PLACES TO GO Gorse Hill City Farm, Leicester Situated on a 20-acre site on the outskirts of Leicester city centre, Gorse Hill City Farm is a registered charity, a working farm and community project dedicated to the welfare of animals and to providing a fun and educational experience. There are self-led visits and tours available, and plenty of ‘meet the animals’ days. www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral A fabulous modern museum featuring interactive exhibits on King Richard III’s life, death and grave discovery in the city. www.kriii.com Botanic Gardens, Leicester The University of Leicester Botanic Garden is a breathtaking site close to the halls of residence for the university in Oadby, with arboretum, herb gardens and sculptures. www2.le.ac.uk/institution/botanic-garden Garden of Surprises, Burghley House The amazing contents of this area are inspired by the original Elizabethan garden and are hidden from the outside – waiting to reveal their (often watery!) surprises to those who enter. www.burghley.co.uk Althorp food festival On May 12 and 13, the Althorp Estate is hosting the fourth annual Althorp Food and Drink Festival, celebrating quality producers and suppliers in Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties. www.spencerofalthorp.com Easton Walled Gardens Lincolnshire’s own ‘lost’ garden in which, 15 years after restoration, you can see meadows, roses, sweet peas, vegetables and cut flowers. www.visiteaston.co.uk Belton House The National Trust’s Belton House in Lincolnshire is a country estate with formal Italian and Dutch gardens, a historic deer park and an epic adventure playground. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house New Lodge Farm Why not nip away camping for a few days at New Lodge Farm, set in an attractive rural location at the heart of Rockingham Forest, just outside the 17th century village of Bulwick. It has an award-winning farm shop, butchery and eatery too. www.newlodgefarm.com
Nene Valley Railway The Nene Valley Railway allows you to step back in time as you climb aboard a heritage steam or diesel train, relaxing in restored wood panelled coaches or compartments, and you can even board a trip on the legendary Flying Scotsman at certain times of the year. www.nvr.org.uk
MUSIC New Texfest Music Festival Leicestershire is set to welcome a brand new major music festival this summer as Texfest lands at Market Harborough Showground from June 29 – July 1. Texfest will welcome a host of acts, including a Nick Grimshaw DJ set and the Fratellis. www.texfest.co.uk Oundle International Music Festival and Food Festival With the International Festival, an annual arts festival which incorporates music, theatre, film and Party at the Wharf in July, and the Food Festival throughout June culminating with a street market, Oundle has plenty of great things going on this summer. www.oundlefestival.org.uk
locally, including useful beginner’s courses, at Rutland Water and Eyebrook, among others. www.go-fish.co.uk, www.anglianwater.co.uk Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre Canoeing, climbing, yoga and paddle boarding are all on the menu at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, and there are lots of courses and training you can take, whether you’re a child, beginner or getting back into sport. www.lopc.co.uk Rutland Water cycling One of the best cycle routes in the country, why not hire a bike and circle the water, taking in any of the cafés and peaceful spots on the way. www.rutlandcycling.com Stop at Café Ventoux Café Ventoux is far more than just a café, it’s a ‘destination café’ that celebrates cycling, great food and coffee, shopping, glamping and the outdoor life all in one place, on the Route 64 cycle way. www.cafe-ventoux.cc
Nevill Holt Opera This year the feature performance at the Nevill Holt Opera is Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. The comic opera has four acts and was composed in 1786. The main theatre at Nevill Holt has undergone a renovation and it will be open for the first time. Performances begin at 5pm. www.nevillholtopera.co.uk
SPORT Fishing at Rutland Water and Eyebrook There is plenty of superb coarse and fly fishing
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