Throughout the festival
BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD GUIDED WALKS
Every Saturday and Sunday: 11.30am & 2pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD
1¼ mile (2km) walk with one of Bosworth’s knowledgeable and experienced guides, bringing the events of the Battle of Bosworth to life. This walk is suitable for all ages and welcomes children & families
Adults £4.50; concession £4; children £3, Family Tickets available. For more information contact us via 01455 290429 or visit https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/whats-on/
Week 1: 1-7 July
ALL SAINTS CHURCH LOUGHBOROUGH TOUR
Saturday 1 July: 10am – 12 noon
All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX
A chance to visit Loughborough’s parish church, one of Leicestershire’s major churches. The existing fabric is mostly 14th century and later.
FREE but donations to the church welcome. Light refreshments available
BELGRAVE HALL AND GARDEN TOURS
Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July: 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm
Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Leicester LE4 5PE
A wonderful chance to visit and learn more about the history of Belgrave Hall and the fascinating families who lived there. Belgrave Hall provides an oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city and is set amid two acres of serene walled gardens which you can explore and enjoy alongside the tour.
FREE, booking essential via www.leicestermuseums.org.
A TOUR OF BARDON PARK CHAPEL
Sunday 2 July: 2.30pm
Meet at Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane (A511), Bardon LE67 1SY
Join Richard Norburn for a chance to see Leicestershire’s oldest non-conformist chapel, built for John Hood of Bardon Hall soon after the 1689 Act of Toleration legalised non-conformist places of worship.
Cost £4. No booking required
A TOUR OF HOUGH MILL, SWANNINGTON
Sunday 2 July: 2-5pm
Hough Mill, St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW
The lovingly restored Hough Mill is open to visitors and our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides will be able to answer all your mill related questions! This wonderful windmill, dating back to 1800, is a ‘must see hidden gem’. You can have a go at making flour.
FREE but donations welcome. No booking necessary. Email swanningtonchair@hotmail.com for more details.
GROBY OLD HALL TOUR OF GROUNDS
Tuesday 4 July: 2pm
Meet at the Hall Gates, opposite the Stamford Arms, Groby LE6 0FL
Join archaeologist Peter Liddle for a walk round the grounds of Groby Old Hall for an external look at the Old Hall (including some of the earliest brick structures in Leicestershire), a visit to the Norman motte, the ruins of the medieval manor and the area of the Time Team excavations and geophysical surveys. This site was a castle of the Earls of Leicester, the home of the Ferrers and Grey families and that of Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV’s queen.
Adults £4, children FREE. BOOKING ESSENTIAL and limited numbers, contact Peter Liddle via 0116 221 4508 or Peter.liddle51@gmail.com
A WALK AROUND WHITWICK
Tuesday 4 July: 6.30pm
Meet at the Old Station North Street Whitwick LE67 5HA
A guided village walk which links significant historical sites in Whitwick and reveals some surprising stories. After the walk, there will be an opportunity to look around Whitwick Historical Group’s base at Whitwick’s Old Station. This is the only remaining building on the former Charnwood Forest Railway.
FREE. Email: whitwickhistoricalgroup83@gmail.com
PREHISTORIC EARTHWORKS AT BEACON HILL
Wednesday 5 July: 2pm
Meet in the Upper Car Park, Beacon Hill Country Park, Beacon Road, Woodhouse Eaves LE12 8SP
Join archaeologist Peter Liddle for a stroll around Beacon Hill. This is well known as a beauty spot, one of the highest hills in the county, but few know that the hill is surrounded by the earthworks of a hill fort, presumed to be Late Bronze Age in date.
Adults £4, children FREE. No booking necessary. Car park charge of £3 for up to 2 hours. Stout footwear recommended.
SEARCHING FOR THE KNIGHTS HOSPITALLER AT CASTLE HILL
Thursday July 6: 6pm
Meet at the Castle Hill Country Park entrance on the corner of Astill Lodge Road and Kingsbridge Crescent, Leicester LE4 1EF
Join archaeologist Mathew Morris from University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) for a tour of the earthworks of a medieval Knights Hospitaller preceptory (featured on BBC2’s Digging For Britain). Find out about the site’s fascinating history and see some of the artefacts found during recent excavations.
Adults £4; children FREE. No booking required.
For information on the park https://www.leicester.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/our-parks/castle-hill-country-park/
Week 2: 8-14 July
BRADGATE PARK ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR
Saturday 8 July: 11am
Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford car park (meet at the park gates) LE6 0HB
After 5 years of excavation by the University of Leicester we now know a lot more about the Park’s archaeology. Join archaeologists Peter Liddle and Prof Richard Thomas to visit the sites and hear about the discoveries.
