The Ultimate Student’s Guide To Loughborough Town
Start getting your bearings in your new hometown with our student’s guide to Loughborough Town.
We understand It can often be difficult to find your bearings in a new town, especially if it is your first time living away from home. We have put together this guide to help you find your bearings in Loughborough with our student’s guide to Loughborough Town.
Moving to a new town can be exciting but it can also be pretty stressful at times, thankfully, you’re not the first student to move to Loughborough (and you won’t be the last!) So, we’ve done our research. We have spoken to past and present Loughborough students, and spoken to the locals, in order to bring you The Ultimate Student’s Guide to Loughborough Town.
Loughborough University Campus
One of the first things you should do is explore the Loughborough University campus, after all this is where you are going to be spending a lot of your time.
Dating back to 1909, the Loughborough University building is pretty impressive. We would recommend setting aside a day in your first few weeks to have a wander and explore what’s on offer.
Loughborough campus has a great history and the grounds are some of the most picturesque (and expansive) in the country. It takes a strong team of 29 Grounds and Gardens Staff to maintain the university’s outdoor spaces, so they are perfect for a walk after a day at university to clear your head.
Top Student Bars, Pubs and Clubs in Loughborough
We’re pretty sure you won’t need to be told about the Student’s Union Bar, the John Coopers, and the various LSU Nights on offer there. However, if you’re wanting to explore more of the night life on offer in Loughborough, the town centre has a lot of great pubs and bars to see.
The Paget Arms
The Paget Arms is a popular choice amongst Loughborough students. It’s the retro decor, chilled-out vibe and awesome burgers that might just have something to do with that! There’s also a great outdoor space which is used to host regular BBQs and beer festival-style events over the spring and summer period.
Griffin
The Griffin is another popular choice amongst the Loughborough student community, offering great entertainment during term time and live sports most weekends. Great for all sports fans, why not watch your favourite team play a match whilst enjoying a drink or two.
The Generous Briton
If you’re a fan of real ale, then The Generous Briton should be on your list of top pubs to visit. It’s located on the Ashby Road, so it’s within the sort after Loughborough Golden Triangle. An easy walking distance of Loughborough University and town centre, and you can even take in your own food — winner!
Echos Nightclub
Probably the most popular club outside of John Coopers, Echos is located in the centre of Loughborough Town centre. With regular events and offers, you’re bound to find something to keep you entertained over the weekend (if you haven’t had enough of partying at the LSU during the week!)
Shopping and Eating Out in Loughborough Town Centre
Carillon Court Shopping Centre:
Carillon Court is the main shopping centre in Loughborough Town Centre. You’ll find most of the usual shops that many high streets have to offer, with a decent selection of cafes and eateries to help you refuel during even the longest of retail therapy sessions.
Loughborough Market:
If you’re looking to be a little thrifty with your money, or you just like a good wander around a local market, then make sure you visit Loughborough Market. Open every Thursday and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM, there’s plenty of time to grab yourselves some fresh produce. With approximately 125 traders selling everything from fruit & veg to clothes, you can be sure there’s something for everyone.
Peter Pizzeria:
If you love traditional Italian style pizza and cool, industrial style decor then Peter Pizzeria is for you! Open since 2013, with the mission to cure the injured name of pizza, it has been a hit with the residents of Loughborough ever since.
With ingredients being made up of locally sourced produce or straight from Italy itself, you can be sure this isn’t one you want to miss.
Fernandez Grillhouse
A real favourite with students, Fernandez Grillhouse was the original student eatery hang-out in Loughborough. Offering a range of flame-grilled meats as well as veggie options, it’s definitely worth a visit.
With a variety of meat and plant based options to choose from, we’d recommend going when you’re really hungry to get the full Fernandez Grillhouse experience.
Loughborough Hidden Gems
45 Gin School
Maybe not so much of a hidden gem anymore due to the number of times this place has been cited as ‘a hidden gem of Loughborough but all the same, this place is a must-visit for any gin lover. Located in Charnwood Forest, 45 Gin School offers the full gin experience at their distillery.
The Climbing Station
Whether you’re an experienced climber or just fancy giving it a try, The Climbing Station is a great little spot for pros and complete beginners alike.
Offering climbing and training workshops you can be confident knowing you are in good hands with the staff and facilities at The Climbing Station.
The Great Central Railway
If you’re a fan of steam trains then you’re in luck, Loughborough is the home of The Great Central Railway — the UK’s only double track mainline heritage railway. With services running most of the year, as well as lots of special events (including the Santa Special), The Great Central Railway is definitely worth a visit.
Chocolate Alchemy
Another Loughborough ‘hidden gem’ that’s possibly not so hidden anymore, is Chocolate Alchemy. Situated in Churchgate Mews, this artisan chocolatier is the perfect place for a spot of afternoon tea or just a good old-fashioned chocolate binge. Maybe save this one for when your parents come to visit though, as you’ll want to buy everything!
Free Stuff to Do in Loughborough
If you’re into cycling and scenery then you should explore The Cloud Trail. The trail, spanning 13 miles, is part of the National Cycle Network and takes you along the route of a disused railway and canal towpath from Derby all the way to Worthington.
Picnic at Queens Park
Queens Park is a lovely place to spend a sunny day in Loughborough! Grab your mates, throw together a picnic and head on down for some good old-fashioned park fun.
Being a Green Flag award winner every year since 2008, It’s clear to see why the park is so popular with local Loughborough residents. Featuring many short walks and green open spaces there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Charnwood Museum
Also located in Queen’s Park, Charnwood Museum has free entry, and provides a bit of local history to sink your teeth into should the weather not be favourable for an outdoor excursion.
With many temporary and permanent exhibitions, Charnwood Museum is a great choice if you are looking for an educational activity to go alongside your studies. Why not try the delicious range of food and drinks on offer from Queens Park Cafe whilst you’re there.
Sunset at Beacon Hill
This is one for the university bucket list for sure! Sunsets up on Beacon Hill are pretty spectacular — make sure you catch at least one during your time at Loughborough.
Bonus Tips from Loughborough Students – Past and Present
Located next to the Purple Onion (LSU shop), Papa Si’s. is probably one of the most talked-about fast food places amongst Loughborough students. If you haven’t already been, make sure you get yourself down there after your next night out.
Take the Campus Art Trail
A fantastic way to get to know the university campus better is to take the Campus Art Trail. The trail takes in the best of the Loughborough campus outdoor sculptures and art pieces and is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends.
Meet Charlie – The Library Cat
Charlie is probably the most popular Loughborough University resident, most often spotted skulking around Pilkington Library. Keep your eyes peeled for this campus celebrity during your time at Loughborough!
Want to know more about our houses in Loughborough?
Our student houses here at Andrew Chell are extremely popular – Loughborough students choose to live with us because we go the extra mile to make sure their student house is a comfortable, safe, and happy home. Get in touch and our team would be more than happy to help with any questions you have.
Andrew Chell can be contacted as follows:
Phone: 01509 552814
Mobile:07769 684800
Email: [email protected]
Office: 66 Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 3AE
Published 1st October 2019
