Melton Mowbray

Pork pies and Stilton cheese define this market town's reputation, but Melton Mowbray offers far more than its famous food heritage. The Tuesday and Saturday markets still draw crowds to the town centre, where independent shops line streets that have seen centuries of trading.

Food lovers make pilgrimages here for good reason. Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe continues the tradition that made the town famous, while the annual Food Festival celebrates everything from artisan cheeses to craft ales. But beyond the culinary scene, the surrounding Leicestershire countryside provides plenty of outdoor pursuits.

Ragdale Wood offers proper walking trails through ancient woodland, while the more adventurous can tackle open water swimming at Swim Six Hills. The area's rich history reveals itself at Vernemetum, an archaeological site that tells the story of Roman settlement in these parts.

Getting here is straightforward - Melton Mowbray sits on the A607 between Leicester and Grantham, with regular train services to Nottingham and Birmingham. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the Vale of Belvoir and the rolling hills that characterise this part of the East Midlands.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for families wanting to explore both the town's food culture and the surrounding countryside. Eye Kettleby Lakes provides easy access to Melton Mowbray while offering lakeside pitches, and several touring parks dot the area around villages like Frisby on the Wreake. The network of footpaths and bridleways means you can walk or cycle between wooded areas like Old Dalby Wood and Hall Plantation without touching busy roads.