Discover Charnwood

03/09/2025

🏫✨ 530 Years of Loughborough Grammar School

Step inside one of Loughborough’s most iconic landmarks this Heritage Open Weekend.

📍 Explore the historic 1852 Building and climb the tower’s 59-step spiral staircase for panoramic views across the town.

📜 Discover fascinating exhibitions, including never-before-seen archives, stories from WWI & WWII, and the legacy of famous alumni like fighter pilot Johnnie Johnson.

🎶 Learn about Canon George Briggs and the School Hymn, and revisit the celebrations of the quincentenary 30 years ago.

📅 Sat 20 & Sun 21 September | 10:00–16:00
📍 Burton Walks, Loughborough
🎟️ Free entry | Pre-booking not required

31/08/2025

Calling all walkers and Charnwood explorers! 🌿🚶‍♂️

We came across this brilliant solo adventure from Gavin Barnes and had to share — it really captures all the magic of Charnwood’s great outdoors.

From Watermead Park to Loughborough Great Central Railway Station, he followed the Grand Union Canal and River Soar towpath, taking in scenic bridges, wildlife, and even a steam train ride back to Leicester North. 🚂

It’s a perfect reminder of how many ways there are to enjoy our local landscapes — whether it’s a leisurely stroll, a historic route, or a spontaneous day out.

📌 Have you explored a route like this? Share your own Charnwood adventures below — let’s inspire each other!

29/08/2025

We will be there. With bells on. Will you?

We’re looking forward to seeing all the bikes, trikes and scooters at this Sunday’s Love Loughborough Bike & Trike Meet. It takes place in the Market Place between 10am - 3pm and there’ll be entertainment and food and drink stalls, so if you’re a bike enthusiast why not come and join us?

29/08/2025

Incredible photograph from Bradgate Park that will feature in an exhibition in London. Well done!

🦌📸 Exciting News!

We’re thrilled to share that a photograph of one of our magnificent red stags has been highly commended in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

🌿 “Rutting Call” by Jamie Smart captures the powerful moment a stag gives a mighty bellow during the autumn rut at Bradgate Park Trust. Despite being just 10 years old, Jamie’s patience and skill shone through!

The image beautifully highlights the stag’s antlers, freshly regrown after their spring shedding, with the intricate tines marking his maturity.

We’re so proud of you, Jamie and thank you for propelling Bradgate’s wildlife onto the world stage! ✨ 👏

You can see this incredible image as part of the Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London.

📅 Opens Friday 17 October 2025 - Closes Sunday 12 July 2026.

👉To find out more and book your tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/WPY61Exhibition

26/08/2025

Syston: Then & Now 📸✨

From bustling high streets to historic landmarks, Syston has a rich story to tell. Thanks to vintage photography, we can step back in time and see how our town looked decades ago - and compare it with the Syston we know today.

It’s amazing to see what’s changed, and just as special to see what’s stayed the same.🌿🏡

Discover more of Charnwood’s stories and hidden gems at 👉discovercharnwood.co.uk

📍Syston, Charnwood
⏳History meets modern life
📸Photo credit: Syston past (FB)

23/08/2025

🎥 CALLING LOCAL CHARNWOOD CREATORS! 📲

We’re on the lookout for small but mighty content creators to collaborate with Discover Charnwood!

The idea? To bring fresh, fun, and authentic content to life — made by locals, for locals.

We’re building a small team of creators who can drop in weekly or monthly with their unique take on everything from hidden gems and foodie finds to outdoor spots and local events.

You’ll:
✨ Get your work seen by a growing audience
🎁 Gifted experiences
📸 Gain experience creating real-world content
🤝 Be part of something creative and community-driven

If you’ve got a phone, a want to start in social, and love where you live — we want to hear from you!

Tag your chronically online friend! 😂

📩 DM us to get involved.

21/08/2025

Swithland Woods: An ancient woodland rich in beauty, history, and wildlife. 🌳🍃

Tucked between Mountsorrel, Rothley and Woodhouse Eaves, Swithland Woods is one of Charnwood’s most enchanting escapes. With roots stretching back over 400 years, this Site of Special Scientific Interest is famous for its towering oaks, bluebell carpets in spring, and peaceful trails that feel a world away from busy life.

The woodland once played a vital role in the local slate industry, and you can still find traces of its quarrying past hidden amongst the trees. Today, it’s a haven for nature lovers — home to rare fungi, wildflowers, and a wide range of birdlife, making it perfect for walkers, photographers and families alike. 🐦✨

Whether you’re wandering the winding paths, spotting deer in the undergrowth, or catching the light as it filters through the trees, Swithland Woods is a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the wild heart of Charnwood.

📍 Swithland Woods, Charnwood
🌿 Ancient woodland with rich history
🦉 Wildlife, bluebells & peaceful trails

What’s your favourite memory of Swithland Woods? Share it with us below! 👇

👉 Find more Charnwood gems at discovercharnwood.co.uk

16/08/2025

Hathern: A charming village full of history and heart in the north of Charnwood. 🌿🏡

From the 14th-century parish church to the historic Hathern Cross, this village offers a glimpse into Leicestershire’s rich past — all just a stone’s throw from Loughborough. Plus, it’s home to the Swift Sock Factory, one of the last independent sock makers in the UK! 🧦✨

Whether you’re wandering the peaceful streets or supporting local makers and businesses, Hathern is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

📍 Hathern, Charnwood
🏞️ Historic charm meets village vibes
🧦 Unique local craft heritage

Got a favourite spot or story from Hathern? Share with us below! 👇

👉 Find more local gems at discovercharnwood.co.uk

14/08/2025

Looking for the perfect Charnwood walk? 🌳✨
Beacon Hill has it all — sweeping countryside views, winding woodland trails, and plenty of space for four-legged explorers to stretch their legs.

Whether you’re after a steady Sunday stroll or a heart-pumping hike to the summit, the reward is the same: breathtaking views across Leicestershire and beyond. Pack a flask, grab your walking boots, and make a day of it.

📍 Beacon Hill Country Park
🌳 Woodland & open hilltop trails
🐕 Dog-friendly
☕ Picnic spots & nearby cafés

What’s your go-to walking route in Charnwood? 👇

👉 Find the full list of Charnwood’s finest walks at discovercharnwood.co.uk