Things to do, places to visit

What’s on – Discover Melton

Local Specialities (Within 30 Mins)

Coffee & Snacks

Caffe Velo Verde, Screveton – A highly-rated, cycling-themed cafe on an eco-farm. Famous for its single-origin beans and “clean eating” options.
The Larder at Burrough Court – A stunning rural coffee shop in a converted stable yard. Known for locally roasted coffee and seasonal light lunches.
The Fuel Tank at the Engine Yard – Located right next to Belvoir Castle, this is perfect for a stylish coffee or a quick artisan wood-fired pizza.
More Coffee Co, Melton Mowbray – A community-focused independent cafe in the heart of town, excellent for a quick snack or a specialty brew.
The Old Wharf Tearooms – Set beside the tranquil Hickling Basin.

High-Rated Pubs

The Martin’s Arms, Colston Bassett – A multi-award-winning, Michelin-recommended pub that captures the quintessence of an English country inn.
The Crown Inn, Old Dalby – A charming gastro-pub known for its “proper honest food” and cozy real fires.
The Windmill at Redmile – A local favorite in the Vale, offering refined British classics in a beautiful setting.
The Griffin Inn, Swithland – A bit further out but highly rated, owned by cricketers Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney; famous for its Sunday roasts.

Speciality Shops (Cheese, Chocolate & Deli)

Colston Bassett Dairy Ltd – The best place for Stilton according to Dave Jones.
Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe (Dickinson & Morris) – The iconic home of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. You can watch them being hand-raised.
The Melton Cheeseboard – Specialises in local Stilton and stocks over 150 varieties of cheese.
Long Clawson Dairy Shop – Located in the nearby village of Long Clawson, this factory shop offers award-winning Stilton and specialty blends.
The Engine Yard Delicatessen – A high-end deli at Belvoir Castle stocking artisan chocolates, local gins, and gourmet snacks.
Hill Top Farm Shop – A fantastic spot for local meats, fudge from Nether Broughton, and fresh produce.
Sarsfield’s Chocolaterie – A great coffee and snack venue with an on site chocolaterie. Recommended by Alison. There’s a new 5-van site on site if you want to extend your stay…

Hose Village Hall is perfectly situated in the Vale of Belvoir, providing easy access to three counties (Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire).

Within a 90-minute radius, you have access to some of the UK’s premier heritage and motoring sites.

Food and Drink

The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle – A luxury retail and food village featuring an artisan deli, a cocktail bar (The Balloon Bar), and local wood-fired pizzas.
Melton Mowbray Market – Visit the “Rural Capital of Food” on a Tuesday or Friday for world-famous pork pies and Stilton cheese.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham – Claiming to be the oldest inn in England, this pub is built into the caves beneath Nottingham Castle.
Brockleby’s Pies Workshop – Located in Melton Mowbray, you can take a world-class pork pie-making workshop and enjoy a ploughman’s lunch.

Activities for Young Children

Twinlakes Family Theme Park – Just 15 minutes away, featuring farm animals, a water park, and massive indoor play zones.
Stonehurst Family Farm – A working farm where children can interact with animals and explore a small vintage motor museum.
Sundown Adventureland – A theme park specifically designed for under-10s, roughly 50 minutes away near Retford.

Activity for Teens

National Space Centre, Leicester – Features interactive galleries, a 42m rocket tower, and the UK’s largest planetarium.
Adrenalin Jungle, Nottingham – Offers paintball, quad biking, and assault courses in the heart of Sherwood Forest.
Escapologic Nottingham – High-production escape rooms that are frequently rated as some of the best in the UK.
Ninja Warrior UK Leicester – A massive indoor obstacle course based on the TV show.

Museums

King Richard III Visitor Centre – Built over the site where the King’s remains were famously discovered in a car park.
The National Justice Museum, Nottingham – Based in a historic courtroom and prison, offering immersive tours about crime and punishment.
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre – Interactive displays telling the story of the battle that ended the Middle Ages.

Homes, Parks, and Gardens

Belvoir Castle – The ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, featuring stunning staterooms and extensive “Capability” Brown gardens.
Bradgate Park – 800 acres of wild parkland with roaming deer and the ruins of the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey.
Barnsdale Gardens – 38 themed gardens created by Geoff Hamilton for BBC’s Gardeners’ World.
Burghley House – A magnificent Elizabethan house with a “Garden of Surprises” featuring hidden water jets.

Walks

Grantham Canal – Level, scenic towpath walks accessible directly from the village of Hose.
Clumber Park – A vast National Trust estate with woodland, a lake, and one of the longest lime tree avenues in Europe.
Rutland Water – A 23-mile circular trail around the reservoir, perfect for long hikes or shorter strolls by the water.

For Car Buffs and Steam Fanatics

Great Central Railway – The UK’s only double-track, main-line heritage railway. You can often see two steam trains passing each other. Recommended by Garry and Graham.
British Motor Museum, Gaydon – (Approx. 70-80 mins) Houses the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. A very comprehensive museum housing part of the Jaguar Heritage Collection.
Great British Car Journey, Ambergate – A newer museum celebrating British motoring history with over 130 cars on display. Even Alison enjoyed this museum. Drive your dad’s old car!
Abbey Pumping Station – Features massive Victorian beam engines and a collection of vintage transport.
Donington Park Circuit – One of the UK’s most famous racetracks, hosting major motor racing events throughout the year.

Shopping

Highcross Leicester – A large contemporary mall with all major high-street brands.
Springfields Outlet – (Approx. 60 mins) A designer outlet center set within beautiful festival gardens.
The Lanes, Leicester – A maze of independent shops and historic architecture.

Active Pursuits

Holme Pierrepont Country Park – Home to the National Water Sports Centre, offering white water rafting, kayaking, and a lagoon.
Langar Karting and Quad Centre – Located just minutes from Hose, offering high-speed outdoor karting.
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre – Climbing, canoeing, and archery on the banks of the River Soar.

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