7 Reasons to Visit Loughborough
29th May 2015
We’re very proud to be based in the lovely market town of Loughborough. If you’re making the trip to visit our showroom, there’s also a lot of reasons to stay and explore the local area. Here’s our top seven reasons:
1. The history – Loughborough has some attractions that are well worth visiting. The Great Central Railway is our favourite and is a wonderful celebration of the history of our railways, giving a great insight into the past, with the stations still set up as they would have been during the war. It is also the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway and the only place in the world you can see full size steam engines passing each other! You can ride the train from Loughborough to Leicester and (as a special treat) even have a meal on board.
2. Museums – Loughborough has five museums, the largest being the Charnwood Museum , which has exhibits including natural history, industry, geology and the local history of the area. The Carillion in Queens Park is also well worth a visit to see military memorabilia from the first and second World Wars.
3. Walks and Countryside – I moved to Leicestershire from a city and whilst all of the fields and countryside were a bit of a culture shock at first, I quickly fell in love with the beautiful scenery and walks in and around the area. Our dog Oscar also loves it! We have Bradgate Park close by, which is a firm favourite, as well as walks around the local villages of Barrow-Upon-Soar and Quorn and down the River Soar. There is also the National Forest on our doorstep, where there is plenty of walking and cycling trails.
4. Loughborough Market – Our town centre has recently undergone a £19.3m regeneration scheme, which has led to the pedestrianisation of the shopping area. The weekly market is held every Thursday and Saturday and full of lots of different foods, clothing, knick knacks, flowers…you name it. We are also treated to a Vintage fair on Fridays and a monthly Farmers Market.
5. Shopping – speaking of shopping, we are also blessed with lots of independent shops, Church Gate and Market Street being particular highlights, as well as the usual selection of high street shops. The recent regeneration has really brought this bustling market town to life again.
6. Eating – anyone who’s ever spent any time in our office will know that we are massive fans of eating! Due to Loughborough being a busy town full of students, we are quite spoilt with the number of places to eat and the amount of cuisines on offer. If we ever want to venture further afield, there are also some amazing pubs and restaurants in the surrounding villages. We try and go out as a group at least once a month, even if it is only for a cocktail (or four!)
7. Floors of Stone and deVOL Kitchens! If you’re making the trip to Loughborough, then make sure you visit our stunning Cotes Mill Showroom. We’re based on the outskirts of Loughborough, just before the village of Cotes. Our showroom is in a converted water mill, which dates back to the Domesday Book. Floors of Stone are based at the front of the building, with an expansive 145sqm showroom displaying all of our products. deVOL are based in the main part of the mill, with three floors of kitchen displays as well as antiques and gifts throughout. If you’re not too tired after your busy day in Loughborough, you are also welcome to explore our grounds. We have chickens, peacocks, guniea fowl, ducks, geese and swans roaming the grounds, as well as some beautiful views down the River Soar.
