Considering Loughborough as your destination for university? You'll stay busy outside of lectures with all of these activities...
Updated: 09 Jul 2026
Located in Leicestershire, the town of Loughborough is home to over 18,000 students. That sure is a lot of people to keep entertained on the weekend.
If you're thinking of joining them soon at Loughborough University, then here's some of the delights that await you...
Good for: A good ol' breakfast.
What it is: A small local cafe serving classic lunch and breakfast options.
Why you should go: With reasonable prices, a good sized menu and quality food and drinks, there's little reason not to go. If you had a big night, then a big fry up the morning after can help banish the headaches (and don't forget plenty of water and orange juice to rehydrate).
Good for: Comedy, music, theatre and art fans. Nights out with your friends, first dates or just to feel all cultural!
What it is: The local town hall puts on a variety of entertainment throughout the year, including top comedians, art exhibitions, movie nights, musical performances, plays, and regular slots for both a jazz and comedy night (not on the same day, obviously!).
Why you should go: Escape your studying stresses and take your mind off lectures for a night, you deserve it! It’s also a great place to bond with new uni friends as it’ll help break the ice as you’re guaranteed to have something to talk about after. Plus they offer student discount so you’ll be saving a few quid!
Good for: Pizzas and pints.
What it is: A restaurant serving pizzas, small plates, pints, cocktails and sweet treats.
Why you should go: They have happy Monday, where you can get two pizzas for the price of one, and they also have 2 for £10 cocktails offers running at certain times of the week. Plus, who doesn't love a pizza?
Good for: Picnics on sunny days, playing with mates, relaxing walks and learning something new.
What it is: A beautiful park in the centre of Loughborough that’s easy to get to and offers lots of activities.
Why you should go: It’s more than just something to walk around, inside the park there are two museums, the Carillon Tower War Memorial and Museum, and the Charnwood Museum.
There’s plenty to see as you’re walking around the park too, including a bowling green, bandstand, aviaries and even a swan shaped maze! And to top it off, you’ll be connected to the university as there are sculptures that have been designed by actual Loughborough University students. Basically you’ll never be bored in this park.
Good for: People who want to exercise, have fun and learn a new skill.
What is it: An indoor bouldering (rock climbing) centre that’s suitable for climbers at all ability levels. They rely on crash mats rather than roped equipment so you’ll be able to learn more and grasp the basics easier. It has over 800sqm of surfaces you can cover so you’ll certainly have plenty of space to climb! They also offer introductory lessons for complete newbies.
Why you should go: It’s always good to learn new things, especially at university, and this will not only teach you something different but it’ll also keep you fit and healthy. Win/win. And no matter what your level of skill or fitness this activity is suitable for you.
It’s indoors so you can go throughout the year, whether it’s blistering hot or so cold you’re wearing a coat in lectures. Plus it’s only three minutes away from Loughborough centre so there’s no excuse not to go!
Good for: Cheap food, house essentials and other bargain buys.
What is it: A local market that is open every Thursday and Saturday between 7am-5pm. Based in the town centre, there are over 100 traders selling a variety of items at affordable prices.
Why you should go: Your student loan doesn’t always stretch as far or as long as you’d like, so this local market is the perfect place to get more for your money. From cheap dinners and household basics, to luxury goods and clothing, you’re bound to find both what you need and the luxuries you want.
Good for: Pizza, obviously.
What is it: A great pizza place where the food is not only delicious, it’s authentically Italian. In this modern restaurant you’ll be surrounded by beautiful artwork, exposed brick walls, low slung lighting and a range of seating options, including up-cycled furniture!
Why you should go: If you love pizza as much as Joey from Friends, then you absolutely need to visit this place. It’s virtually always there for you as it opens until 9:30pm every evening (10:30 on Fridays and Saturdays), and it's open from 12pm every day.
Good for: Nights out, dancing till your feet hurt, drinking, general socialising.
What is it: One of the biggest nightclubs in Loughborough, it's open four days of the week. Each night has different offerings, and the music varies depending on the night you go, so there's something for everyone.
Why you should go: Echos offers discounts on tickets for university society socials as well as birthday parties, so you can be sure you're getting a good deal if you're going as part of an arranged night. And with two rooms playing different types of music, you’re bound to find something you like to dance to.
Open from 10:30pm-4am Thurs-Sun you can party through the night and beyond, and because it’s situated really close to bus stops and taxi ranks, it’s easy to get home.
Good for: A unique date, or a birthday party.
What is it: An escape rooms with several different adventures to try.
Why you should go: While it's a little bit on the pricier side, it's better value if three or more of you go, and it's a fun and different way to spend a day. If someone's looking for a unique date idea or birthday party plan then it's a great idea and a good way to build friendships (if you escape, anyway...)
Good for: Seeing old trains.
What is it: A main-line heritage railway visited by vintage steam trains regularly.
Why you should go: Look, old trains are cool. This is known. You'll see loads of them rolling through on the Great Central Railway. You can even take a trip on them to somewhere else to see more cool stuff. That's how good trains are.
Receive a monthly newsletter packed with useful tips and updates to help you find the right uni.