Adults £4, children FREE. Car parking £3 (up to 3 hours); £4.50 (all day). Booking essential via https://www.bradgatepark.org/Event/explore-the-archaeology-of-bradgate-park
MARKET BOSWORTH TOWN TRAIL GUIDED WALK
Saturday 8 July: 10am
Meet in the Market Square by the Memorial, Market Bosworth CV13 0LF
Take a guided walk the medieval centre of Market Bosworth and beyond, learning about its buildings and inhabitants as you go. The secret behind the White House, where the nail maker worked and the macabre story of Dr Robert Pull who died in 1755, or did he? The walk is around 1 mile and 2 hours.
FREE but donations welcome. Town Trail Guides available for £1. Booking essential via info@marketbosworthsociety.com
ALL SAINTS CHURCH LOUGHBOROUGH TOUR
Saturday 8 July: 10am – 12 noon
All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX
A chance to visit Loughborough’s parish church, one of Leicestershire’s major churches. The existing fabric is mostly 14th century and later.
FREE but donations to the church welcome. Light refreshments available
GLENFIELD TUNNEL TOURS
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 July: 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm
Meet at The Old Rectory (dbs managed offices) car park opposite the Forge Inn on Kirby Road, Glenfield LE3 8DG
Stewards will conduct you along the track bed of the Leicester-Swannington railway to the Glenfield Tunnel, built in 1832 to transport coal from NW Leicestershire to Leicester. The guides will explain details about the history of the tunnel, its construction and subsequent use, along with a number of stories which have come down to us over the years. Stout shoes and a torch are strongly recommended
FREE but donations welcome. Booking essential on: www.lihs.org.uk or via Eventbrite
A TOUR OF HOUGH MILL, SWANNINGTON
Sunday 9 July: 2 – 5pm
Hough Mill, St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW
The lovingly restored Hough Mill is open to visitors and our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides will be able to answer all your mill related questions! This wonderful windmill, dating back to 1800, is a ‘must see hidden gem’. You can have a go at making flour.
FREE but donations welcome. No booking necessary. Email swanningtonchair@hotmail.com for more details.
GRACE DIEU PRIORY GUIDED WALK
Sunday 9 July: 3pm
Meet at the Bull’s Head Car Park, Thringstone LE67 8LR
Walk through the ancient Grace Dieu Woods, under the Charnwood Forest Railway and along the Charnwood Forest Canal to the picturesque ruins of Grace Dieu Nunnery which was later a Tudor mansion. A Friends of Grace Dieu event.
Adults £3, children FREE. No booking required. For more information visit www.gracedieupriory.org.uk or contact Ann Petty via 01530 831895 or annpetty1948@yahoo.co.uk
TOURS OF LEICESTER GUILDHALL
Sunday 9 July: 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm
Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ
Join Mark Collins, one of our wonderful tour guides and explore the history of Leicester’s oldest medieval building. Find out about the characters who have passed through its historic doors and discover the important role it has played in Leicester’s history.
FREE. Booking essential via www.leicestermuseums.org
LAUNDE ABBEY GUIDED WALK
Sunday 9 July: 2pm
Launde Abbey, near Loddington LE7 9XB
Join archaeologist Peter Liddle on a walk around Launde Abbey, a very fine Jacobean mansion on the site of, and incorporating parts of, a medieval Augustinian Priory. Peter will be sharing the results of recent research into the site. Launde does very fine lunches, which need to be booked on 01572 717254. Coffee or light lunches can be catered for without booking.
Adults £4, children FREE. No need to book.
DESFORD HERITAGE WALK
Monday 10 July: 10am
Meet at Desford Library, Main Street, Desford LE9 9JP
Join Desford Local History Society for a gentle stroll around the village to learn about its rich heritage.
£5 includes coffee & cookies. Limit of 15 people. Please book on 01455 823537 or patcrane33@gmail.com
A TOUR OF WIGSTON CEMETERY
Tuesday 11 July: 7pm
Meet outside the Chapel, Wigston Cemetery, Welford Road, Wigston Magna LE18 3TE
Join Peter Cousins to hear about the founding and history of the cemetery, along with revealing detailed research into several of the people at rest there.
