Living in Loughborough

Loughborough is the largest town in Leicestershire with a population of over 55,000. Our location is also ideal for exploring the cities of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, as well as only being an hour and a half from London. We are also close to a variety of tourist attractions such as the Peak District National Park, Sherwood Forest and the National Space Centre. With Charnwood Forest next door, the beautiful countryside is never far away from you.

You’ll never run out of things to do

You can certainly fill your spare time off-campus in Loughborough. At the Great Central Railway you can take a trip on a steam train, enjoy a five-course meal on board, or even drive a locomotive. You can discover Loughborough’s only chocolate shop which offers handmade treats which you can buy to takeaway or enjoy in their own coffee shop. Perhaps you would prefer something else - there is the ultimate gin experience at 45 Gin School, learn the art of distilling and create your own bottle of craft distilled gin.

There’s plenty to do if your're on a budget too. Queen's Park is a great place to relax, take a picnic and walk through the pretty garden, visit the on-site Charnwood Museum and Carillon Tower, and unwind in the peaceful bandstand; not forgetting to say ‘hello’ to the colourful birds in the aviary. This park is a great retreat whatever the weather.

Loughborough is full of entertainment for those rainy days too, with two cinemas to choose from, and the Town Hall with comedy nights, theatre productions and dance performances to name a few. There is always something happening or something new to see.

Travel the world or just the UK

We are also ideally located for the motorway network and a short drive will take you to the East Midlands Airport, opening up Europe and beyond with accessible low-cost flights.

We also have access to regular express coach services to the rest of the UK and a dedicated bus stop on campus for the National Express London service.

Loughborough’s railway station is on the East Midlands train line offering regular services to London St Pancras International station.

Lots of places to eat and drink

Loughborough and the surrounding area boasts a wide variety of great food. Indian, Chinese, Australian, Mexican, Thai, Italian, English and Malaysian restaurants can be found alongside independently owned gastro pubs, cafés, delis, national chain coffee shops, fast food outlets and restaurants.

At The Basin, you'll find a delicious blend of Chinese, Thai and Japanese flavours set in traditional restaurant-style surroundings.

Peter Pizzeria is a great option for that authentic Italian taste with a twist - once inside this pizzeria there is lots of up-cycled furniture and various seating options. There is also Nando's, a good all-rounder and a great choice whatever your taste.

Shop 'til you drop

The town has all shopping needs covered, with independently owned boutiques as well as national chains such as Next, Topshop and Boots. For a larger choice, Nottingham and Leicester are both within easy reach of Loughborough.

Loughborough offers great value for money for grocery shopping with a wide choice of shops to suit all budgets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer Food, Iceland and Morrisons.

Local food stockists and speciality shops can also be found catering for those who wish to purchase health foods, organic produce, Asian groceries and other international cuisine. There are also specific requirements to meet your needs, such as a halal butchers.

The famous twice-weekly Loughborough market offers a wide range of fresh produce, household items, clothing and more at great prices on Thursdays and Saturdays. Loughborough has also played host to many speciality European markets.