Days Out
Although some guests never leave the farm, you’ll find much of interest in the vicinity of The Dandelion Hideaway. We have many local attractions right on the doorstep of the farm, and the glamping site is nestled in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside making days out exploring the county really easy and accessible.
From the site of Richard III’s demise at the Battle of Bosworth to the National Space Museum, and activities such as cycling at Conkers in the National Forest or visiting the Botanic Garden at the University of Leicester, there is something for everyone.
You can travel by steam railway, narrowboat, or cycle and you can discover great apes at Twycross on one of the many great days out in the area. We also have a good selection of local restaurants and pubs - one within walking distance.
We have put together the map below to help you plan your visit to the area, or you can browse our recommendations by category on the right.
Calke Abbey
Owned but not restored by the National Trust, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a grand country-house estate. The gardens are a delight, with an impressive kitchen garden area and plenty of grassland to explore during your visit. The real draw however is the house itself, which has been left in the state it was when the National Trust took it over, and a monument to the eccentric tastes of the former owners.
Ashby Castle
Ashby Castle is an English Heritage property with a colourful history. Visitors can climb the tower and explore an underground passage, guided by an audio tour.
Warwick Castle
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, this castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is owned by the Tussauds who run it as one of the UK’s top tourist attractions.
Moira Furnace
This is an impressive iron-making blast furnace built by the Earl of Moira in 1804. Fully restored and houses a new industrial history exhibition. Great for learning more about the industrial heritage of this part of the country.
Donington Grand Prix Collection
The largest showcase of Grand Prix racing cars in the world lives at Donington Park. Five halls with over 130 exhibits illustrate the history of motorsport from the turn of the 20th Century. And if it is a race day, a wander to the track to watch the racing is a memorable experience.
Bell Foundry Museum, Loughborough
The largest bell foundry in the world calls Loughborough its home, with a museum that opens on weekdays to help you learn more about this fascinating building and its history.
Kedleston Hall
A National Trust property in Derbyshire, just outside of Derby City. Kedleston Hall is a neo-classical mansion designed to be different with fantastic Adam interiors. This makes for a fascinating day out for enthusiasts of stately home visiting.
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Stoneywell - National Trust
From summer house to family home, Stoneywell is the enduring realisation of one man’s Arts and Crafts vision. The cottage and its collection provides a rare surviving example of an Arts and Crafts home in its entirety, and sits as part of an international movement of truly British origin.
Bradgate Country Park
This is a historic mediaeval deer park in the heart of the ancient Charnwood Forest and Leicestershire’s largest, most visited country park. Fallow deer can still be seen feeding among the bracken. An important part of the history of the Park are the ruins of Bradgate House, home to Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen for nine days before being beheaded in 1554.
National Forest Cycle Centre
Starting from the centre at Hicks Lodge, you can explore the National Forest on a variety of trails from flat and easy paths to twisting and turning mountain bike routes. The visitor centre offers bike hire and repair, and a café.
Staunton Harold Reservoir
This reservoir, near Melbourne in Leicestershire, was built in 1964. It has a visitor centre and wildflower meadow. You can enjoy birdwatching there, and a range of attractive walks which link to the National Trust’s Calke Abbey.
Canal Trips
The Ashby Canal is a tranquil 22 mile, lock free canal, ideal for first timers with day boats available.
Market Bosworth Country Park
A landscaped 35-hectare park which was formerly part of Bosworth Hall deer parkland. There are fine, mature trees, a lake, a planted arboretum with exotic species, a wildflower meadow and a community woodland.
National Memorial Arboretum
This is the UK’s year-round centre of remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. The Arboretum is situated in Staffordshire, around 28 miles from The Dandelion Hideaway.
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