Cost £5 per person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, please contact petercousins@ntlworld.com or call 07702 127313
All proceeds to Greater Wigston Heritage Centre and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers
HIDDEN HISTORIES OF LEICESTER presents ‘An UnCivil War’ Guided Tour
Tuesday 11 July: 11am (duration approx. 100mins)
Town Hall Square, Leicester LE1 9BG
In the Summer of 1645, the town of Leicester was besieged by Royalist forces and suffered the bloodiest 48 hours in its long history. Join local historian Jim Butler and discover stories of bravery and barbarism whilst exploring the scenes and settings for some of the bloodiest fighting in the town.
Cost £5 per person, Children under 16 FREE (suitable for children over 10yrs, accompanied by an adult). Booking essential via Eventbrite
A TOUR OF INGARSBY DESERTED VILLAGE
Tuesday 11 July: 2pm
Meet in the farmyard, Ingarsby Old Hall, Ingarsby Lane LE7 9JL
Join archaeologist Peter Liddle for a walk around one of the best preserved deserted villages in the country. In 1469 Leicester Abbey turned the parish over to pasture and cleared the village to be replaced by a farm on the site of the present Ingarsby Old Hall.
Adults £4, children FREE. No booking needed.
BELGRAVE HALL AND GARDEN TOUR
Wednesday 12 July: 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm
Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Leicester LE4 5PE
A wonderful chance to visit and learn more about the history of Belgrave Hall and the fascinating families who lived there. Belgrave Hall provides an oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city and is set amid two acres of serene walled gardens which you can explore and enjoy alongside the tour.
FREE, booking essential via www.leicestermuseums.org
LEICESTER ABBEY TOUR
Thursday 13 July: 2pm
Meet at the Abbey Park Road car park adjacent to Pet’s Corner LE4 5AP
Join Peter Liddle and City Archaeologist, Grahame Appleby, for a walk around the remains of Leicester Abbey, Leicestershire’s biggest and richest medieval religious house and hear about the excavations that have helped to tell its story
Adults £4, children FREE. No booking required
WIGSTON HISTORY WALK
Thursday 13 July: 7pm
Meet by St Wistan’s Church, Bull Head Street, Wigston LE18 3RA
The walk, led by Peter Cousins, starts with the history of Wigston, and takes you on a walk detailing many of the historic buildings, some of which are listed, and some of the famous local people commemorated on the blue plaques.
Cost £5 per person. Booking essential, please contact petercousins@ntlworld.com or call 07702 127313
All proceeds to Greater Wigston Heritage Centre and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers
GUIDED WALK OF THE MOUNTSORREL & ROTHLEY COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTRE
Friday 14 July: 2pm
Meet in the patio area outside ‘Granites Coffee Shop’ , 240 Swithland Lane, Rothley LE7 7UE (satnavs try LE7 7SJ).
Join Robert Turlington for a guided walk looking at the history and archaeology of Nunckley Hill Quarry, the Mountsorrel Railway (Swithland branch), the remains of an early 19th century building known as ‘Dobb Hall’, heritage buildings, railway museum and the restored 1888 MSLR six wheel passenger carriage.
Cost £5 (including entrance fee). To reserve a place please email turlington2008@yahoo.com or phone Robert on 0116 4791068
Week 3: 15-21 July
ALL SAINTS CHURCH LOUGHBOROUGH TOUR & TALKS
Saturday 15 July: 10am – 4pm
All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX
A chance to visit Loughborough’s parish church, one of Leicestershire’s major churches. The existing fabric is mostly 14th century and later.
Church historian Roger Willson will also provide two talks. At 11am he will talk on ‘How a town church has changed through the centuries’, and at 2.30pm on the main points of interest of the church.
FREE but donations to the church welcome. Light refreshments available
A GUIDED WALK IN CASTLE DONINGTON
Saturday 15 July: 10.30am
Meet in the Market Place, Castle Donington DE74 2JB
Join in a guided walk around the historic village of Castle Donington, with its medieval layout, fine church and interesting buildings.
Adults £4, children FREE. Proceeds to Castle Donington Museum. Booking essential via cdm1657@gmail.com as numbers are restricted due to narrow streets.
GLENFIELD TUNNEL TOURS
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 July: 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm
Meet at The Old Rectory (dbs managed offices) car park opposite the Forge Inn on Kirby Road, Glenfield LE3 8DG
Stewards will conduct you along the track bed of the Leicester-Swannington railway to the Glenfield Tunnel, built in 1832 to transport coal from NW Leicestershire to Leicester. The guides will explain details about the history of the tunnel, its construction and subsequent use, along with a number of stories which have come down to us over the years. Stout shoes and a torch are strongly recommended
FREE but donations welcome. Booking essential on: www.lihs.org.uk or via Eventbrite
TOUR OF LEICESTER GUILDHALL
Sunday 16 July: 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm
Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ
Join Mark Collins, one of our wonderful tour guides and explore the history of Leicester’s oldest medieval building. Find out about the characters who have passed through its historic doors and discover the important role it has played in Leicester’s history.
