Enjoy the best of both worlds; the hustle and bustle of busy cities and the quiet calm of nature reserves and sleepy villages. There’s a lot to see and do in Leicestershire, whether you choose to go with family, friends or your other half.

Why not take a fascinating journey around Snibston, the region''s largest interactive museum and a must-see for visitors to this area. You''ll discover 500 years of technological innovation and the largest fashion display outside London. Leicester Abbey is well worth a visit; these ruins are steeped in history and named as the burial place of Cardinal Wolsey. The ruins are sited within an urban green space complete with a lake where you can hire rowing boats in the summer. If you''re lucky, you might even catch a brass band in the bandstand.

There’s plenty of family entertainment and days out here, head down to Tropical Birdland where there are more than 250 birds to admire and you''ll get some fantastically colourful snaps while you feed the parrots! If the kids are craving excitement and adventure then Twinlakes theme park and petting zoo is perfect for the little ones. For a more relaxed day out, Melbourne Hall is not to be missed; this manor house is open to the public and has stunning gardens, gift shop, tea rooms and a blooming lovely plant stall.

A cottage holiday provides the perfect base for all sorts of breaks. Nature and walking enthusiasts will love the country parks of Beacon and Burrough Hill which offer panoramic views over the surrounding area. If driving rather than walking is more your thing, you could visit Castle Donington, home to the world-famous Donington Park motor racing circuit.

The fashionable centres of Leicester and Loughborough offer all the restaurants and stores you could possibly need, even for the most dedicated shopper. From your Leicestershire holiday cottage it''s not very far to travel to Rutland Water, well-known for its watersports and nature reserve; there really is something here for everyone, whether you choose to boat, bike or hike! Last but not least: treat yourself to a pork pie or some special stilton cheese; you certainly can''t travel through Melton Mowbray without sampling some of its most famous produce.

Take a look at our selection of holiday cottages in Leicestershire today.