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.
Bosworth
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park is less than two miles away and is a unique day out for all the family. Re-live this famous turning point in British history - the death of a King and the birth of the all powerful Tudor dynasty.
Twycross Zoo
Only 10 miles from the farm, Twycross is notable for having the largest collection of primate species of any zoo in the world. It is also known for its “PG Tips” chimpanzees.
Conkers
The award winning attraction at the heart of the National Forest, a unique mix of indoor and outdoor fun, adventure & discovery activities. Only 12 miles away. Get vouchers.
The National Space Centre
Just 14 miles away, this is the UK’s largest attraction dedicated to space science and travel. With a rocket tower, 3D spaceflight simulation, planetarium and many artefacts.
Great Central Railway, Loughborough
Voted number 12 on the list of the 50 greatest railway journeys in the world this is the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway. Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and daily in the summer.
Alton Towers
The UK’s largest theme park, offering an amazing mix of thrill rides, laughs & frights, family attractions and young fun.
Triumph Visitor Centre
The home of Triumph, where you’ll get the full story in their unique immersive visitor experience. It’s here that you’ll see how they make motorcycles, get up close to some of the most iconic Triumphs of all time, and enjoy a priceless collection of motorcycle memorabilia brought together exclusively for their visitors.
Shackerstone Railway
The Battlefield Line is the last remaining part of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway which was opened in 1873. It runs from Shackerstone via Market Bosworth to Shenton in Leicestershire and is operated by the Shackerstone Railway Society.
Shackerstone Station is at the northern end of the line, and is the headquarters of the railway with museum, Victorian tea room souvenir shop, loco shed and main rolling stock located here. There is ample free parking, and the Ashby Canal is just a stones throw away.
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.
