Shopping & Going Out

Events Calendar

Throughout the year you will find a variety of events taking place in Loughborough town centre including the hugely popular 'Loughborough by the Sea'.  For four days in August every year the Market Place turns into the seaside with beaches for kiddies to play in and traditional seaside entertainment such as Punch & Judy and fairground rides.  November sees the annual street fair taking over the town centre in a riot of sound and light.  In the run up to Christmas Loughborough's Christmas programme offers a whole range of entertainment as well as fantastic illuminations.  To find out about all the events planned for the town centre and around the borough visit Happening in Charnwood - the Council's Events Calendar.

About the Town of Loughborough

Loughborough, the largest town in Leicestershire, is located in the heart of 3 cities - Leicester, Nottingham and Derby - and is often referred to as the 'golden triangle'.  It is a pleasant market town standing in the Soar Vally with a backdrop of the beautiful hills of Charnwood Forest.  The town is well served by major road and rail routes and East Midlands Airport is only a few miles away and Loughborough's large selection of car parks offer great value and convenience; not only that but they have also won Secured Car Park awards so shoppers know they are safe to use.

If you're a regular to the town you'll know how easy it is to get around the town centre.  You'll already appreciate the huge variety of shops and the ease of moving from place to place.  If you're new to Loughborough you will enjoy discovering the many gems, from specialist shopping streets to the tranquility of Queen's Park which houses Charnwood Museum and Cafe. 

Shopping in Loughborough

Loughborough's bustling town centre provides shoppers and visitors with a fantastic range of shops, restaurants, bars, venues and services.  The centre of Loughborough's shopping area is the pedestrianised Market Place and Market Street which maintains a number of original art deco buildings such as the building that currently houses the Odeon cinema and boasts a wide variety of well known high street names as well as some excellent independent stores.

Loughborough also boasts 2 retail centre's; Carillon Court and The Rushes Shopping Centre.

Carillon Court is in a prime location in the centre of the town boasting around 35 high street names and a cafe under one roof; it is surrounded by the pedestrianised areas of Market Place and Market Street.

The Rushes Shopping Centre was built on the site of the former bus station and is linked to the  town centre by Biggin Street, Church Gate and Church Gate Mews.  Offering a mix of clothing, sports clothing & equipment, home furnishings, fitness studio and eating & drinking facilities, this shopping experience is not to be missed. The shopping centre incorporates a two level car park with space for over 400 cars.

Both Carillon Court and The Rushes Shopping Centre are occupied by well known high street names in addition to some excellent independent retailers. 

Playing an important role in the vitality of Loughborough town centre is our regular outdoor retail market, held in the Market Place every Thursday and Saturday.  Enjoyed by young and old alike, more than 100 stallholders sell an amazing range of goods and of course create the atmosphere which only an outdoor market can offer.

For those who really care about their food there is a monthly farmers' market held on the second Wednesday of the month and the ever popular flea market is held every Friday; both are located in the Market Place.  Look out for our special markets throughout the year. 

Food and Drink

Loughborough offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes; from a traditional English breakfast to a Middle Eastern mezzeh lunch to evening cocktails and fine dining. Additionally there is no shortage of pubs, clubs, bars and cinemas in the town.  For business or pleasure, Loughborough has the ideal venue for you.

Town Centre Management

Management of the town centre is the responsibility of Charnwood Borough Council.  Visit our Town Centre Management pages for more information.