Things to Do in Leicestershire

Leicestershire offers a diverse range of outdoor activities including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and gravel biking. The region features more than 8,000 routes for exploration. These routes have been rated by over 255,000 visitors, achieving an average rating of 4.51 out of 5 stars.

Leicestershire provides numerous hiking opportunities through ancient woodlands and rolling hills. Notable locations include Charnwood Forest with its ancient rocks and dramatic outcrops, and Bradgate Park, an enclosed medieval deer park. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Leicestershire guide.

Leicestershire offers a mix of urban and scenic countryside routes for road cycling. Routes like the Leicester Round, a 100-mile (160-kilometer) loop, take cyclists through charming villages and picturesque landscapes. Cyclists can find more information in the Road Cycling Routes in Leicestershire guide.

Leicestershire has diverse landscapes suitable for mountain biking, from rolling hills to dense forests. Key locations include Snibston Colliery Park, Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, and Charnwood Forest Downhill Mountain Bike Park. These sites offer dedicated trails for various skill levels, including challenging downhill tracks. More information is available in the MTB Trails in Leicestershire guide.

Leicestershire features several locations suitable for family-friendly walks, including Bradgate Park with its easier paths along the River Lin. Many country parks and nature reserves also offer accessible routes. The Family-friendly hikes in Leicestershire guide provides specific recommendations.

Leicestershire offers a variety of easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or those seeking gentle strolls. Locations such as Bradgate Park and various country parks provide less challenging paths. For specific routes, consult the Easy hikes in Leicestershire guide.

Key natural attractions include Charnwood Forest, known for its ancient rocks and dramatic outcrops, and Bradgate Park, an 830-acre medieval deer park. The National Forest also extends into Leicestershire, offering extensive woodlands and tranquil lakes. The River Soar and canal systems like the Grand Union Canal at Foxton Locks provide scenic routes.

Many outdoor areas in Leicestershire are dog-friendly, allowing pets on trails, often requiring them to be on a lead. Bradgate Park, for example, welcomes dogs. It is advisable to check specific park regulations before visiting.

Leicestershire provides options for traffic-free cycling, particularly along canal systems and dedicated cycle paths. The Great Central Way, part of Aylestone Meadows, is a multi-use path suitable for cyclists. More information can be found in the Traffic-free bike rides in Leicestershire guide.

Komoot offers several guides for Leicestershire, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Hiking in Leicestershire, Family-friendly hikes, Road Cycling Routes, and MTB Trails. There are also guides for easy hikes, traffic-free bike rides, and running trails.

Some walks in Leicestershire are accessible via public transport, particularly those near urban centers or with bus connections. The Hikes from bus stations in Leicestershire guide provides specific routes that can be reached using public transport.

Popular highlights for outdoor activities include historical sites, viewpoints, forests, and lakes. Specific points of interest often include Bradgate Park, Charnwood Forest, and the Grand Union Canal at Foxton Locks. Many routes also feature cafes, pubs, and facilities.

The official tourism website for Leicester and Leicestershire is Visit Leicester. For general inquiries to Leicestershire County Council, the main switchboard number is 0116 232 3232.