Coast’s Choice: Leicestershire
Our trail through the Midlands has reached Leicestershire – home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie and stilton cheese, not to mention the birthplace of footballing legend Gary Lineker!
Leicestershire is steeped in history, culture and adventure, and here are the Coast staff’s favourite places to visit while staying in the county.
Bosworth Battlefield
The house of Lancaster and house of York fought many battles during the War of the Roses, but perhaps the most famous is the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 when King Richard III lost his life.
Immortalised in William Shakespeare’s play of the same name, Richard III’s final showdown resulted in Henry Tudor taking the crown and starting one of the most famous royal dynasties in English history.
Visitors to Bosworth Battlefield today can trace Richard’s final steps by climbing Ambion Hill, while the Battlefield Heritage Centre catalogues one of the most turbulent periods in medieval history. Its interactive exhibition includes a Battle Room chronicling the stories of four characters involved in the dispute, and you can also try on some armour or practise your archery skills.
Bosworth Battlefield’s Heritage Centre is open February- December, tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. Family tickets and season passes are available. Anyone wishing to take a battlefield tour should ring in advance. Click here to find out more.
Nearest caravan site: 2.5 miles
Conkers
Explore the heart of the National Forest at Conkers, a picturesque woodland area on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border with plenty to keep the little ones entertained!
In addition to 120 acres of ground spanning trees, gardens and lakes, Conkers features 23 outdoor activities – from wild flower glade trails and sculpture walks to assault courses, mini beast hunts and the Playdale adventure playground. The treetop panorama is also a must-see spot for the best views in the forest.
Other highlights include a barefoot walk, fairy labyrinth and indoor discovery centre. Conkers is currently offering a discounted entry price of £8.07 for adults and £6.25 for children. More information is available at the official website.
Nearest caravan site: caravan park on site
National Space Centre
Leicestershire plays host to the UK’s largest dedicated space attraction, the National Space Centre. This hands-on exhibition is educational and fun, featuring a 360 degree planetarium, 3D simulator journey to the ice moon Europa, an interactive space race display and even the chance to sit in a replica Vostok Capsule and live the experience of Yuri Gagarinn, the first man in space. Click here to find out more.
The National Space Centre is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm (5.00pm at weekends). Tickets cost £13 for adults and £11 for children and are valid for 12 months. Parking costs £2 per car.
Nearest caravan site: 6.7 miles
Taylor’s Bell Foundry
It might not be the first attraction that springs to mind when planning a day out, but the b It might not be the first attraction that springs to mind when planning a day out, but the bellfoundry of John Taylor & Co is well worth a visit. A family business since the 1780s, Taylor’s is the biggest bellfoundry in the world, and you can see first hand the ancient processes of moulding and tuning the bells in action.
A two storey museum showcases the changes in technology that have affected the bellfoundry since its creation more than 200 years ago and many of its creations from the past few centuries are displayed proudly.
The gift shop features many unusual bell-themed gifts, while you can enjoy the fruits of the firm’s labour by listening to the peal of ten bells in the foundry’s campanile tower and 18 bells – soon to be extended to three octaves – in the carillon tower.
Taylor’s Bell Foundry is open from Tuesday-Friday, please contact them in advance to arrange a tour.
Nearest caravan site: 3.3 miles
Twycross Zoo
For the last 40 years, Twycross Zoo has been entertaining animal lovers across Leicestershire and beyond, welcoming around half a million guests each year.
Its 50 acre site is the home of around 1,000 animals, many of which are endangered species. Twycross’ residents include gorillas, elephants, lovebirds, meerkats, giraffes, reindeer and wallabies. There are several purpose-built walkways to give you the best views of the animals grazing, playing and relaxing, plus you can find out more about certain creatures through public feeding time and keeper talks. Don’t miss sea lions and penguins tucking into their lunch, or a personalised guide to the zoo’s many primate species by the staff who look after them!
Twycross Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Admission costs £16.50 for adults and £11.00 for children. Click here for further information.
Nearest caravan site: 2.2 miles
Before you set off on your holiday, there are a number of checks you should carry out to your caravan or motorhome. As well as maintaining your leisure vehicle, you should ensure you have up to date caravan insurance or motorhome insurance cover to protect you on your travels.
For a touring caravan insurance or campervan insurance quotation, contact Coast’s UK based sales team on Freephone 0800 614 849.