Self-guided tour information
Take a look at the information below to help you plan your day and maximise your time with us
Getting here
By car
Our campus is just two miles from junction 23 of the M1 motorway and there are clear signposts on all the other main approach roads to Loughborough.
If you're using a satnav, please use the postcode LE11 3TT.
By public transport
We are easily reached by coach, bus, rail or air.
Find out more
When you arrive
You are welcome to arrive at any time to start your tour. When you arrive on our campus, a member of our security team will be able to direct you to the most appropriate parking for you to start your tour.
Self-guided tour
Unfortunately, guests are currently not permitted to enter the department or accommodation buildings whilst on a self-guided tour, due to our health and safety restrictions.
Take a look at our campus map so you can plan what you want to see when you walk round our campus.
Things to see
We have a number of shops, cafes and bars where you can grab a drink and bite to eat on your tour.
As well as this, we have suggested some of our must-see buildings and facilities when you visit us.
Place |
Information |
| Bridgeman Building | Bridgeman BuildingThe Bridgeman Building is home to our Student Support Services teams. We can offer help and guidance on a range of areas including careers and employability, mental health support, disability support and managing finances. |
| Edward Herbert Building | The Edward Herbert Building (EHB) is at the heart of campus and is home to the EHB Grill and Food Court where staff and students can grab food from around the world and catch up, work or study in our newly refurbished eatery. The EHB is also one of our main teaching venues with four lecture theatres and break our study spaces. |
| Pilkington Library | Pilkington Library underwent a £4 million pound refurbishment only a few short years ago. As such, there are 1,375 study places, 200 workstations, 500,000 books, 90,000 bound serials and access to approximately 30,000 e-journals. |
| Medical Centre | The medical centre provides GP services to all of our students who register with them, as well as treatment for minor injuries and access to a mental health nurse. |
| Sculptures | Our campus has over forty sculptures including works by Atta Kwami, Lynn Chadwick, Bernard Schottlander and Margaret Traherne. You can view their locations on our sculpture map. |
| Outdoor sports pitches and courts | From our rubber crumb rugby pitch and water-based hockey pitch to our Paula Radcliffe Athletics Track, Haslegrave and Brockington Cricket pitches and beach volleyball court, plus so much more, there is something for everyone, whether you’re an aspiring athlete or just want to have some fun. |
| STEMLab | Our state-of-the-art £17 million STEMLab provide state-of-the-art learning facilities for our students covering most of our Science and Engineering disciplines on campus. |
| Village Park | Village Park plays host to a number of halls of residence and is home to approximately 2,000 students, including our three postgraduate halls - Falkner Eggington, Harry French and John Phillips. Whilst you can’t go into the halls, this area of campus gives you a great insight into the community spirit here at Loughborough. |
| Students' Union | The Students’ Union is a hive of activity and is one of the main social hubs for students studying here at Loughborough University. |
| Swimming pool and gyms | Our swimming pool is home to a British Swimming National Centre, Loughborough Swimming and British Triathlon Performance Centre and we have two world-class gyms on campus: Powerbase and Holywell Fitness Centre. So, whatever your fitness goals, experience or level of ability there is something for everyone. |
Loughborough, although not a city, it has many charms and hidden gems if you know where to look. We've suggested some of our favourite places around town, and if you have a car and want to explore further - some of our favourite countryside walks that form part of the network of the National Forest.
Places to see |
Information |
| Town Hall | In the centre, you'll find the Town Hall situated in Market Place. From here you can make your way to any of the locations we've highlighted below. The Town Hall serves as a theatre, gallery and music venue with many events all year round. Nearby you'll find the infamous Sock Man, a symbolic nod to the town's history. And every Thursday and Saturday the town hosts the outdoor market selling fresh produce to confectionary and household goods, and select Fridays are our vintage and collectors market. Not only that, every November since 1221 the entire town centre closes down for four days to welcome the annual Loughborough Fair which surprises most people how we fit such a large fair in a small space |
| Queen's Park | A historic, award winning and beautifully maintained park in the heart of Loughborough town centre. It is a popular spot for students and local residents with plenty of open grassland for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. There are recreational areas for children to play, aviaries to look at, as well as exploring the Charnwood Museum showcasing local archaeology, and if you're lucky to catch a day when it is open, the Carillon Tower War Memorial and Museum - a bell tower with a spiralling staircase of views over the town. |
| Shopping | Loughborough has a range of shops for your immediate needs such as Boots, Primark, Waterstones, Next, TK Maxx, M&S Food, Dunelm, supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi and Lidl - you'll find something to suit your budget. For a healthy does of retail therapy, major cities like Leicester and Nottingham, and even Birmingham are really easy to get to from Loughborough. |
| Entertainment | For entertainment, there are escape rooms, laser quest, adventure golf, golf ranges, 2 cinemas, events and gigs, theatre, craft workshops, comedy nights and other weekly shows. |
| Church Gate | A preserved conservation area consisting of boutique and independent shops and eateries. At the end of the lane and across the road is our All Saints Church boasting gothic features. |
| Great Central Railway | Doubling as a tourist attraction offering various events throughout the year, it is also a working heritage railway with steam trains that run between Loughboorugh and Leicester - so why not take a ride. |
Places to eat |
Information |
| Public and Plants | A firm favourite for locals and students alike, Public and Plants is based in the old arts college. It is a public, communal open space that has an artsy feel (befitting) its location) where people come to chat, work and enjoy a coffee, or grab an artisan pastry or goody from its own bakery. |
| Bom Bom Patisserie | So good, they opened 3 locations, one just off campus, one in the Students' Union and the town location in Canal House. Drop by to pick up artisan coffee, amazing baked goods including melt in your mouth cookies, or delicious street food. |
| Goodliffes | Lovely casual, light-filled cafe/bistro that changes into an intimate European restaurant at night. |
| Jam Garden | A neighbourhood hangout with a glorious beer garden. It offers delicious bites and small plates in a bright and trendy space |
| Centro Lounge | A playful spot for a casual international breakfast-to-dinner menu and cocktail happy hour. |
| Basin Restaurant and Bar | Situated next to the town centre, Basin offer a unique blend of Chinese, Thai and Japanese flavours. Located right by the canal basin, on a dry sunny day take a walk along the canal to enjoy the peace and quiet of the waters. |
Green spaces |
Information |
| Bradgate Park | Bradgate Park is a country park covering 850 acres and lies between quaint and beautiful villages next to Loughborough. Renowned for its fine herds of deers, free roaming peacocks, enjoy the rich history and enchanting beauty of almost untouched nature while walking alongside the beautiful stretch of water, waterfalls and pools of the River Lin. |
| Swithland Reservoir | Swithland Reservoir is a serene body of water that provides pleasant paths for walking along one side, and stunning vistas of a viaduct transporting steam locomotives. An ideal place if you are seeking a leisurely stroll and peaceful ambiance. |
| Beacon Hill | Beacon Hill Country Park is a natural area located just outside of Loughboorugh in Woodhouse Eaves. at a height of 248m, enjoy magnificient panoramic views, woodlands, open heathland, discover the rhododendron labyrinth and many unique wooden sculptures. |
| Charnwood Water | Beautiful small lake with a path all the way around. Easily accessible on the edge of Loughborough town. Good spot for a casual stroll and photography. |
Get in touch
If you have any questions before you arrive, or you think of anything during or after your tour, drop us an email, we’d love to help.