What to do and see in Loughborough, England: The Best Free Things to do

November 25, 2021 Darwin Bolte

Loughborough (/ˈlʌfb(ə)rə/ ( listen) LUF-b(ə-)rə) is a town in the Charnwood borough of Leicestershire, England, seat of Charnwood Borough Council, and home to Loughborough University. The town had a population of 57,600 in 2004, making it the second largest settlement in Leicestershire. It is close to the Nottinghamshire border and within short distances of Nottingham, East Midlands Airport and Derby. The town has the world's largest bell foundry – John Taylor Bellfounders, which made the bells for the Carillon war memorial, a landmark in the Queens Park in the town, Great Paul for St Paul's Cathedral, and York Minster.
Restaurants in Loughborough

1. The Needle and Pin

15 The Rushes, Loughborough LE11 5BG England +44 7973 754236 https://www.facebook.com/LoughboroughMicropub/timeline
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

The Needle and Pin

Reviewed By adamkX9612PI

Hi. I have been visiting The Needle & Pin "Almost" since it first opened. I wrote a brief review some 9 months ago, and and seeing so many 5 star reviews since. Sean and Rebecca have continued to deliver knowledgeable, consistent high standards, and a very welcoming experience. There is in addition to the vast array of craft ales and ciders, an expanding portfolio of gins and whisky, whiskies. From Scotland, and Ireland and Japan. What makes The Needle & Pin special? The owners, and staff and the intelligent conversation from everyone. A superb venue to visit.

2. Cask Bah.

39B Market Street, Loughborough LE11 3ER England http://www.thecaskbah.com
Excellent
85%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Cask Bah.

Reviewed By sianashli

Great bar, fantastic friendly staff. Love the variety of entertainment on offer and music to suit different tastes as well as getting the customers involved with requests. The staff really value their customers and there is a personalised feel. Great choice of Ale, lots of choice for Gin and Tonic including Fever Tree tonic or from the pump (cheaper option, suits me fine!) No two nights are ever the same so you just have to keep going back!

3. Charnwood Museum

Granby Street Queens Hall, Loughborough LE11 3DU England +44 1509 233754 [email protected] http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/community/museums/charnwoodmuseum.htm
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Charnwood Museum

Includes exhibits reflecting the history, geology, archaeology and industries of Charnwood and the surrounding area,

Reviewed By MLGeogLeics - Wigston, United Kingdom

On a shopping trip to Loughborough we dropped in at Queens Park just to give out boys a chance to play, and then stumbled upon the museum after visiting the past area. Seeing it was free we wandered in and were so glad we did. It held our pre-school boys attention for over an hour, with quite a few interactive things to do including a play kitchen, book corners and a shop with scales. There were also toilets with baby change (connected to the restaurant). The theme running round the museum (this might change) was based around Ladybird books, and this nostalgia was great for my wife and I, plus it had a history of Beaumanor Hall, where we had got married. So worth a visit if you are in the area.

4. The Organ Grinder

4 Woodgate, Loughborough LE11 2TY England +44 1509 264008 [email protected] http://www.bluemonkeybrewery.com/about/loughborough-organ-grinder
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

The Organ Grinder

Reviewed By NigelSW - Leicester, United Kingdom

Great real ales. Love this pub. Nice warm roaring fire last night, sat in a very comfy chair by the fire drinking infinity, very friendly staff and good prices. Keep up the good work, try one of their pork pies too.

5. The GB Pub

85 Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 3AB England +44 7939 723777 http://www.thegbpub.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

The GB Pub

6. Cloud Trail

Loughborough LE3 8TE England http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/derby-canal-path-and-the-cloud-trail
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Cloud Trail

Reviewed By jmn2017 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom

A great cycle route away from the road. Ideal for youngsters and less confident cyclists. Perfect walk too. Stunning in all seasons. Pub stop in Melbourne is a treat.

7. Manor Organic Farm

Manor Farm 77 Main Street, Long Whatton, Loughborough LE12 5DF England +44 1509 646413 [email protected] http://www.manororganicfarm.co.uk
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Manor Organic Farm

Manor Organic Farm is a family run farm shop and tearoom proudly providing the best homegrown and local organic food in the region since 1998. We also have an open farm with friendly animals, regular events and school visits. Opening hours are Wednesday - Saturday, we hope to see you soon!

Reviewed By ruthfarmer659

Have been twice on school trips. Both times have found the staff so engaging with the children and passionate about what they do. Well worth visiting

8. John Storer House Shop

John Storer House Wards End Wards End, Loughborough LE11 3HA England +44 1509 631750 [email protected] http://johnstorercharnwood.org.uk/shop/
Excellent
50%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

John Storer House Shop

John Storer Charnwood John Storer Charnwood is an independent charity serving the communities of Charnwood by supporting local voluntary activity both by individuals and community organisations. We aim to be at the heart of the community, working in partnership with other Voluntary & Community Sector groups to improve opportunities for and the well-being of the people of Charnwood. We run John Storer House, a vibrant, multi-use community centre providing an array of services and facilities and offering activities throughout the day and evening and at weekends too. A shop which is stocked with items handmade by local crafters from Charnwood as well as volunteers from our own handicraft group and a Cafe serving freshly made food.

9. The Free Trade Inn

27 Cossington Road, Sileby, Loughborough LE12 7RW England +44 1509 814494 [email protected]
Excellent
73%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

The Free Trade Inn

Reviewed By FarAway22823037593

Excellent village pub, great atmosphere, visited after opened post lockdown and the measures that they have in place are amazing. We felt completely safe visiting and and will definitely be returning here. The landlord and the staff are really friendly with excellent customer service.

10. The Green Place

6 Cossington Road, Sileby, Loughborough LE12 7RS England +44 1509 815181 [email protected] http://www.thegreenplace.org
Excellent
63%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

The Green Place

The Green Place is a community project run by Complete Wasters. our vision was for a place that gently demonstrates greener and ethical living in many ways, from unusual products to special events. Ethical gifts & Fairtrade cafe Craft days, workshops, & events & childrens' parties Green living ideas & Cosy yurt Wildlife Garden & Treehouse hideaway

Reviewed By HollieClegg - England, United Kingdom

All vegetarian & vegan menu and a shop that sells eco friendly products and a recycled book shop. Staff were all really friendly. Food was great. Will definitely be coming back. So refreshing to see so much greenery while you eat.

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