Coalville Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Coalville Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Coalville sits at the heart of the National Forest, making it brilliant for exploring both industrial heritage and woodland landscapes. The town grew during the Industrial Revolution when coal was discovered and this history shapes many local attractions.

Snibston Colliery Park (LE67 3LN, open 10am-4pm daily) offers excellent walking trails, a playground and the Century Theatre - the UK's oldest surviving portable theatre. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the "fantastic transformation" of this former colliery site.

The 1620s House & Garden at Donington le Heath (LE67 2FW, Wed-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm) is a beautifully preserved manor house dating back 700 years. With a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor score, it's small but packed with history. The gardens are particularly lovely in summer and they do great cake in the tearoom!

Nearby Ashby de la Zouch Castle (LE65 1BR) is worth the 15-minute drive. English Heritage maintains this medieval ruin where you can climb the tower for fantastic views. It featured in Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Ivanhoe' and scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor.

Pet Friendly

I've found Coalville surprisingly good for dog owners. Many cottages welcome dogs, often with secure gardens - perfect for letting your dog run while you enjoy the hot tub!

The Hermitage Leisure Centre grounds (LE67 5EU) has excellent walking paths where dogs can exercise. The nearby Sence Valley Forest Park offers 150 acres of reclaimed colliery land with lakes and woodland trails - dogs love it here, especially the water areas.

For food, The Beeches (LE67 3LS) has a dog-friendly bar area and outdoor seating. They even provide water bowls without being asked. The Stamford & Warrington (LE67 4SG) welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good pub grub.

Local tip: The National Forest Way passes close to Coalville. We've found sections like the Thornton Reservoir loop (LE67 1AR) perfect for dog walks, with good paths and plenty to sniff!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Coalville

The National Forest (LE65 1RT) surrounds Coalville and represents one of Britain's boldest environmental projects. What was once an industrial landscape has been transformed with over 9 million trees planted since the 1990s. The Conkers Discovery Centre makes a great starting point with indoor and outdoor activities. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Great day out with the grandkids, they loved the train ride and adventure playground."

Coalville's Memorial Square and Clock Tower (LE67 3FJ) might seem small, but it's the heart of the town. The square commemorates local miners who lost their lives and the clock tower (built 1925) is the town's most recognizable landmark. It's particularly moving on Remembrance Sunday. The square has been recently renovated and makes a good starting point for exploring the town center.

Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre (LE65 2UP) offers bike hire and trails for all abilities through National Forest woodland. The blue trail is 9km and suitable for families, while more experienced cyclists can tackle the 13km red route. The café serves excellent bacon sandwiches! A recent visitor commented: "Fantastic trails, well-maintained and clearly marked. My kids (8 and 10) managed the blue route easily."

Is Coalville worth visiting?

Yes! While Coalville might not top tourist lists, it offers authentic Leicestershire experiences without crowds. Its mining heritage, position in the National Forest and proximity to attractions like Ashby Castle make it interesting. Plus, cottages here typically cost less than in more touristy areas, but you still get that hot tub!

When is the best time to visit Coalville?

Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of decent weather and fewer crowds. The National Forest looks stunning in May with bluebells and again in October with autumn colours. Coalville's Picnic in the Park festival in June brings live music and family activities to Coalville Park.

How far is Coalville from Leicester?

Coalville is about 14 miles northwest of Leicester - roughly a 25-minute drive via the A50 and M1. There's also a direct bus service (the 26) that takes approximately 50 minutes from Leicester city centre to Coalville's Memorial Square.

Are there good restaurants in Coalville?

While not a culinary hotspot, Coalville has some good options. Imge Restaurant (LE67 3PH) serves excellent Turkish food and gets consistently good reviews. The Stamford & Warrington offers good pub meals and Tastebuds Café (LE67 3NQ) does a fantastic breakfast. For something special, The Royal Oak at Whitwick (LE67 5DT) is worth the short drive.

Can I get to Coalville without a car?

It's possible but challenging. The nearest train station is Loughborough (9 miles away), from where you can take the 126 bus. Leicester has more train connections, with the 26 bus to Coalville. Once in Coalville, you'll find limited public transport, so I'd recommend having a car to make the most of your hot tub cottage break.

What's the history of Coalville?

Coalville didn't exist before the 19th century! It sprung up after coal was discovered in 1824. By 1833, it had its first name "Long Lane" before becoming Coalville in 1845. Mining dominated until the 1980s. Today, it's reinventing itself through the National Forest project while preserving its industrial heritage.

Helpful links for your Coalville cottage holiday:

1. The National Forest official website
2. Visit Charnwood tourism information
3. Ashby de la Zouch Castle visitor information
4. North West Leicestershire District Council - Coalville information