Discover Loughborough with megabus

Hear the name Loughborough and we’re guessing ‘university’ is the next word to pop into your head. And it’s no wonder. This market town in Leicestershire is home to the huge, leafy campus of Loughborough University, plus it's equally huge student population. Understandably, it’s a great place to be if you’re studying. Academia aside, Loughborough is well worth a visit for its markets, too – all manner of colourful stalls pop up on most days of the week in the Market Place. Oh, and while you’re here, look out for the man with the sock. Loughborough lays claim to the only sculpture dedicated to hosiery in – we can only assume – the world.

Loughborough: top 3 things to do

1. Browse the stalls at the market

It won’t cost you a penny to sift through the stalls of Loughborough’s popular market, which takes over Market Place every Thursday and Saturday. But if you’ve got a few pounds in your pocket, you can pick up everything from cheap food to bargain knick-knacks, plus one-off vintage finds on a Friday.

2. Wander through Whatton Gardens

The sprawling, 15-acre blanket of greenery that is Whatton Gardens is looked after by Lord and Lady Crawshaw, who live in Whatton House. Stop by and admire the scenery, and pop in to the tearooms while you’re here.

3. Test your mettle at The Climbing Station

Just outside the town centre – an easy 15-minute walk from the train station – is The Climbing Station. Home to a huge climbing wall, it’s a great place to visit whether you’re a competent climber or complete novice. Just sign up for a bouldering induction and you can get started.

Loughborough: getting around

Take the coach to Loughborough and things like free WiFi* and a 20kg luggage allowance usually come as standard. For more about what to expect from your megabus journey, have a read of our on board facilities page.

When you get off the bus in Loughborough, it’s really easy to get around. The town is the perfect size to explore on foot and the best thing to do is grab a map and head to Market Place. It’s right next to Carillon Court shopping centre, and a five-minute walk from Queen’s Park via Granby Street.

Walk five minutes in the opposite direction, meanwhile, and you’ll get to the shops around Church Gate, and The Rushes Shopping Centre.

If you booked Loughborough coach travel to get to Loughborough University, you can get the number 7 Kinchbus from the train station to campus. It runs through the town centre every 10 minutes in term time, Monday to Saturday.

And if you want to head further out, take a steam train on The Great Central Railway. It’s the UK’s only double track mainline heritage railway, so the journey is an experience in itself.

Loughborough: best for nightlife

With something in the region of 14,000 students calling it home, Loughborough has no shortage of nightlife options. And they run the gamut from comedy shows at the Town Hall, to student nights at clubs like Echos.

For something a little more refined, there are some excellent restaurants – try The Basin on the riverside – and plenty of pubs serving decent food. Plus, there’s the excellent 45 Gin School just outside of town, where you can distill, mix and taste your very own bespoke gin.

Loughborough: best for shopping

You’re in luck if you’ve booked a coach to Loughborough to do some shopping. The retail attractions here are handily based within easy walking distance of each other, so you can spend a whole day visiting the shops without stepping foot on public transport.

Start at the Market Place, opposite the Town Hall, and you’ve got shops leading off in most directions. This is also where the twice-weekly market takes place, as well as a vintage market every Friday, and a farmers’ market on the second Wednesday of every month. For high street names, meanwhile, try The Rushes Shopping Centre and Carillon Court.

Loughborough for free: our top 3

1. Visit the Carillon Tower

The town’s carillon – which is basically a supersized musical instrument made with loads of bells inside a tower – was built as a war memorial after WW1. Entrance to the ground-floor museum is free. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from Charnwood Museum, which is also free.

2. Chill out in Queen’s Park

Both the Carillon Tower and Charnwood Museum are in the leafy surrounds of Queen’s Park – a beautiful green space right in the city centre. Bring a picnic and join the sunbathing students in summer, and take a closer look at the sculptures dotted around – they’re designed by local uni students.

3. Follow the Cloud Trail

Packed your walking boots or fancy a day out cycling? Either way, hiking or biking along part of the Cloud Trail – which runs from Derby to Worthington along National Cycle Network route number 6 – is a must. It’s a lovely way to escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

Use our journey planner to book your megabus coach to Loughborough today.

We serve Loughborough from a number of routes including:

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