The very best places to stay in
Leicestershire
Set squarely in the middle of England, Leicestershire is quietly lovely. A county of old market towns (Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough), golden villages, secret gardens and long rolling wolds, it’s woven together by hedgerows and winding lanes, and bisected by the River Soar.
This is where Richard III rose, fell, and was rediscovered beneath a city car park; where you’ll find pork pies with royal warrants and cheeses with global fame; where canals and railway lines once meant industry but now offer peaceful walks and lazy pub lunches by the water. Leicester itself buzzes with energy — a cultural mosaic of street food, great shops and an arty scene. Then there’s the countryside: green, gentle and quietly grand, perfect for long, looping walks that end with a pint or 2. Fun fact: it’s also the home of veganism. See our Kip tips for the region below.
Our handpicked places to stay in Leicestershire include swoon-worthy farm stays, romantic shepherds’ huts tucked among rolling countryside and beautifully restored barns for groups. All utterly unique, ideal for relaxed countryside escapes filled with long walks, open skies and slow, restorative days.
Featured stays in
Leicestershire
Curate your Leicestershire stay
Kip tips
FOODIE TREAT.
For a superb meal, head to The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham; a Michelin-starred pub that locals guard like treasure.
The Good Earth is the oldest vegan cafe and restaurant in the UK!
Or for something simpler, head to Melton Mowbray’s markets (Tuesday and Saturdays), for local stilton and pork pies; a true taste of the Midlands.
ARCHITECTURE.
Oakham Castle (yes, OK, technically Rutland but close enough), is Britain’s finest example of Norman architecture, with a magnificent oak-timbered roof and range of 12thC sculptures believed to have been carved by the stonemasons of Canterbury Cathedral. Other claims to fame? It’s been used as a Local Justice Court since 1229, and has a stunning collection of over 240 gilded horseshoes donated by royalty across the ages!
MUST VISIT.
Bradgate Park. A walk through this historic park is a walk through time itself: Tudor ruins, ancient oaks, and herds of wild deer grazing in the morning mist.
BEST ACTIVITY.
Walking in the Soar Valley. Meandering rivers, towpath pubs and kingfisher sightings. Walk as far as your legs (or the pub lunch) allow.
WITH KIDS.
Listen to one of the greatest archeological detective stories of all times at the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Or jump aboard a gleaming steam train at the Great Central Railway and rumble through the countryside in style.
SECRET KIP TIP.
Walk up Beacon Hill at golden hour (the hour before sunset) for breathtaking views over the county.
Explore other locations
Why book a Leicestershire holiday with
Kip Hideaways?
We endlessly research and curate the very best places to stay across the UK: all gorgeous and great value. Beautiful, unique style is a must for us but it’s the thoughtful detail and owners who really care that make our hideaways so special.
Our design-led hideaways include cabins with hot tubs, dog-friendly cottages, romantic treehouses and family-friendly houses.
