Loughborough is the administrative centre for the Charnwood district. The areas of Shelthorpe, Dishley and Thorpe Acre lie on the towns outskirts. It was the destination of the first ever package tour organised by Thomas Cook in 1841 for a local temperance group. One of the town landmarks is the worlds largest bell foundry (John Taylor Bellfounders) which made the bells for the Carrilon war memorial. The Shelthorpe Estate south of the town was the countrys largest council estate when it was built in the 1920s. North of Loughborough is Dishley Grange Farm, home of agricultural revolutionist Robert Bakewell. The River Soar passes through the town and is part of the Grand Union Canal system but known as the Loughborough Navigation in th town. The annual street fair takes place in november and runs from wednesday to saturday attatracting visitors from neighbouring villages such as Sileby, Barrow Upon Soar and Quorndon. Loughborough University is renowned for academic and sporting excellence and was ranked 6th in the UK by the Times Good University Guide. The town also boasts the countrys largest independent cinema -The Reel Cinema (previously the Curzon)
Renowned Bass Guitarist Richard Brittain was born in Loughborough. He played with HardKandy and co-wrote State of You on the bands second album Last to leave. He is commemorated on a memorial plaque at Loughborough Crematorium.
Hardkandys second album “Last To Leave", is an impressive, heartfelt journey encompassing modern soul, gospel, broken folk – but above all – solid songs with great guests (including legendary folk prophet Terry Callier!) and great production. Can be purchased via http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Leave-Hardkandy/dp/B0007Q6S4E/sr=1-2/qid=1172507034/ref=sr_1_2/026-0144348-1317223?ie=UTF8&s=music
Areas in and around Loughborough are Anstey, Barkby, Barkby Thorpe, Barrow Upon Soar, Beeby, Birstall, Burton on the Wolds, Cossington, Cotes, East Goscote, Hathern, Hoton, Mountsorrel, Newtown, Linford, Prestwold, Queniborough, Quorn, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Rearsby, Rothley, Seagrave, Shepshed, Sileby, South Croxton, Swithland, Syston, Thrussington, Thurcaston and Cropston, Thurmaston, Ulverscroft, Walton on the Wolds, Wanlip, Woodhouse and Wymeswold
Loughborough Hotel, Loughborough Bed and Breakfast, Loughborough Cheap Hotel accommodation suitable for a Loughborough Weekend Break, a Loughborough City Break, Loughborough Wedding Accommodation, Loughborough Guys Night out, Loughborough Girls Night out or even a Loughborough Stag Night or a Loughborough Hen Night