Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Hinckley, the second-largest town in Leicestershire, is situated between Leicester and Coventry, near the historic site of the Battle of Bosworth Field (1485). From the 17th century until the 20th century, Hinckley gained notoriety for its hosiery, initially produced in framework knitters’ cottages and later in large factories that remain in the town.

A collection of half-timbered knitters’ cottages houses the town museum, while an industrial-era factory was repurposed into the Concordia Theatre in the 1970s.

Triumph, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the UK, has been established in Hinckley since the 1980s and has developed a new visitor experience that includes a tour of the state-of-the-art factory and a dedicated exhibition.

Let us examine the top attractions in Hinckley:

1. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

The Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, marked a significant turning point in English history, leading to the conclusion of the Wars of the Roses for the House of Lancaster, the demise of the Plantagenet dynasty, and the ascension of Henry VIII to the throne.

Although the precise location of the battle remains a matter of contention, a prestigious heritage centre inaugurated a few miles north of Hinckley in 1974, situated within a scenic country park.

This centre vividly illustrates the battle’s reality through interactive displays and a wealth of information.

One exhibit reveals the duration a soldier might have survived, depending on the weaponry and armor carried.

Visitors can traverse the estate via designated trails and enjoy a substantial Medieval-style meal at the replica oak tithe barn.

For an engaging experience, there are costumed guided tours, while the Bosworth Medieval Festival hosts grand reenactments every mid-August.

2. Triumph Factory Visitor Experience

After the original Triumph motorcycle company, established in 1902, ceased operations in 1983, production was relocated to Hinckley under new management.

Currently, Triumph stands as the premier motorcycle manufacturer in the UK, and the factory’s new visitor experience was inaugurated by Prince William in 2018.

A tour of the factory unveils the cutting-edge technology involved in producing a new Triumph motorcycle, along with intriguing insights at each production stage.

An exhibition offers a chronological overview of the marque and showcases some of the milestone Triumph models spanning the last 120 years.

Concluding the tour, visitors can indulge in refreshments at the sleek 1902 Café, featuring artisanal coffee.

3. Hinckley & District Museum

This museum is situated within the most well-preserved half-timbered structures remaining in Hinckley.

These cottages, which date back to the 17th century, served as residences for framework knitters, making it an ideal site to explore Hinckley’s hosiery legacy.

Visitors can enter a framework knitter’s room and observe the hand-operated machines utilized prior to the industry’s transition to large-scale factories in the 19th century.

In 2019, guests discovered many fascinating exhibits, including Victorian costumes, a display on the Battle of Bosworth, and profiles of remarkable women, such as Ada Lovelace and the locally born Victorian novelist Charlotte Mary Brame.

4. St Mary’s Church

As the oldest edifice in the town, St Mary’s Church remains a vital part of daily community life.

The church features a coffee bar located in the north chapel, equipped with comfortable sofas and second-hand books for purchase.

It also serves as a host for numerous cultural events, including the Hinckley Opera Festival in spring, and frequently organizes lunchtime concerts featuring bands, choirs, and organists.

The nave, chancel, and tower, which date from between 1246 and 1400, represent the oldest parts of the structure. This impressive tower reaches over 25 meters tall with 1.7-meter-thick walls, prominently dominating Hinckley’s skyline.

Within, one of the church’s most striking features is the Decorated Gothic tower arch from the early 14th century.

5. Hollycroft Park

Hollycroft Park, a multi-award-winning Green Flag recipient for the past decade, was designed in the 1930s and remains unchanged since its donation by the prominent local Atkins family.

One of the primary public events in Hinckley’s annual calendar, Proms in the Park, is held at the park’s elegant Art Deco bandstand every July.

The park features a pitch and putt course, tennis courts, and a bowling green complete with an attractive pavilion.

Visitors may also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the formal flowerbeds and admire the numerous specimen trees.

In fact, there are so many trees that the council has established a 32-stop Tree Trail, complete with a booklet to help identify the most remarkable specimens.

6. Burbage Common and Woods

The largest rural area in the borough combines semi-natural woodland with pristine grassland, encompassing 200 acres.

Historically, this area served as common land for local livestock grazing, while the woodland represents the last surviving section of the Hinckley Forest, which dates back to Medieval times, with timber still harvested through traditional coppicing methods.

This common is a serene retreat, surrounded by open countryside to the north, south, and east.

It is an ideal destination for tranquil walks, a visitor center, and the dog-friendly Mays Cafe.

7. St Margaret’s, Stoke Golding

Just a short distance from Hinckley, the village of Stoke Golding features a Grade I listed church, characterized by exceptional craftsmanship dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Approaching St Margaret’s from the south reveals a series of six pointed three-light windows, intricately designed from the late 14th century.

The primary chancel window is equally impressive, featuring five cinquefoil-headed lights.

Among the numerous fittings, the octagonal font from the mid-14th century stands out, adorned with tracery and carefully carved figures of St Margaret and other saints around the basin.

Additionally, note the peculiar corbel carved in the likeness of a man’s head, located to the left of the south aisle’s east window.

Visitors can also view an incised sword marking the memory of Sir R. de Champaigne from the late 13th century and a decorative tablet honoring Henry Firebrace (d. 1690).