FREE. Booking essential via www.leicestermuseums.org
HALLATON CASTLE WALK
Sunday 16 July: 2pm
Meet at Hallaton Museum, the Tin Tab, Churchgate, Hallaton LE16 8TY
A very rare chance to visit the site of Leicestershire’s finest Motte and Bailey Castle. This is rough agricultural land. Please wear stout footwear and absolutely no dogs.
Cost £5. Limit of 12 people. To guarantee a place please pre-book via www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/festivalofarchaeology
A GUIDED WALK AROUND HOBY VILLAGE
Sunday 16 July: 2pm
Meet in All Saints Church, Main Street, Hoby LE14 3DT
Hoby is a beautiful Wreake Valley village that still retains much of its old and interesting architecture. The Hoby & District Local History Society offers a guided walk around Hoby lasting about 2 hours. The trail covers architecture and social history and is illustrated with photographs from the early part of the last century.
Adults £3, children FREE. Booking required please contact Diane via 07529 220111 or secretary@hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk. www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk
A TOUR OF HOUGH MILL, SWANNINGTON
Sunday 16 July: 2 – 5pm
Hough Mill, St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW
The lovingly restored Hough Mill is open to visitors and our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides will be able to answer all your mill related questions! This wonderful windmill, dating back to 1800, is a ‘must see hidden gem’. You can have a go at making flour.
FREE but donations welcome. No booking necessary. Email swanningtonchair@hotmail.com for more details.
ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH GUIDED WALK
Sunday 16 July: 2.30pm
Meet at Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU
Join us for a gentle walk around the historic Market Street area, looking at some of the town’s oldest buildings as well as the burgage plots/courts behind the main street.
Cost £4. Duration approximately 1 to 1½ hours. Numbers are limited to 15 so please book in advance, by phoning us during opening hours or calling in at the museum:
01530 560090 enquiries@ashbymuseum.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/ashbymuseum
Opening hours: 11.00-16.00 on Monday, Tuesday, Friday; 11.00-13.30 Wednesday; 10.00-12.30 on Saturday
A TOUR OF THE WIGSTON FRAMEWORK KNITTERS MUSEUM
Monday 17 July: 2pm
Meet in rear yard of the museum at 42-44 Bushloe End, Wigston LE18 2BA
Join Bill Boulter for a tour of the Framework Knitters Museum, consisting of a late 17th-century Master Hosiers House with a Victorian frame shop and garden. The frame shop is a unique time capsule more or less unchanged since the last master hosier died in 1952 and contains the original frames in their original positions with a more modern working example. There will be an opportunity to explore the garden.
Adults £5, children FREE but must be accompanied (steep stairs and cobbles). Advance booking advisable on 07813 782899 or cftowell@aol.com
No local street parking and a small charge is now made in nearby car parks (10 minutes walk).
TOUR OF ST PETERS CHURCH, OADBY
Tuesday 18 July: 10am-1pm
St Peters Church, Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 5QE
St Peters is a Grade 11* building originally from the 11th century but remodelled in the 13th century with modifications and repairs ever since, the last being in 2021.
A collection of drawings and photographs of the church will be on display and local historians will be available to answer questions.
FREE but donations welcome. Call in at your leisure, no booking required.
No street parking but nearby car park, five minutes walk, at a charge of £1 for 2 hours. Many local cafes and pubs provide food and drinks.
HIDDEN HISTORIES OF LEICESTER presents: ‘Medieval Mementoes’ Guided Walk
Tuesday 18 July: 11am (duration approx. 90mins)
Meet outside The Guildhall, Guildhall Ln, LE1 5FQ
Join local historian Jim Butler for an exploration of some of the streets, buildings and places that offer insights into Leicester’s fascinating medieval past. Highlighting the town’s surviving buildings from the Middle Ages, Jim will also encourage participants to spot the clues left by the medieval town that have survived through the centuries into today’s modern cityscape.
Cost £5 per person, Children under 16 FREE (suitable for children over 10yrs, accompanied by an adult). Booking essential via Eventbrite
SOUTH WIGSTON HISTORY WALK – THE “ORSON WRIGHT TRAIL”
Tuesday 18 July: 7pm
Meet on the corner of Blaby Road and Canal Street outside NWSLC, South Wigston LE18 4SD
The walk, led by Peter Cousins, details the development of South Wigston from fields to a town by the Victorian Entrepreneur Orson Wright, plus his building in Leicester.
