Things To Do
in Whitwick
Whitwick is a small village and civil parish in North West Leicestershire with a strong mining and industrial heritage that shaped its streets and community. It sits close to Coalville and provides easy access to Charnwood Forest, Beacon Hill and countryside walks. The village combines a quiet residential feel with a handful of traditional pubs, local shops and community institutions.
Whitwick is a convenient base for exploring nearby Leicester, the National Forest and several scenic parks and historic estates.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Whitwick Historical Society to learn about the village's rich coal mining history. Guided tours and fascinating exhibits will give you a deep understanding of local heritage. Don’t forget to capture photos of the historic buildings that reflect the village’s past.
After lunch at a local café, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby countryside, where you can enjoy scenic views of the rolling hills and lush greenery. Stop by the nearby Whitwick Park for some light hiking and to appreciate the tranquil environment. Take a moment to relax and have a picnic while soaking in the natural beauty around you.
As the sun sets, head to a local pub for a traditional British dinner. The atmosphere is welcoming, providing the perfect ambiance to unwind after a day of exploration. Sample some local ales while mingling with friendly locals who can share more stories about Whitwick.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a nature walk at the nearby Snibston Discovery Park. Explore the diverse fauna and flora, and consider bringing a pair of binoculars for birdwatching. The crisp morning air and beautiful landscapes set the tone for a refreshing outdoor experience.
In the afternoon, visit the Ashby Canal, where you can enjoy canal-side walks or perhaps even rent a bike to explore the area further. The peaceful waters and scenic pathways offer a chance to connect with nature. Consider stopping for lunch at a canal-side café to relish the calmness of the setting.
As evening approaches, return to Whitwick and spend some time at the local community center, where there are often events or gatherings. This is an ideal way to meet locals and learn about community activities or initiatives. Wind down your day with some live music or a movie night at the community center.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer in a pub | $5-7 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (single) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start and short ride | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to countryside, parks and long-distance walks
- Low-key, friendly village atmosphere with traditional pubs
- Good base for exploring Leicestershire highlights like Beacon Hill and Bradgate Park
- Affordable compared with larger cities
- Limited nightlife and restaurant variety within the village itself
- Public transport is less frequent than in cities — a car is useful
- Fewer tourist amenities and overnight accommodations in the immediate village
Places to Visit in Whitwick
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over Leicestershire, dramatic gritstone outcrops and wide skies — excellent for sunrise, landscapes and seasonal colors.
Historic parkland with deer, ruins and sweeping vistas; offers atmospheric shots, especially in golden hour and misty mornings.
Photograph traditional cottages, memorials and traces of the mining past — intimate street scenes and local character shots.
Riverside and canal towpath scenes with reflections, wildlife and peaceful rural compositions — good for macro and bird photography.
Food in Whitwick
Whitwick Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A British classic served in many pubs and cafes on Sundays — roast meat, potatoes, vegetables and gravy; pubs and inns in Coalville and nearby villages do reliable versions.
Must-Try!
Hearty pies (steak & ale, steak & kidney, or vegetable) are common in local bakeries and pubs — ideal after a country walk.
Local and regional breweries supply cask ales to village pubs; try seasonal brews at Whitwick or Coalville pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market serving groceries, street snacks and occasional specialist stalls; a good place to try local baked goods and chat with vendors.
Nearby farm shops and seasonal farmers' markets (in surrounding villages and towns) offer local cheeses, meats and preserves — great for picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite behaviour and respecting queues is expected — say please and thank you. Keep noise levels moderate in residential areas, especially in the evenings.
Pubs are social hubs; order at the bar in many places and avoid loud or disruptive behaviour. Tipping at the bar is not required.
Keep dogs on leads near livestock and follow signage; pick up after your dog in public areas.
Dress respectfully and speak quietly when visiting churches or memorials; check opening times before arriving.
Safety
Tipping in Whitwick
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: in sit-down restaurants 10–15% if service is not included; for takeaways and pubs tipping is uncommon (a small coin or rounding up is fine). Taxi drivers and hotel porters appreciate a small tip. Always check receipts for a service charge before adding a tip.
Contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in shops, pubs and restaurants; cash (British pounds) remains useful for small vendors or smaller markets. ATMs are available in nearby towns; notify your bank for travel if using foreign cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming hedgerows make it a great time for walks and photography; some muddy trails after rains — bring waterproof boots.
Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours for exploring parks and outdoor sites; small villages can be quiet as locals head on holiday — expect more visitors at popular parks on weekends.
Colorful foliage in parks and woodlands; cooler days and crisp mornings are ideal for hiking and photographing landscapes — pack warm layers.
Cold, damp and occasionally frosty or snowy; shorter daylight means plan activities earlier, and some rural paths can be slippery.
Whitwick at Night
Hiking in Whitwick
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short drives from Whitwick to dramatic viewpoints, marked trails, picnic areas and panoramic scenery — suitable for short walks to longer hikes.
Historic deer park with extensive footpaths, rocky outcrops, ruins and wildlife; popular for longer day walks and photography.
A long-distance circular trail passing through the county’s countryside and villages — sections near Whitwick offer quiet, scenic hiking options.
Flat, easy walking along historic canals and rivers with peaceful scenery ideal for casual strolls and cycling.
Local valley with mixed trails, wetlands and woodlands suitable for birdwatching and gentle hikes close to Whitwick and the Coalville area.
Airports
How to reach Whitwick by plane.
Approximately 20–30 km (roughly 20–30 minutes by car depending on route) — the nearest major airport serving domestic and European routes; accessible by car, taxi or regional buses with connections.
About 60–80 km (roughly 45–60 minutes by car) — larger international airport with broader flight options; reachable by motorway or train via Leicester/Birmingham rail connections.
Further afield with more international routes; travel time typically 1.5–2 hours by car or rail and useful as alternatives for specific connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families and commuters who work in Leicester, Derby or nearby towns, attracted by affordable housing and proximity to green space.
An established older population is present, reflecting long-term local communities and retirees appreciating a quieter lifestyle.
The wider North West Leicestershire area includes people from a range of backgrounds, including Eastern European and South Asian communities, contributing to cultural variety especially in nearby towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally — local amateur and youth clubs are active and many residents follow professional teams such as Leicester City.
Village and town cricket clubs are common in summer with weekend matches and community involvement.
Rugby union, netball and other grassroots sports have local clubs and pitches for community participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Whitwick.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafes offer at least one vegetarian option; larger nearby towns have more vegetarian and vegan-specific restaurants. Always mention requirements when ordering.
Vegan choices are increasingly available but limited in small village pubs — plan ahead or travel to Coalville/Leicester for wider options.
Many cafes and pubs can provide gluten-free options if asked; cross-contamination is possible in older establishments so inform staff if you have coeliac disease.