An Introduction to Leicestershire

Leicestershire (shortened as Leics) is a beautiful county at the heart of England. It is a county where you can discover completely unspoilt villages and market towns that actually live up to the name. Leicestershire is for those who love open countryside and panoramic views, as well as those with a passion for English history and heritage. We have a wonderful range of Country Parks and a marvellous variety of other attractions you will enjoy visiting.

Let your mouth water at the thought of our world famous Stilton and Pork Pies! Then there is sporting excellence, together with arts and entertainment second to none.

Culture is for most people a very broad term, and our cultural strategy will be similarly broad in scope - covering both physical and intellectual pursuits such as: Libraries and literature, community events, sports and leisure, design and publishing, crafts, dance, music and the perfoming arts, visual arts, museums and archives, open spaces, wildlife habitats, environment and country side recreation, tourism, festivals and attractions, pubs and clubs, built heritage and architecture

There are also intangible aspects to culture - relating to the way we interact and engage with others, what we consider valuable in our communities: shared memories, experiences and identity, spirituality and aesthetics, self esteem and social standards.

Coal and iron transformed the north west, magnificent Moira Furnace being a strong reminder of the days of gruelling toil, clanging metal, smoke and fire.

Railway pioneer George Stephenson, responsible for the famous Leicester & Swannington line opened Snibston Colliery thereby creating Coalville. The site of the pit has now been transformed into wonderful Snibston Discovery Park where Leicestershire's venerable industrial past is celebrated.