Explore Melton Mowbray

Melton Mowbray is located in the heart of Leicestershire and is sometimes known as the Rural Capital of Food and there’s no surprise why! From pork pies to Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray is host to many food places and events, such as the British Pie Awards and Artisan Cheese Fairs. But if the food doesn’t tempt you there are plenty of things to do in Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area.

Why not book an Advance ticket on a CrossCountry train and spend a few hours exploring? We’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Melton Mowbray and Stamford, so you can plan your trip.

Enjoy a pork pie… or two!

We can’t write an article on Melton Mowbray without mentioning pork pies! Melton Mowbray pies have been handmade in the town since the late 18th century and has become and bit of a British food icon . A Melton Mowbray pie contains chopped pork whereas other pork pies normally contain minced pork. The crust is always formed by hand and it is cooked free-standing to give the classic handmade look. If you would like to find out more, why not book to go on a pie making experience where you can learn the history and more importantly how these pork pies are made. Both Dickinson & Morris and Brockleby’s offer these experiences but booking is essential.

Explore a variety of cheeses

Did you know Melton Mowbray is home to several producers of Stilton cheese? With the honour of having Protected Designation of Origin status, Stilton cheese can only be produced in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, so why not enjoy it in the place it was made.

• Melton Cheeseboard is home to over 150 different varieties of cheese, from locally made Stilton and Red Leicester, to continental cheeses, you certainly have lots of choice.
• The Artisan Cheese Fair takes place every May, with around 75 artisan cheesemakers from Britain and Ireland displaying over 300 cheeses for you to try and buy.
• Eaten too much cheese? Why not stroll around the town and take in the history with the Melton Heritage Trail. Starting at Egerton Lodge and finishing at the Melton Carnegie Museum.

Where to visit: Melton Cheeseboard, 8 Windsor Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1BU

How to get there: It’s a 7 minute walk to the shop from Melton Mowbray station.

Market days in Melton Mowbray

Markets in Melton Mowbray were first recorded in 1086 and have been a going strong ever since. So, if you’re looking for the busiest days in the town be sure to head to these!

• The Livestock Market takes place every Tuesday and has sales of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as week as selling poultry, game, eggs, plants and produce.
• The Antiques and Collectors Fair first started as a couple of stalls but is now the bustling buying and selling arena at the heart of Melton. It’s held every Tuesday and Friday.
• Melton Street Market is one of the oldest and finest street markets in the country! Every Tuesday and Saturday the town centre is a lively a hustling and bustling area of stalls selling everything from clothing to fresh produce.

Where to visit: Melton Street Market, 2 Park Lane, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0PT

How to get there: The market is an easy 7 minute walk from the station – but remember this is only Tuesdays.

Stamford

If you’ve got some extra times on your hands why not head further along the line to the town of Stamford. Once proclaimed by Sir Walter Scott as “the finest stone town in England”, the town is a popular film location starring in Pride & Prejudice and Middlemarch. If you’re looking for the history of the town then head to the library and heritage display to see the Stamford Tapestry which displays the entire history of the town or take a peek in one of the seven churches in the town. Or why not head out to Burghley House, which is one of the most impressive Elizabethan houses in England.  

What to visit: Burghley House, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2ND

How to get there: Burghley House is about a 30-minute walk from Stamford Station or a 20-minute bus ride if you catch the 202 from Phillips Court bus stop.

If you’re want to carry on exploring the area, why not carry on down the line to Peterborough? Take a look at our guide to Peterborough for more details on the city. Make sure you take advantage of great savings with CrossCountry Advance train tickets and you download our mobile app to buy your tickets.