Explore Forest and Beyond

Explore Forest and Beyond Explore the National Forest and discover amazing things to see and do!

13/06/2026

It's Download Festival weekend once again 🤘☀️

And while the stages, campsites and crowds over at Donington Park will be getting ready for another huge weekend of music, here at THE STAR we're looking forward to something a little different...

Welcoming back some familiar faces.

Over the years, we've been lucky enough to build up our own little Download family. Guests who return year after year, book their rooms well in advance, and by now feel more like old friends than customers. You know who you are ❤️

One of the nicest things about Download is seeing just how far people travel to be here, and hearing stories from those who've made attending the festival part of their annual tradition. We're always delighted when THE STAR gets to play a small part in that.

So whether you're staying with us, heading to the festival each day, travelling through the area, or simply enjoying the atmosphere that Download brings to North West Leicestershire, we hope you have a fantastic weekend. || Explore Forest and Beyond

And for anyone looking for a quieter moment between the guitars, crowds and headline acts, our garden is open, the drinks are cold, and lunch and dinner are being served as usual. 🌿🍻

To our returning guests, welcome back.

To everyone heading to Download, have an amazing weekend.

And to the weather... please be kind! ☀️😄

🎸 One of the biggest dates in Ashby's events calendar is here! 🎸Fake Festival takes over the Baths Grounds today, bringi...
13/06/2026

🎸 One of the biggest dates in Ashby's events calendar is here! 🎸

Fake Festival takes over the Baths Grounds today, bringing thousands of music fans together for a full day of live entertainment, festival atmosphere and iconic songs everyone knows and loves.

This year's line-up celebrates the music of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M. and Kings of Leon, with food, drink and family-friendly entertainment available throughout the day and into the evening.

Children aged 0-9 can attend free with a paying adult, making it a brilliant day out for all ages.

If you're still deciding what to do today or tonight, tickets are still available! Don't miss out!

🎟️ Last-minute bookings can be made online.

Who's heading along? 🎶

🎸 From quiet countryside to one of the UK's most famous festival destinations...Every June, thousands of music fans trav...
12/06/2026

🎸 From quiet countryside to one of the UK's most famous festival destinations...

Every June, thousands of music fans travel from across the UK and beyond to Donington Park for Download Festival, helping put North West Leicestershire firmly on the map.

Whether you're heading to the arena or simply enjoying the atmosphere around the area, it's always a memorable weekend in the local calendar.

📍 Donington Park

📸 James Bridle Photo ©️

🌈 June is Pride Month 🌈Coalville C.A.N is celebrating with a Pride Exhibition and a programme of creative events through...
11/06/2026

🌈 June is Pride Month 🌈

Coalville C.A.N is celebrating with a Pride Exhibition and a programme of creative events throughout June.

There's still plenty to enjoy, including:
🎨 Creative art activities
☕ LGBT Living Room social gathering
🌈 Tie-dye workshop
🎬 Pride film screening
🖌️ Watercolour flag painting

The exhibition runs until 28th June, showcasing creativity, identity and community in the heart of Coalville.

Find out more and support local arts, culture and inclusion this Pride Month. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

📍 Coalville CAN, Memorial Square, Coalville

10/06/2026

🚴‍♀️ Bike Week is the perfect excuse to get out on two wheels and there's no better place to start than Hicks Lodge! 🌳

Whether you're introducing little ones to cycling, enjoying a leisurely family ride, or looking for something a little more challenging, Hicks Lodge offers trails for all ages and abilities. With cycle hire available, scenic woodland routes, a lakeside setting and a welcoming café for a well-earned stop, it's a fantastic day out in and around the National Forest. 🚵‍♂️☕

From gentle off-road family trails to longer mountain bike routes, it's easy to see why Hicks Lodge is one of the region's favourite cycling destinations. 🚲

Where's your favourite place to ride? Let us know in the comments! 👇

🛵 Ashby’s mod and scooter scene returns this Sunday as ASHBY #6 takes over Market Street outside The Queen’s Head! 🎶Exp...
05/06/2026

🛵 Ashby’s mod and scooter scene returns this Sunday as ASHBY #6 takes over Market Street outside The Queen’s Head! 🎶

Expect live music, guest DJs, MODSKA from 1pm, scooters lining the street, Caribbean food and a brilliant atmosphere in the heart of Ashby de la Zouch. With road closures in place for scooter parking, it’s set to be another busy afternoon for the town. 🍻

All clubs and lone wolves welcome!

📍The Queen’s Head, Ashby de la Zouch
📅 Sunday 7th June
🕛 From midday

LoveAshby

Hidden treasures, rare sheep and the National Trust’s largest taxidermy collection… all right here at Calke Abbey 👀✨Don'...
04/06/2026

Hidden treasures, rare sheep and the National Trust’s largest taxidermy collection… all right here at Calke Abbey 👀✨

Don't miss "Hidden Treasures of the National Trust" on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this Friday (5th): Calke Abbey's fascinating collections reveal stories spanning centuries, from remarkable jewellery and family keepsakes to rare breed Portland sheep and extraordinary natural history displays.

Why not discover it for yourself and explore one of North West Leicestershire's most fascinating historic estates 🌳💎🐑

☀️ Sun’s out… and so is the pool! 💦Say hello to Ashby-by-the-Sea – aka the brilliant Ashby Lido, right here in the heart...
28/05/2026

☀️ Sun’s out… and so is the pool! 💦

Say hello to Ashby-by-the-Sea – aka the brilliant Ashby Lido, right here in the heart of the National Forest!

🏖️ Heated outdoor pool
🏝️ Sandy beach play area
🍦 Ice cream & snacks at the Splashby Hut

It’s the only public lido in Leicestershire and the perfect place to cool off this summer. Open every day during the holidays – but you’ll need to book ahead!

🎟️ Book your swim via Everyone Active ➡️ www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ashby-leisure-centre-lido/

Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido Everyone Active

27/05/2026

🚲 Looking for half term adventures? Head to Hicks Lodge – The National Forest Cycling Centre and try the new Pedal & Play trail!

Perfect for families and beginner riders, this fun 2km loop builds cycling confidence with three challenge zones:
🎯 The Hub Challenge – practice cornering and rollers
⚡ The Pedal Challenge – master your berms and momentum
🔔 The Mirror Challenge – race your friends and ring the bell!

Designed to be inclusive, the trail welcomes adapted cycles and has features to suit children of all abilities. With a play area, Grounds Café and miles of woodland to explore, it’s an ideal full-day outing this half term.

🌳 Plan your visit here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge

Forestry England in the National Forest The National Forest

Address

Manor Road
Coalville
LE67 2FW

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