Cost £5 per person. Booking essential, please contact petercousins@ntlworld.com or call 07702 127313
All proceeds to Greater Wigston Heritage Centre and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers
MARKFIELD VILLAGE WALK
Tuesday 18 July: 7.15pm
Meet on the lower part of The Green opposite the Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield LE67 9WD
This is a walk that takes you back through the geological and social history of Markfield. The walk over Markfield Hill provides splendid views of Charnwood Forest and several neighbouring counties. There is some rough terrain and steep tracks. People are advised to wear suitable footwear.
FREE but donations welcome.
Organised by Markfield Local History Group
JOHN WYCLIFFE AND LUTTERWORTH PARISH CHURCH
Wednesday 19 July: 2pm
St Mary’s Church, Church Gate, Lutterworth LE17 4AN
A talk on John Wycliffe, the 14th Century religious reformer who, with his followers, completed the first translation of the bible into English whilst Rector of St Mary’s church, Lutterworth. This will be followed by a tour of St Mary’s church a fascinating listed building, containing Wycliffe memorabilia and medieval wall paintings.
£3 per person (children FREE). Bookings can be made by calling 01455-556616 or the church office 01455-558797
GUIDED TOUR OF ST HELENS CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH
Wednesday 19 July: 2pm
St Helens Community Heritage Centre, 4 Church Yard, South St, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1AA
Join a tour of this fascinating church, lasting approx. one hour. Refreshments available in the Heritage Centre afterwards. Light refreshments will be available afterwards in the Community Heritage Centre afterwards, with the opportunity to see the exhibitions. Toilets available.
£4 per person, plus donations for refreshments. Parking in town car parks. Booking via our website: www.sthelensashby.net or contact sthelensheritage@gmail.com
HALLATON HERITAGE TRAIL
Wednesday 19 July: 6pm
Meet at Hallaton Museum, the Tin Tab, Churchgate, Hallaton LE16 8TY
A gentle walk of about 90 minutes around Hallaton exploring its rich heritage.
£5 per person. Limit of 20 people. To guarantee a place please pre-book via www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/festivalofarchaeology
A GUIDED WALK IN CASTLE DONINGTON
Thursday 20 July: 2.30pm
Meet in the Market Place, Castle Donington DE74 2JB
Join in a guided walk around the historic village of Castle Donington, with its medieval layout, fine church and interesting buildings.
Adults £4, children FREE. Proceeds to Castle Donington Museum. Booking essential via cdm1657@gmail.com as numbers are restricted due to narrow streets.
A TOUR OF WIGSTON CEMETERY
Thursday 20 July: 7pm
Meet outside the Chapel, Wigston Cemetery, Welford Road, Wigston Magna LE18 3TE
Join Peter Cousins to hear about the founding and history of the cemetery, along with revealing detailed research into several of the people at rest there.
Cost £5 per person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, please contact petercousins@ntlworld.com or call 07702 127313
All proceeds to Greater Wigston Heritage Centre and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers
A WALK AROUND STONTON WYVILLE
Thursday 20 July: 2pm
Meet at the parish church, Main Street, Stonton Wyville LE16 7UG
Join archaeologist Peter Liddle to hear about the Stonton parish survey, the Time Team excavation of an Anglo-Saxon site and for a walk around the shrunken village of Stonton Wyville including a fine set of fishponds – part of a Tudor formal garden – and the village watermill.
Adults £4, children FREE. No need to book
TOURS OF LEICESTER GUILDHALL
Friday 21 July: 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm
Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ
Join Suzanne Gamble, one of our wonderful tour guides and explore the history of Leicester’s oldest medieval building. Find out about the characters who have passed through its historic doors and discover the important role it has played in Leicester’s history.
FREE. Booking essential via www.leicestermuseums.org
GUIDED WALK OF BURROUGH HILL
Friday 21 July: 2pm
Meet in the car park at Burrough Hill Country Park, Somerby Road, Burrough on the Hill LE14 2QZ
Burrough Hill is Leicestershire’s finest hill fort. Join archaeologists John Thomas and Andy Hyam from University of Leicester Archaeological Services for a walk around the ramparts and hear the results of recent excavations by the University of Leicester, which John and Andy co-directed.
