Local information - history
With a population in excess of 15,000 the ancient market town of Ashby de la Zouch is situated in north west Leicestershire, within the National Forest. The town is steeped in history and has a castle which dates back to the 12th Century. There are a number of Elizabethan buildings in Market Street which retain part of their original timbers, along with many Georgian buildings. From the early 19th century, Ashby was famed for its spa water qualities, attracting bathers by the hundreds. The bathers brought with them great wealth and it was at this time that many of the Georgian-style buildings were constructed. The Royal Hotel was constructed in 1826 to accommodate visitors to the growing spa.
The town has expanded considerably in recent years and has much to offer both its inhabitants and its many visitors, including a large variety of local shops, individual boutiques, hotels, public houses and restaurants.
Places to visit
Local attractions include the ruins of the famous 12th Century Ashby Castle with its impressive Hastings Tower and which featured in Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, nearby Staunton Harold Hall, with garden centre, craft centre and reservoir; Calke Abbey and Park, a National Trust gem; ‘Conkers’, the National Forest Visitors’ Centre and Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre.
Golf can be enjoyed at Willesley Golf Club, Burton Golf Club and Breedon Priory. Leisure and health facilities are available at ‘Champneys Springs’ and Hood Park Leisure Centre, sailing at nearby Foremark Reservoir and motorsports at Donington Park. Skiing, ice skating and tobogganing are available at Tamworth Snowdome.
Travel
Ashby de la Zouch is situated on the borders of Leicestershire and Derbyshire and is well placed for access to all the major Midlands’ towns and cities of Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Burton upon Trent and Loughborough. The town is conveniently served by the A42 (M42) giving access to the M6 to the west, the M1 to the east, and the M40 and M5 to the south. These superb communication links make Ashby de la Zouch a suitable location for the commuter.
East Midlands Airport is within 12 miles of the town whilst Birmingham International is approximately 27 miles away. There are good rail links from Tamworth, Burton upon Trent, Derby, Leicester and Loughborough.
Local schools and colleges
There is a wide selection of schooling in the town, including four primary schools which feed to Ivanhoe School and Ashby School.
Manor House School, in the centre of Ashby, is an independent day school for boys and girls from age 3 to 16 years, whilst Foremarke Hall Preparatory, Repton School, Twycross House School, Grace Dieu Manor School and the Loughborough Endowed Schools are all accessible from the town.
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