8. The Great Meeting Chapel

Nestled along Baines’ Lane in the Hinckley Town Centre Conservation Area, this early Nonconformist chapel was constructed in 1722. Nonconformists were Protestant dissidents who did not conform to the established practices of the Church of England as stipulated by the Act of Uniformity 1662.

Given that Nonconformists faced restrictions in various public arenas, this brick structure, located adjacent to an old hosiery factory, may inconspicuously blend into its surroundings, yet it functions as a place of worship.

Inside, the chapel retains its 18th-century oak-panelled galleries and panelled pulpits, which originally featured alcoves for theological students in the 1700s.

9. Tropical Birdland

Located on the northern outskirts of Desford, Tropical Birdland serves as a sanctuary for parrots and a diverse array of exotic avian species.

Spanning 6.5 acres, the facility hosts aviaries for over 250 feathered occupants, including owls, hornbills, toucans, macaws, and cockatoos, among others.

Along the Parrot Path, visitors have the opportunity to interact with several residents, who roam freely and may attempt to snatch jewelry or buttons if caution is not exercised.

The facility also features a chick room where guests can view newly hatched chicks through windows and may even witness a chick emerging from its egg.

Children will delight in the enhanced play area, while the Real Macaw Cafe is well-regarded, offering a seasonal menu.

10. Twycross Zoo

The immensely popular Twycross Zoo, which opened in 1963, is renowned for its extensive collection of primate species.

This zoo is unique in the UK for housing all four great ape species: orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees, and it boasts one of the largest collections of gibbons in any European facility.

The Chimpanzee Eden habitat, equipped with viewing platforms and observation windows, opened in 2018, allowing visitors to observe the chimps as they interact and play from diverse perspectives.

Additionally, the zoo is home to a wide variety of other creatures, including giraffes, snow leopards, and Humboldt penguins, as well as a plethora of exotic butterflies in the Butterfly Forest.

At Lorikeet Landing, guests have the opportunity to feed colorful parrots by hand, while the Explorer Zone offers a hands-on experience, allowing children to pet goats and engage closely with donkeys.

For families, the park provides numerous fun activities, including electric safari cars, a Wet ‘n’ Wild water playground, a soft play area, and an outdoor playground.

11. Sutton Cheney

A visit to the Bosworth Battlefield complements a trip to the adjacent village of Sutton Cheney, known for its charming, historic coaching inns, such as the Royal Arms and Hercules Revived, which continue to function as pubs.

The 14th-century St James’ Church in Sutton Cheney is reputed to be where Richard III last worshipped in August 1485. Adding to the area’s charm, Sutton Cheney is located along the Ashby Canal, featuring a picturesque wharf.

Here, visitors may take a moment to enjoy a drink or light meal by the water and embark on the 1.25-mile Bosworth Battlefield Trail within the country park.

12. Stoney Cove – National Dive Centre

Stoney Cove, an alluring flooded quarry located just a few minutes from Hinckley, has evolved into one of the top inland diving destinations in the country.

This site has drawn divers since the 1960s and has transformed into an impressive underwater park, open 362 days each year.

Many intriguing items have been submerged here, including a block house, an aircraft wreck, a tugboat, a Land Rover, and an APC tank, while underwater species such as carp, perch, and pike can often be seen.

Experienced divers can arrive, rent equipment (£48.20 for a complete package), and begin their diving adventure, while various PADI courses are available through the dive school, which utilizes a heated pool.

Beginners may pursue Open Water or Advanced Open Water certifications, while seasoned divers can enroll in specialty courses covering topics such as wreck diving and night diving.

13. Grange Farm

For a delightful and engaging family activity in the local countryside, consider spending an hour or two picking your own fruits.

Grange Farm specializes in soft fruits, offering visitors the option to bring their own containers or borrow one from the sales hut before weighing their harvest.

The farm opens in mid-June for the strawberry and gooseberry season, continuing through mid-August when blackberry, redcurrant, blueberry, and raspberry picking is also available.

If planning to visit in early July, be sure to seek out blackcurrants, as they are available for only a short period.

14. Concordia Theatre

A valuable part of the cultural landscape in Hinckley, the Concordia Theatre was established in 1972, located within a repurposed hosiery factory, and is maintained by dedicated volunteers.

The theatre serves as a platform for numerous local amateur dance, drama, and opera societies, staging approximately 30 productions annually.

One notable contributor is Stanley Opera, known for organizing the Hinckley Opera Festival held every early spring.

The festival’s 2019 edition featured a production of The Marriage of Figaro at Concordia, alongside lunchtime recitals at St Mary’s Church and a series of evening talks, workshops, and masterclasses.

15. The Crescent

In the 2010s, Hinckley’s dilapidated bus station at the town’s center underwent redevelopment into a vibrant outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

The bus station has reopened and now features various retail establishments, including Sainsbury’s, TK Maxx, and Superdrug, alongside high street dining options such as Prezzo, Costa Coffee, and Burger King, as well as a gym and a Cineworld multiplex cinema.

This revitalized Crescent development has been well-received, drawing visitors from neighboring Nuneaton, where Hinckley residents previously traveled to shop.