Adults £4, children FREE. Car parking £2.50. No booking required. Click here for information on the park
Week 4: 22-30 July
GLENFIELD TUNNEL TOURS
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 July: 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm
Meet at The Old Rectory (dbs managed offices) car park opposite the Forge Inn on Kirby Road, Glenfield LE3 8DG
Stewards will conduct you along the track bed of the Leicester-Swannington railway to the Glenfield Tunnel, built in 1832 to transport coal from NW Leicestershire to Leicester. The guides will explain details about the history of the tunnel, its construction and subsequent use, along with a number of stories which have come down to us over the years. Stout shoes and a torch are strongly recommended
FREE but donations welcome. Booking essential on: www.lihs.org.uk or via Eventbrite
ST MORRELL’S ROUND IN TWO HALVES
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July: 10am to 2pm
The St Morrell’s Round is a circular walk inspired by the medieval pilgrimages made to the rediscovered Chapel of St Morrell over a period of about 300 years ending at the reformation. The walk visits sites of interest and relevance to that period and is 18miles through hilly High Leicestershire and Rutland.
We will walk it in two parts, Saturday: Hallaton-Launde, and Sunday: Launde-Hallaton. Details of meals and/or accommodation at Launde Abbey are available on the website.
Cost £10. Pre-booking is absolutely essential via https://www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/festivalofarchaeology
ALL SAINTS CHURCH LOUGHBOROUGH TOUR
Saturday 22 July: 10am – 12 noon
All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX
A chance to visit Loughborough’s parish church, one of Leicestershire’s major churches. The existing fabric is mostly 14th century and later.
FREE but donations to the church welcome. Light refreshments available
WALK THE SWANNINGTON INCLINE
Saturday 22 July: 10.30am
Meet at Snibston No. 3 Coal Mine, off Spring Lane, Swannington LE67 8QR
Walk in the footsteps of Robert Stephenson on a guided tour of the Swannington Incline at the western end of his 1832 Leicester and Swannington Railway. Admire the amazing work of the navvies who moved thousands of tons of material to dig out the cutting and create the embankment at the bottom of the incline. The walk distance is 1.4 miles and the return is up the 1 in 17 incline.
FREE. Booking essential via swanningtonwalks@gmail.com or 07395 572880
JOHN WYCLIFFE AND LUTTERWORTH PARISH CHURCH
Saturday 22 July: 2pm
St Mary’s Church, Church Gate, Lutterworth LE17 4AN
A talk on John Wycliffe, the 14th Century religious reformer who, with his followers, completed the first translation of the bible into English whilst Rector of St Mary’s church, Lutterworth. This will be followed by a tour of St Mary’s church a fascinating listed building, containing Wycliffe memorabilia and medieval wall paintings.
£3 per person (children FREE). Bookings can be made by calling 01455-556616 or the church office 01455-558797
GUIDED WALK OF MOUNTSORREL
Sunday 23 July: 2pm
Meet outside the Butter Market, Mountsorrel LE12 7BA
A guided walk through Mountsorrel and surrounding area, looking at the history of transporting granite from Mountsorrel Quarries to all parts of England using both road, rail and canal . We will also look at the existing buildings and structures connected with granite quarrying. This walk is about 1.5 miles long, part of which is on uneven footpaths, suitable footwear is essential.
£4 per person. To reserve a place please email turlington2008@yahoo.com or phone Robert on 0116 4791068
HALLATON CASTLE WALK
Sunday 23 July: 2pm
Meet at Hallaton Museum, the Tin Tab, Churchgate, Hallaton LE16 8TY
A very rare chance to visit the site of Leicestershire’s finest Motte and Bailey Castle. This is rough agricultural land. Please wear stout footwear and absolutely no dogs.
Cost £5. Limit of 12 people. To guarantee a place please pre-book via www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/festivalofarchaeology
A TOUR OF HAMILTON DESERTED VILLAGE
Sunday 23 July: 2pm
Meet at Pick’s Organic Farm Shop, The Cottage, King Street, Hamilton Grounds, Barkby Thorpe, LE7 3QF
Join Peter Liddle for a walk around one of Leicestershire’s finest deserted medieval villages. While Hamilton may now bring housing developments and supermarkets to mind, the original Hamilton was a small village with its own chapel that disappeared in the early 15th century.
Adults £4, children FREE. No booking required.
A TOUR OF HOUGH MILL, SWANNINGTON
Sunday 23 July: 2-5pm
Hough Mill, St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW
The lovingly restored Hough Mill is open to visitors and our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides will be able to answer all your mill related questions! This wonderful windmill, dating back to 1800, is a ‘must see hidden gem’. You can have a go at making flour.
