaxation! Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A 4 Star Gold log cabin which is perfectly set overlooking the fishing lakes surrounded by woodland. This welcoming self-catering holiday rental has its own private hot tub offering the ultimate in relaxation! Sitting in England's smallest county, what Rutland lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty with one of Europe's largest man-made reservoirs, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and water lovers. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Escape to the tranquillity of the countryside in this welcoming cottage in the heart of Rutland. Moo Cow Cottage is on a family-run farm close to Grantham and Oakham, and within easy reach of Rutland Water, Burghley House and Barnsdale Gardens. There are gorgeous places to walk and cycle, and a good choice of golf courses if your preferred destination is the 19th hole. The holiday cottage sleeps up to six people in three lovely bedrooms, with room for an extra child if required. The owners have included plenty of touches the entire family, including the dogs, will appreciate.
Bluebell is a luxurious log cabin nestling in a peaceful haven amongst woodland with its own hot tub in the county of Rutland. Beautifully presented to Four Star Gold standard, the self-catering lodge is surrounded by farmland abundant with wildlife with lovely views over the fishing lakes. All the right ingredients for a relaxing holiday. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Book a relaxing holiday close to the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border at Cherry Tree Cottage. The charming holiday property is in the quiet village of Barkestone le Vale, just over a mile from a friendly pub and close to Nottingham, Grantham, and Melton-le-Mowbray. Local attractions include Belviour Castle, Woolsthorpe Manor, Harlaxton Manor, the Easton Walled Gardens, Belton Park, and the Alpaca Centre. The cottage is ideal for a holiday, as accommodation if you are attending a wedding in the area, or staying while visiting family. It sleeps six people in three rooms and is dog-friendly so the whole family can enjoy beautiful countryside walks.
The Greenway is a place where families and friends can gather and relax in beautiful surroundings. The single-storey holiday home sleeps eight people in the quiet hamlet of Knaptoft, enjoying gardens to the front and rear, lots of living space and four bedrooms - three of which are ensuite. It is within easy reach of some of the area's favourite wedding and event venues. It is also close to attractions that include the National Space Centre, King Richard III Visitor Centre, and Foxton Locks. The accommodation is ideal if you're staying for a few nights to attend a wedding, enjoying a holiday full of relaxed rural walks, just want to get away to catch up with friends or need a home-away-from-home while you and your family relocate.
Finches Cottages is a luxurious escape in a fantastic location. The three-bedroom holiday cottage sleeps six people and is perfect for families or couples. It is in the picturesque Rutland village of Egleton, close to Oakham and within a short walk of beautiful Rutland Water and the village's shops, pubs, cafes, and a Michelin starred restaurant. The property is dog friendly and available for bookings all year round. The owners have created an indulgent and welcoming place where guests can relax and enjoy beautiful rural views, gorgeous walks, and easy access to Rutland's best sights and attractions.
Set in gorgeous countryside on the edge of the Vale of Belvoir, Paddock Cottage is the perfect romantic bolthole. A well-presented cottage providing high end home from home accommodation in a quiet rural location, ideal for a leisure break, a corporate stay, or relocation base. The area has much to offer, from places of interest, local attractions with lots to do and try. This characterful cottage has one stunning king-size bedroom which provides comfortable accommodation for up to two guests.
If you're bringing friends and family together from around the country then you will love The Hollies, which has been welcoming guests for more than 200 years. It is within easy reach of Coventry, Leicester, Rugby and Birmingham Airport and has space for 18 people to sleep in six bedrooms. This large holiday house is in the rural village of South Kilworth, next to The White Hart pub, and has lots of interior space as well as half an acre of mature gardens and ample off-street parking.
Popular towns in and around Leicestershire:
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History plays a major role in modern day Leicestershire and it is well known as one of the main Roman settlements in the country. The Jewry Wall Museum is dedicated to the archaeological past of the county with numerous relics and discoveries from ages gone by. King Richard III died in Leicestershire at the infamous Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 and the heritage centre that is now on the site of his death, serves as a rich source of information on the battle and of the medieval period in general. The county's association with English history doesn't end there. It was Cardinal Wosley's place of death and Thomas Cook, the founder of the modern tourism industry, lived in the area for over 50 years.
Aside from history, Leicestershire is known for its great outdoors and beautiful locations. The National Forest features miles upon miles of nature trails and walking routes with a variety of wildlife and activities such as falconry, skiing, cycling and water sports. Located within the county are many country parks that offer tranquil walks and luscious green surroundings in between the granite hills of Charnwood Forest.
The diversity of the county also extends over into its shopping options. The old towns and villages throughout Leicestershire provide markets and small, locally sourced shops with charm and tradition, whereas you can also indulge in some city shopping in the major towns and cities. Leicester itself and the High Cross and Haymarket shopping centres are two of the best in the area.
The county has evolved with a multitude of faiths and cultures and this can be seen in its strong faith tourism emphasis. From the Leicester Cathedral which can trace its roots back to the 11th century and offers a memorial stone for King Richard III; to the various heritage sites such as Mount St Bernard Abbey and the Grace Dieu Priory, the county is steeped in religious significance, not just for its immediate area but also for the whole country and beyond.
Leicestershire holds many annual festivals ranging from the Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival (held in February) that is entering its 21st year and brings together comedians from all over the world; to the Melton Mowbray Food Festival (held in October) that gives visitors and locals the chance to experience unique produce from local and national sources.
Even though the county is locked right in the heart of middle England, Leicestershire has never lost any of its charm or appeal. It provides activities and attractions for everyone and whether it is history and heritage or shopping and the countryside, the county that gave birth to the pork pie, is one of the most intriguing places in the whole of England.
