See The Town Of Loughborough In Leicestershire
Situated in the gently rolling hills of Leicestershire, Loughborough is a historic town with a number of traditional and modern industries. Today the town is probably most famous for the University which specializes in sports science. It is also home to thriving pharmaceutical and electrical engineering industries.
The town centre surrounds the old Market Square whose markets date back to the thirteenth century. Currently markets are held every Thursday and Saturday. In the centre of the square is a drinking fountain. This was donated to the town in 1870 n order to commemorate the installation of the first water system.
One of the more recent landmarks in Loughborough is a sculpture by Shona Kinloch. The long tradition of hosiery in the area inspired her to create The Sock which stands on a prominent street. At first controversial, it has gone on to win awards and is becoming increasingly popular with residents and visitors.
Bell making is another traditional industry which continues in the town. It is possible to visit a museum which is also a working factory. The John Taylor Bell Company has made bells for building all over the world for 150 years. Visitors are shown many of the processes involved in the manufacturing process. Examples of the bells can be heard in the Carillon building in nearby Queens Park.
The Carillon is also a museum with exhibitions about the World Wars. The main theme is the lives of American servicemen stationed in the area. The town has several other museums including the Charnwood Museum. It houses displays showing the evolution of the Charnwood Forest.
Charnwood Theatre, in the Town Hall stages a range of events and shows. The University also has exhibition and event space and has year round programs. Just outside Loughborough is Castle Donnington Race Circuit which hosts many world sporting events, large concerts and festivals.
In and around Loughborough are many opportunities to enjoy the countryside. There are many well marked trails and paths through the Soar and Wreak valleys. In Bradgate Park, the largest in Leicestershire, there are not only many natural features but historical ones as well. From Old John Tower there is a 360 degree view of the park. It is possible to view some of the herds of deer which roam there. The Bradgate Park Visitor Centre has a display about Lady Jane Gray a famous historical figure from the area. She was known as the Nine Days Queen after a very short marriage to the King of England.
There is much to do and see in Loughborough from nature to shopping and discovering industrial heritage through many ages.