FREE but donations welcome. No booking necessary. Email swanningtonchair@hotmail.com for more details.
GUIDED WALK OF OADBY SOUTH
Monday 24 July: 10.30am
Meet at the Royal British Legion, 4a Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 5QA
Join David Collins and Mike Bates for a walk around South Oadby and refreshments afterwards.
Adults £4, children and students FREE. Please book with David Collins by email to david.collins28@virginmedia.com with a copy to Mike Bates at mrmjbates@aol.com
HIDDEN HISTORIES OF LEICESTER presents: ‘Roamin’ Through Ratae’ Guided Walk
Tuesday 25 July: 11am (duration approx. 90mins)
St Nicholas Church, St Nicholas Walk LE1 4LB
Explore the epic rise and fall of Roman Britain through the stories left by the people and places of Ratae Corieltavorum, Leicester’s ancient Roman name. Join local historian Jim Butler on a journey through the city’s Roman past, from military outpost to Civitas Capital to crumbling Roman ruin.
Cost £5 per person, Children under 16 FREE (suitable for children over 10yrs, accompanied by an adult). Booking essential via Eventbrite
LEGAL LEICESTER: A WALK AROUND GREYFRIARS
Tuesday 25 July: 2.15pm
Meet at King Richard III Visitor Centre, 4A St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB
Join Iain Jones, retired solicitor and community archaeologist, for a walk round the historic Greyfriars area, the heart of legal Leicester, to hear stories of the lawyers and their firms in their own words.
FREE with a suggested donation to Charity. Contact iainkilbyestates@outlook.com to book a place
Copies of LEGAL LEICESTER : THE STREETS AND VOICES OF GREYFRIARS by Iain Jones and Jane Kennedy will be available at cost with any net profits to the SBA charity
WIGSTON HISTORY WALK
Tuesday 25 July: 7pm
Meet by St Wistan’s Church, Bull Head Street, Wigston LE18 3RA
The walk, led by Peter Cousins, starts with the history of Wigston, and takes you on a walk detailing many of the historic buildings, some of which are listed, and some of the famous local people commemorated on the blue plaques.
Cost £5 per person. Booking essential, please contact petercousins@ntlworld.com or call 07702 127313
All proceeds to Greater Wigston Heritage Centre and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers
GRACE DIEU PRIORY GUIDED WALK
Wednesday 26 July: 6pm
Meet at the Bull’s Head Car Park, Thringstone LE67 8LR
Walk through the ancient Grace Dieu Woods, under the Charnwood Forest Railway and along the Charnwood Forest Canal to the picturesque ruins of Grace Dieu Nunnery which was later a Tudor mansion. A Friends of Grace Dieu event.
Adults £3, children FREE. No booking required. For more information visit www.gracedieupriory.org.uk or contact Ann Petty via 01530 831895 or annpetty1948@yahoo.co.uk
HALLATON HERITAGE TRAIL
Wednesday 26 July: 6pm
Meet at Hallaton Museum, the Tin Tab, Churchgate, Hallaton LE16 8TY
A gentle walk of about 90 minutes around Hallaton exploring its rich heritage.
£5 per person. Limit of 20 people. To guarantee a place please pre-book via www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/festivalofarchaeology
ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH GUIDED WALK
Wednesday 26 July: 6.30pm
Meet at Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU
Join us for a gentle walk around the historic Market Street area, looking at some of the town’s oldest buildings as well as the burgage plots/courts behind the main street.
Cost £4. Duration approximately 1 to 1½ hours. Numbers are limited to 15 so please book in advance, by phoning us during opening hours or calling in at the museum:
01530 560090 or enquiries@ashbymuseum.org.uk
Opening hours: 11.00-16.00 on Monday, Tuesday, Friday; 11.00-13.30 Wednesday; 10.00-12.30 on Saturday
FROM SCRAP IRON FARM TO ROSE COTTAGE
Wednesday 26 July: 7pm
Meet in Swannington, details to be confirmed on booking
Enjoy a leisurely guided walk through Swannington’s farming history from Station Hill to Limby Hall Lane (and back). The walk includes the hedge jumping cow, a literary ice cream maker, a school headmistress who milked cows, the 1938 Christmas tree that is still in place, the grazier who could shoe a horse, and the WW1 disabled soldier who farmed.
FREE but donations to Swannington Heritage Trust appreciated. To book email swanningtonresearch@gmail.com
GUIDED WALK OF OADBY NORTH
Thursday 27 July: 10.30am
Meet at the Royal British Legion, 4a Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 5QA
Join David Collins and Mike Bates for a walk around North Oadby and refreshments afterwards.
