Your Ultimate Guide to Fun Things to Do in Loughborough

Things to do in Loughborough aren’t just about lectures and library runs. If you scratch beneath the surface, this vibrant town has some real gems waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a student new to the area or just craving something fun and fresh to do, here’s a guide to help you squeeze the most out of your time in and around Loughborough.

1. Brunch Like a Local

Let’s start where every good weekend should: brunch.

Head to The Basin for a classic eggs benedict in a sleek, industrial-style setting that’s lowkey perfect for your next Instagram story. Their coffee? Strong enough to give anyone an energy boost after a midweek deadline crash.

Or try Public & Plants, a hybrid cafe-meets-jungle where you can sip oat lattes surrounded by leafy greens. Grab a cardamom bun, sink into a book, and maybe pick up a succulent on the way out. It’s chill, it’s artsy, and yes, it’s got WiFi.

2. Indulge in a Little Self-Care

Looking for laid-back things to do in Loughborough? A bit of pampering never goes amiss.

Zara Health & Beauty is your go-to for facials, threading, and a little midweek glow-up.

But if you’re really in the mood to treat yourself, take a short trip to Ragdale Hall Spa, just 20 minutes away. Think robes, steam rooms, floating pools, and a massage so good you’ll forget about your dissertation.

3. Feed Your Inner Culture Nerd

Who says student life has to be all Netflix and notes?

LU Arts hosts everything from poetry nights and film screenings to hands-on creative workshops. It’s free, it’s on campus, and honestly, it’s criminally underrated.

In town, Charnwood Museum is perfect for a low-effort Sunday wander through Loughborough’s past. And for a bigger artsy adventure, hop on a train to Nottingham Contemporary, where modern art and big ideas collide.

4. Go Green

When cabin fever kicks in, Loughborough’s natural spots offer the perfect reset.

One of the most classic things to do in Loughborough is heading to Beacon Hill Country Park. It’s a local favourite, whether you’re into forest walks, sweeping views, or a cheeky picnic.

Fancy seeing deer roam free? Bradgate Park is a short drive away and totally worth it. And if you’re up for a group run, Dishley Parkrun happens every Saturday at 9 AM. Or just chill along the Grand Union Canal – flat paths, peaceful vibes, and plenty of room to think.

5. Take a Mini Day Trip

Sometimes the best things to do in Loughborough involve leaving it (temporarily).

Ashby-de-la-Zouch: A fairytale town with castle ruins, cute cafes, and vintage shops.

Leicester: Just a short ride away, you’ll find everything from street food to shopping sprees at Highcross.

Derbyshire Dales: If you’ve got wheels, hit the countryside. It’s all rolling hills, old stone villages, and the kind of pubs that serve gravy with everything.

6. Dine Out, Student-Style

Need to swap pot noodles for something a bit fancier?

Hammer & Pincers in Wymeswold is your answer for a treat-yourself night. Perfect for birthdays, parent visits, or when your housemate finally lands a job interview.

Peter Pizzeria is more laid-back but just as iconic. Housed in an old car garage, it serves up serious sourdough goodness and doesn’t take itself too seriously. For drinks, check out Swan in the Rushes. They’ve got local ales, wine tastings, and the kind of vibe that makes you stay “just one more.”

7. Try Something Unexpected

There’s more to uni life than books and nights out.

Get stuck into Arkadius Gaming Club where board games, D&D, and friendly faces await. Or dip your toes into the world of startups with Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN), which runs workshops and pitching competitions that might just spark your next big idea.

8. Do Some Good

Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling things to do in Loughborough and it looks great on your CV too.

LSU Action is packed with student-led projects that make a real difference, both locally and abroad. Prefer something simple? Drop into one of the town’s charity shops. From Rainbows Hospice to Oxfam, there’s always something vintage to uncover or a few hours you could spare to help out.

Loughborough might not be the biggest city, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit. The best part? You don’t have to go far (or spend much) to have a great time.

So grab your walking boots, round up your mates, and start ticking off your own list of things to do in Loughborough. You never know what new memory is waiting just around the corner.

Read Next : How to Find Uni Flatmates That Actually Work for You