Things To Do
in Broughton Astley

Broughton Astley is a tranquil village in Leicestershire, England, set amid rolling countryside and bordered by picturesque villages. It offers a quintessential rural English experience with traditional pubs, historic cottages, and lush farmland just a short drive from the city buzz of Leicester. The area is family-friendly, with easy access to markets and green spaces, making it a great base for day trips.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace while still exploring nearby towns, gardens, and historical sites.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Local Heritage
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Broughton Astley Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the village's history through engaging exhibits and local artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the quaint village center, soaking in the charm of the surrounding historic buildings. Take some time to visit the local shops to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a cozy café, head to the nearby Broughton Astley Millennium Green for a peaceful walk among nature. The lush greenery and scenic views provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation or even a picnic. Be sure to take in the tranquil atmosphere as you unwind and recharge for your afternoon adventures.

evening
:

As the sun sets, visit a local pub to enjoy authentic British cuisine paired with a selection of local ales. Engage in conversation with friendly locals as you share stories about your day and learn more about the community's culture. Conclude your evening with a leisure stroll back to your accommodation under the starry sky.

day 2
Outdoor Adventures
morning
:

Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a hiking adventure at the nearby Burbage Common and Woods. The fresh morning air and beautiful landscapes will invigorate you, making it a perfect start to your day. Capture stunning photographs of local wildlife and flora along the trails.

afternoon
:

After your hike, unwind with a picnic lunch at the common, enjoying the serene surroundings. Spend the afternoon exploring other parts of the area, perhaps taking a short drive to nearby parks or nature reserves. The natural beauty will provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

evening
:

Return to Broughton Astley and treat yourself to dinner at a traditional restaurant. Enjoy the local flavors while mingling with the friendly staff who can offer insights on the best things to do in the village. End your evening with a sweet dessert at a local patisserie, rounding off the perfect day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or tea at a café$3-5
🍽️Three-course dinner for two$35-60
🛒Groceries for a week$40-80
🚆Local transit day pass$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming rural setting with easy access to Leicester and Market Harborough
  • Calm and friendly village atmosphere with traditional pubs
  • Limited nightlife within the village
  • Public transport less frequent than urban centers

Places to Visit in Broughton Astley

Visit one of these nice places.

Village Green and Historic Cottages

Classic English village scene with red-brick cottages and a well-kept green, ideal for morning light.

Countryside Ridge Points near Broughton Astley

Open farmland and hedgerows offering expansive views, especially at golden hour.

Soar Valley Riverside

River scenes and willow-lined banks suitable for reflection shots and wildlife photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Broughton Astley

The local cuisine blends rural Leicestershire produce with the area’s proximity to Leicester, offering hearty pub meals, fresh bakery offerings, and comforting regional dishes.

Broughton Astley Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Melton Mowbray Pork Pie

A classic regional pie best found at local butchers and markets; pair with pickles and crusty bread.

Must-Try!

Leicester Balti

A signature curry from nearby Leicester; served with rice and naan in many local curry houses.

Farmhouse Bread with Leicestershire Cheese

Crusty loaf with locally produced cheeses from nearby farms for a simple, tasty bite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Market Harborough Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and street-style bites.

Lutterworth Market

Small-town market with local produce and casual stalls serving snacks and treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Broughton Astley has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread fairly evenly through the year; expect variable weather and bring layers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Pubs and Queues

Queue politely, avoid loud behavior late at night, and respect pub closing times.

Greetings

A simple greeting or small talk is common; address people politely with Mr/Ms until invited to use first names.

Temple/Church Etiquette

Respect sacred spaces; dress modestly when visiting churches and observe photography restrictions where posted.

Safety Guide

Safety

Typical rural safety considerations include careful driving on narrow lanes, keeping to footpaths, and being mindful of cycling routes; emergency services are widely accessible across Leicestershire.

Tipping in Broughton Astley

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in pubs is not mandatory; rounding up or 10-15% in restaurants if service is good; many places include service charge.

Payment Methods

Card and contactless payments widely accepted; carry some cash for markets or small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Longer days with mild to warm weather and occasional showers; golden-hour lighting is ideal for outdoors and photography.

Autumn

Amber fields and cooler air; harvest textures and autumnal light create rich landscapes.

Winter

Colder temperatures with shorter days; frosty mornings offer atmospheric photos and cozy pub introspection.

Spring

Fresh greenery and blooming trees; shoulder-season crowds make for relaxed exploring and vibrant photos.

Nightlife Guide

Broughton Astley at Night

The nightlife in Broughton Astley is typically low-key, centered on friendly village pubs with ales and pub games; for a livelier scene, Leicester's bars, clubs, and live music venues are a short drive away and accessible by train or car.

Hiking in Broughton Astley

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bosworth Battlefield Walk

Historic area with walking trails through rolling Leicestershire countryside.

Bradgate Park Trails

Open-space park with rocky outcrops, deer, and scenic lanes; good for longer hikes.

Soar Valley Walks

Riverside trails along the River Soar with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Broughton Astley by plane.

East Midlands Airport (EMA)

Main regional airport offering flights across the UK and Europe; about 25-40 miles from Broughton Astley.

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Major international gateway, further away but accessible by road or rail; around 60-70 miles.

Getting Around

Walkability

Broughton Astley is walkable within the village with pleasant footpaths; for longer trips to nearby towns, a car or local bus is handy but there are pedestrian-friendly routes along major lanes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly community with primary schools nearby.

Commuters

Residents who commute to Leicester, Market Harborough, and other towns for work.

Retirees

A stable, quieter portion of the population with active community groups.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Local and regional clubs; proximity to Leicester-based teams.

Cricket

Cricket clubs and seasonal matches in the Leicestershire region.

Rugby Union

Rugby clubs in the wider area, including nearby towns.

Transportation

Traffic

Rural roads can be narrow; plan for slower speeds in village streets. Public transport exists but is less frequent than in cities; driving or taxi services are common for longer trips. Market Harborough and Leicester are accessible by car or rail with some bus connections.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Broughton Astley.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many pubs and cafes offer vegetarian mains; look for veggie specials and ask for meat-free options; dairy-free and vegan options are increasingly common.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

GP practices serve the village; the nearest major hospital is in Leicester (Leicester Royal Infirmary) with specialist services; NHS 111 and local urgent care centers are available.

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