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
A Five Star Gold log cabin 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
Stretton Lakes provides a tranquil haven to escape the pressures of every day life with a choice of six luxury log cabins. 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* Gold log cabin which is perfectly set overlooking the fishing lakes surrounded by woodland with its own private hot tub providing 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
Bluebell is a luxurious log cabin nestling in a peaceful haven amongst woodland with its own hot tub in the country of Rutland. Beautifully presented to Four Star Gold standard, the 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
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 has 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
This charming holiday cottage is located close to Market Harborough on the Northamptonshire/Leicestershire borders in a lovely rural position on a working farm. A taste of country life, yet within easy reach of many interesting and popular places to visit like Althorp House and Rockingham Castle. Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and Melton Mowbray are all within an hour's drive.
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 (click here to learn more about the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie).
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.