Adults £4, children and students FREE. Please book with David Collins by email to david.collins28@virginmedia.com with a copy to Mike Bates at mrmjbates@aol.com
A GUIDED WALK IN CASTLE DONINGTON
Thursday 27 July: 2.30pm
Meet in the Market Place, Castle Donington DE74 2JB
Join in a guided walk around the historic village of Castle Donington, with its medieval layout, fine church and interesting buildings.
Adults £4, children FREE. Proceeds to Castle Donington Museum. Booking essential via cdm1657@gmail.com as numbers are restricted due to narrow streets.
SOUTH WIGSTON HISTORY WALK – THE “ORSON WRIGHT TRAIL”
Thursday 27 July: 7pm
Meet on the corner of Blaby Road and Canal Street outside NWSLC, South Wigston LE18 4SD
The walk, led by Peter Cousins, details the development of South Wigston from fields to a town by the Victorian Entrepreneur Orson Wright, plus his building in Leicester.
Cost £5 per person. Booking essential, please contact petercousins@ntlworld.com or call 07702 127313
All proceeds to Greater Wigston Heritage Centre and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers
GUIDED WALK OF BREEDON HILL AND CHURCH
Friday 28 July: 2pm
Meet in the church car park on the top of Breedon Hill DE73 8AJ
Breedon Hill has an Iron Age hillfort containing an Anglo-Saxon monastery which later became a medieval Augustinian priory and then a parish church. Archaeologists Peter Liddle and Rachel Askew will guide you around the priory church which boasts one of the best collections of Anglo-Saxon carvings in the country, as well as some fabulous Tudor tombs, and then walk around the surviving banks of the Iron Age hillfort.
Adults £4, children FREE. No Booking Required
GUIDED WALK OF MOUNTSORREL
Friday 28 July: 2pm
Meet outside the Butter Market, Mountsorrel LE12 7BA
A guided walk through Mountsorrel and surrounding area, looking at the history of transporting granite from Mountsorrel Quarries to all parts of England using both road, rail and canal . We will also look at the existing buildings and structures connected with granite quarrying. This walk is about 1.5 miles long, part of which is on uneven footpaths, suitable footwear is essential.
£4 per person. To reserve a place please email turlington2008@yahoo.com or phone Robert on 0116 4791068
A GUIDED WALK IN CASTLE DONINGTON
Saturday 29 July: 10.30pm
Meet in the Market Place, Castle Donington DE74 2JB
Join in a guided walk around the historic village of Castle Donington, with its medieval layout, fine church and interesting buildings.
Adults £4, children FREE. Proceeds to Castle Donington Museum. Booking essential via cdm1657@gmail.com as numbers are restricted due to narrow streets.
CALIFAT COAL MINE EXCAVATION TOUR, SWANNINGTON
Saturday 29 July: 2pm
Meet at Califat coal mine, near Hough Mill, off St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW (Follow the sign for Hough Mill and Gorse Field)
Join Leicestershire Industrial History Society and Swannington Heritage Trust for a tour of the 1855-1873 Califat coal mine. Explore two engine house complexes, learn about the two fatal accidents from a guide dressed as a miner from the 1860s. The tour includes the miners’ cottages and an 18th century haystack boiler and a chance to learn about the latest finds from the excavation team.
FREE but donations are welcome. To book please email swanningtonchair@hotmail.com
ALL SAINTS CHURCH LOUGHBOROUGH TOUR
Saturday 29 July: 10am – 12 noon
All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX
A chance to visit Loughborough’s parish church, one of Leicestershire’s major churches. The existing fabric is mostly 14th century and later.
FREE but donations to the church welcome. Light refreshments available
HALLATON CASTLE WALK
Sunday 30 July: 2pm
Meet at Hallaton Museum, the Tin Tab, Churchgate, Hallaton LE16 8TY
A very rare chance to visit the site of Leicestershire’s finest Motte and Bailey Castle. This is rough agricultural land. Please wear stout footwear and absolutely no dogs.
Cost £5. Limit of 12 people. To guarantee a place please pre-book via www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/festivalofarchaeology
A TOUR OF HOUGH MILL, SWANNINGTON
Sunday 30 July: 2-5pm
Hough Mill, St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW
The lovingly restored Hough Mill is open to visitors and our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides will be able to answer all your mill related questions! This wonderful windmill, dating back to 1800, is a ‘must see hidden gem’. You can have a go at making flour.
FREE but donations welcome. No booking necessary. Email swanningtonchair@hotmail.com for more details.
