Art Holiday Travel and Vacation information for Leicestershire

"Leicestershire, inland county of England, bounded N. by Notts, E. by Lincolnshire and Rutland, SE. by Northamptonshire, SW by Warwickshire, and NW. by Derbyshire; greatest length, about 44 miles; greatest breadth, about 40 miles; area, 511,907 acres, population, 321,258. Low undulating hills cover the surface of the county, the highest elevation being Fardon Hill (902 ft.), in the Charnwood range. Charnwood Forest, in the NW., is now nearly destitute of trees. The principal rivers are tributaries of the Trent, which flows in the NW. of the county; these are the Soar, Wreak, Anker, Devon, and Mease. The Avon and Welland flow in the S. Two canals, the Union and the Grand Union, are connected with the Grand Junction Canal. Much of the soil is loamy, and the richest districts are kept in pasture, upon which are reared the varieties of sheep and cattle for which the county is famous. Dairy farms are numerous, especially in the vicinity of Melton Mowbray, where the well-known Stilton cheese is largely produced. Leicestershire consists mostly of the new red sandstone formation. The coal measures have a total area of ahout 15 square miles, the most productive mines being in the neighbourhood of Ashby de la Zouch. Hosiery is the leading manufacture, the wool employed being that of Leicestershire sheep." [Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1887]

Sweeping country views, grand houses and castles, some unusual places to visit - and not too many tourists Attractively varied countryside and plenty of enjoyable places to visit make this a good area for a civilised break. There's a lot for children to enjoy, too. Among several good farm parks, the friendly well organised one at Oadby stands out, and people also very much like the one near Oakham.
The Coalville discovery park captivates many young people, and other family favourites include Twycross zoo (good for apes) and the steam railway running near Market Bosworth, from Shackerstone past the battlefield of Bosworth Field.It's older people, though, who really get the most out of Rutland and Leicestershire. The countryside particularly suits scenic drives or cycle rides, especially in the E: graceful patches of woodland, plenty of charming stone-built villages to potter through, delightful churches. Many of the less busy roads stride along old coach routes, with sweeping views. There are quite a few good walks, too - and you get out into unspoilt countryside very quickly from the built-up areas, even from busy Leicester itself. Rutland Water is a reservoir, but now has the look of a huge natural lake, pleasant to walk around, with nature reserves at the western end, bicycle and boat hire, and even launch trips.There are several fine houses to visit, often surrounded by handsome parkland; the one at Swinford has the widest appeal. Oddly enough, given the great houses, this is not an area for great gardens: the late Geoff Hamilton's garden near Exton is popular. Leicester has plenty of attractions (most free) and is good for day visits.Information centres here are very helpful, and bus services excellent.