Things To Do
in Market Harborough
Market Harborough is a historic market town in Leicestershire set along the River Welland. It blends a charming traditional market atmosphere with modern cafes, shops, and pubs. The town serves as a gateway to the surrounding countryside and canal network, making it easy to mix town life with strolls along the Welland valley.
Visitors can enjoy a compact, walkable center anchored by Market Place and a thriving local scene year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a visit to the bustling Market Harborough Town Centre, where you can peruse a variety of independent shops and boutiques. Grab a coffee from a local café while soaking up the charming atmosphere and historic architecture of the town. Don’t miss the Market Hall, a vibrant marketplace that often features local produce and crafts.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants offering seasonal dishes made from fresh ingredients. After your meal, take a stroll down the beautiful canal or visit the nearby Harborough Museum to learn about the area’s rich history. Make sure to check out the nearby Welland Park for a relaxing break surrounded by nature.
As the sun sets, unwind with dinner at a traditional pub where you can savor local ales and hearty meals. If you're in the mood for entertainment, catch a live performance at the Market Harborough Theatre or a film at the local cinema. Alternatively, take a moonlit walk along the Grand Union Canal for a serene end to your day.
Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Foxton Locks, an impressive flight of ten locks on the Grand Union Canal. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the water, observing the boats navigating through the locks and taking in the picturesque surroundings. The visitor center offers insight into the history and mechanics of this engineering marvel.
After exploring the locks, have lunch at the nearby Foxton Locks Inn, where you can enjoy a meal while overlooking the canal. Spend the afternoon walking or cycling along the towpath, taking in the scenic views and perhaps spotting local wildlife. Don't forget to visit the Foxton Inclined Plane, a remarkable piece of canal history, and a short stroll away.
In the evening, return to Market Harborough for a delightful dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring local fare. You might also choose to relax with a drink at one of the town's friendly pubs, enjoying the company of locals and fellow travelers. End your evening with a peaceful walk through the charming streets, admiring the historic buildings illuminated under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🚆Public transport ticket (bus/train) | $3-6 |
| 🥖Grocery item (loaf of bread) | $1-2 |
| 🍺Beer at pub | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town center with a strong market heritage
- Access to canal and countryside with easy day trips to Foxton and surrounding villages
- Small nightlife scene compared to larger cities
- Limited large-scale attractions; values are more about ambiance, markets and countryside
Places to Visit in Market Harborough
Visit one of these nice places.
The bustling Market Place framed by the historic Market Hall and traditional shopfronts offers strong curb appeal, reflections on market days, and atmospheric evening lighting.
Historic buildings and the town’s preserved lanes provide interesting textures, architectural details, and genteel-town vibes for street photography.
Quiet waterside scenes and bridge silhouettes along the Welland towpath make for tranquil nature photographs and local color.
A dramatic canal lock flight with water, lock machinery, and canal-side landscapes—excellent for wide-angle and composition shots.
Food in Market Harborough
Market Harborough Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic, well-crusted pork pie made with seasoned pork and a rich gravy; commonly found at market stalls and local butchers.
Must-Try!
A traditional cold meat terrine made with shredded meat and gelatin; often served with piccalilli or crusty bread at pubs and delis.
Seasonal roasts featuring local meats and vegetables, frequently highlighted on pub menus with a local twist.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with seasonal produce, cheeses, breads, pastries, and street-style bites; a great place to chat with local producers.
Occasional farmers’ markets offering regional meats, dairy, and prepared foods from nearby farms.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Queue patiently, especially in markets and small shops. Polite greetings and 'please'/'thank you' go a long way in everyday transactions.
Respect quiet in churches and residential areas; keep voices down on public transport and in housing streets.
Pubs are social spaces; casual but neat attire and friendly interaction with staff and locals is common.
Safety
Tipping in Market Harborough
Ensure a smooth experience
In pubs and casual venues, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common if service isn’t included. Check if VAT/service charge is included before tipping.
Card payments (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still useful at markets and small cafes. Some places may accept mobile wallets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Markets resume full swing, gardens come to life, and days lengthen. Pack layers for cool mornings and milder afternoons; occasional showers are common.
Warm days are ideal for riverside walks and outdoor dining. Expect many outdoor events and longer daylight hours; stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Golden light and harvest markets create warm photography opportunities. The weather can be changeable, so bring layers and a light rain jacket.
Cool, crisp days with festive market atmosphere around the holidays. Keep warm with cozy pubs and indoor venues; days are shorter, so plan daylight activities accordingly.
Market Harborough at Night
Hiking in Market Harborough
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic canal-side route linking Foxton Locks to Market Harborough, with regular opportunities for photo stops and wildlife viewing.
Rural footpaths through farmland and hedgerows offering peaceful rural vistas and picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Market Harborough by plane.
Approximately an hour’s drive away; good for domestic and some European flights.
Approximately 1.5 hours by car; offers a wide range of international and domestic flights.
About 2 hours by car or rail; serves many budget and European routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong presence of family-oriented services, schools, parks, and community events.
Some residents commute to Leicester and surrounding towns for work, benefiting from a peaceful base with access to larger urban centers.
Active retiree community with clubs, societies, and gentle outdoor activities.
Growing cultural and café scene attracts younger residents and visitors seeking a relaxed pace.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs and matches are common; follow town teams or watch community events.
Seasonal matches and club activities in nearby cricket grounds around the Harborough area.
Rugby union is played at nearby clubs; spectators can often watch local games in season.
Several small courses and practice facilities are reachable within a short drive.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Market Harborough.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in pubs and cafes; look for veggie mains or ask for meat-free alternatives. Most places will accommodate dairy-free and gluten-free requests with notice.