along the riverbank Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith

The landlocked East Midlands county is of course, known for being the birthplace of the English language (as well as the motor car, whether that’s good or bad is up for debate). It’s believed that Saxons and Vikings got together to create modern English, around 1000 years ago.

There are debates, but some say Leicestershire is the most central point of England, others say Derbyshire and some even say Nuneaton (in Warwickshire). Perhaps they are all using different compasses?

What is known is that it’s a long way from the sea (the nearest seaside resort is Skegness in Lincolnshire).

However like all the Midland counties, there are plenty of canals. A throwback to the Industrial Revolution, when goods were shipped by boat to London. Today most canals are about riverside walks and leisure barge holidays.

The Grand Union Canal passes through several counties. It’s the main waterway from London to the Midlands, and forks off into two ‘arms’ – one goes to Leicester, the other to Birmingham.

on the winding path Nicholas Hely Hutchinson

Nicholas Hely Hutchinson

Home to the city of Leicester, this county has a few market towns (Market Harborough and Ashby-de-la-Zouch – the name’s Saxon, not French), but is mostly rural villages, when you get out of urban areas.

Also outside of the city, you’ll find nice leafy havens like Broome Park (perfect for an afternoon stroll) and Glen Parva Nature Reserve.

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