Loughborough (pop. 46,122) is located 13mi/22km southwest of Nottingham. There is a university and a number industries in the town. It was a lacemaking center at one time and was the destination for the first package tour organized by Thomas Cook in 1841.
The center of Loughborough is a shopping area with many original Art Deco buildings. The annual street fair takes place every November featuring rides, food stands and games.
Ulverscroft Nature Reserve is located near Loughborough in the ancient forest of Charnwood. The area is particularly beautiful in the spring when the bluebells are in bloom.
The reserve is protected and maintained by the National Trust.
Address: Leicester and Rutland Trust for Nature Conservation, 1 West Street, Leicester LE1 6UU, England
Tips: Access by permit only from The Secretary, Leicestershire and Rutland Trust for Nature Conservation.
Transit: Bus: Arriva Fox County 109, 117-9, 217/8 Leicester-Swadlincote