Leicestershire

TOUR A - The Vale Of Belvoir

Melton Mowbray is famous for its pork pies and hosts a variety of market days.

The Vale of Belvoir is quintessentially English Countryside at is best and a visit to Belvoir Castle, The Engine Yard and Belvoir Brewery is half a day in itself even without the Castle Tour and a lovely circular walk.

Blue stilton cheese enjoys protected origin status so what better than a scenic journey to an original farm shop, hear some interesting facts and a chance to buy this iconic cheese..... finishing off with a pub stop by the canal.

TOUR B - Visit Leicestershire - choose two from four major attractions

King Richard 111 visitor exhibition centre, Leicester Cathedral and High Cross shopping centre are all within 5 minute leisurely walk.

National Space Centre is a museum and educational resource covering the fields of space science and astronomy, along with a space research programme. Very popular!

The Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other and runs several themed events. Just down the road is Bradgate Park which was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago and provides 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside, a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old.

Twycross Zoo recently introduced Tigers and caters for over 500 animals! Famous for the only zoo in the UK where you can see all types of great ape

TOUR C - Rutland Water and Rockingham Castle

Rockingham Castle dates back to Norman times, enjoy an informative guided tour with panoramic views of the countryside.

Rutland Water is ideal for walking and cycling, the Rutland Belle runs cruises during the year with lovely pubs and villages  surrounding these waters! A visit to Hambleton Bakery is a given:)

Uppingham is a quaint village with a top public school, ideal for a short stop being situated between the Castle and Rutland Water with stunning scenery en-route.

Geoff Hamilton's Barnsdale Gardens are very popular along with their locally sourced food and drinks.

Market Harborough is a vibrant market town with lovely buildings and a town for all occasions.....listed more as an alternative option if inclement weather on the day curtails the original time planned at Rutland Water.

TOUR D - Historic Leicestershire

Kirby Muxloe Castle  is a picturesque fortified mansion built for Lord Hastings, who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483.

Ashby De La Zouch Castle is an impressive ruin with the added bonus situated in a nice market town.

Staunton Harold Hall & Church have enjoyed a glorious position for 500 years and there is a garden centre, cafe's, shops   and a reservoir to enjoy

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre where King Richard was slain depicts an interesting period of history and Market Bosworth has Roman origins and is a lovely sleepy village.

1620's House and Gardens is a rare and beautiful house museum and recently undergone a stunning transformation.

TOUR E- Mix and match and stay another day?!