Where To Go Outdoors In Loughborough This Summer?
Are you a student studying in the Insta-worthy town of Loughborough and wondering where you can go outdoors this summer?
Although small, this quaint little town has everything you need all in one space, with bags of fun stuff to do too.
There are loads of awesome pubs and restaurants, whether it’s a cheeky trip to Wetherspoons or a posh dinner in a restaurant.
With the sun coming out to play and lockdown restrictions easing, we’ve got all the best spots you need to visit with your pals to get some well-needed nature!
1. Swithland Reservoir
Just a 13-minute drive from your cosy student accommodation is the beaut Swithland Reservoir!
South-east of Loughborough, this pretty reservoir runs along the northeastern side of the water and is about a one-mile walk.
Take a stroll across the farmland and look out for steam trains of the Great Central Railway passing over!
Fancy feeding the ducks? Take some bread with you and you’re bound to make some furry feathered friends – perfect for a sunny day.
Swithland Reservoir is just a fab reminder of the sheer amount of nature right on your doorstep when studying in Loughborough.
The best thing for students to do is go outdoors in Loughborough, you really won’t be disappointed!
2. Cloud Trail
Another cute Insta-worthy stroll is the Cloud Trail, perfect for a summery walk with your uni mates after a busy week at uni.
Whether you fancy cycling or a walk, if you go from Worthington to Wilson, there’s plenty of pubs – ideal for a refreshment break.
Although this one is a bit of a drive from your student accommodation (27 minutes to be exact), it’ll be way worth it.
Pack a picnic, a pair of sunnies, and get ready to breathe in that fresh Loughborough air!
3. Barrow Boating
Reopening on the 12th of April is Barrow Boating, a perfect excuse to go outdoors in Loughborough!
Just an easy 9-minute drive from your student accommodation, you can rent pedaloes, single kayaks, hydrobikes and even water trikes!
If you fancy bringing a few of your mates with you, why not hire a traditional family boat with your mates for a bit of fun.
Whatever your boat of choice, you’re bound to have a good laugh, and you can show off your boating skills too!
If that’s not your vibe, don’t worry, you can just sit at the café and grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake and relax.
Whatever you’re in the mood for that day, barrow boating has it, and it’s pretty much on your doorstep!
4. Beacon Hill Country Park
This place is perfect for an afternoon walk, another way to go outdoors in Loughborough and soak up all the sites.
It’s 12 minutes away from The Print House and has free parking too – a bonus for students who want to save money!
The park is home to a number of chainsaw carvings displayed along the main routes of the park, so see if you can spot ‘rock face’ or ‘axe man!’
If you fancy a refreshment mid-walk, don’t worry, there’s a café so you can fuel up for the remainder of your walk – winner.
5. Whatton House
This stunning English country garden is absolute goals and is deffo Insta-worthy to say the least!
Explore the tranquil gardens with the trail leading through shaded trees and enjoy extensive views of Charnwood Forest in the rose garden.
If you want a true traditional English garden with stunning spring flowers in the spring, this is the place to be!
The Broad Walk through the gardens leads to the ‘Bogey Hole’ at the eastern edge of the Chinese garden.
To the south of that, you’ve got the large arboretum filled with trees which were planted as early as the 19th century.
Entry for adults is £5 which won’t break the bank, and the gardens are open 10am-5pm Monday to Sunday!
6. Charnood Water
Why not take a trip to Charnwood Water to go outdoors in Loughborough? Covering around 27 acres, it’ll give you a good dose of fresh air.
This place is ideal for a short walk with your uni mates, and the perfect place to watch the sun go down on an evening!
The abandoned quarry is filled with water, with a really nice woodland walk in the surrounding areas.
Although there’s no café available, don’t let that put you off, pack a yummy packed lunch and you’re good to go!
7. Queens Park
This charming park is only a 6-minute walk from your cosy student accommodation, what an absolute bonus!
Smack bang in the middle of Loughborough, it’s the perfect place to get away from uni work and clear your head for a bit.
Whether it’s a peaceful sunny stroll on your own or with your pals, its oozing tranquillity will chill you out in no time.
It’s the perfect space for a picnic, with an adorable aviary, a meandering brook and a café if you’re feeling peckish.
For those who fancy a break from shopping, Queens Park offers a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
8. Great Central Railway
You don’t have to be a big lover of trains to enjoy the Grand Central Railway, it’s the UK’s only double track with a lot of history.
If you want to be super boujee, you can book yourself in for some dinner on the train, or just stick with the café if you’d rather!
The trains possess a Hogwarts vibe to them, perfect for any Harry Potter fans out there, they’re generally a pretty cool sight to see.
So, don’t be put off if you’re not too bothered about trains, because visiting the Grand Central Railway is a unique experience.
After all, this railway is one of the main things that Loughborough is known for, so you’d be silly to miss out – right?
If you want to go outdoors in Loughborough and experience something a little different, grab your pals and visit the Grand Central Railway.
We hope you found our top tips useful! Loughborough is a fabulous town with loads of fun things to see and do, all on your doorstep. You’ll never have to travel too far to be in the centre of all the action, and that’s what makes this place so special! Preparing for your online exams? Check out our tips on our latest blog here.