Visit Melton Mowbray
Known worldwide for Pork Pies and Stilton Cheese, and across Britain as the nation’s Rural Capital of Food, there’s so much more to this quintessential English town and its impressive surroundings.
It is an oasis in the glorious rolling Leicestershire countryside, with 70 beautiful villages dotted around the borough. Melton is centrally located and exceptionally well connected.
Days out in Melton Mowbray
See all in /explore →Belvoir Castle
This magnificent Regency castle is the ultimate family day out — state rooms, stunning gardens, the Engine Yard retail village and seasonal events all in one stunning destination.
Brockleby's Pie Experience
Roll up your sleeves and bake award-winning pies with the team behind Melton Mowbray's most celebrated pastry shop.
Brockleby's Pies
P ies are also available to purchase directly from the bakery in Asfordby Hill, near Melton Mowbray. Group experiences take place at Asfordby Hill.
Burrough Hill Country Park
Burrough Hill Country Park is one of the most striking and historic features in the landscape of eastern Leicestershire.
Hidden Food Tours
Award-winning walking food tours through Melton Mowbray, Lincoln and Nottingham, blending local history with delicious tastings.
HistoryFare
Award-winning guided tours of Melton Mowbray's military and cultural history, led by a knowledgeable local historian.
Melton Carnegie Museum
A free local museum tracing Melton Mowbray's rich history, from Stilton cheese and pork pies to fox hunting.
Melton Cheeseboard
Step into Melton Cheeseboard and let your senses do a happy dance — the rich, complex aromas of expertly aged cheese drift through this wonderful little shop right in the heart of Melton Mowbray. Stil
Places to stay near Melton Mowbray
Visiting Melton Mowbray — your questions, answered.
What is Melton Mowbray famous for?+
Food, above everything. Melton Mowbray is the Rural Capital of Food — the only place in the world allowed to make the authentic Melton Mowbray pork pie, and one of the historic homes of Stilton cheese. Add one of England's oldest street markets and a packed calendar of food festivals and you can see why food lovers make the pilgrimage.
Is Melton Mowbray worth visiting?+
Very much so. Beyond the famous pies and cheese there's a proper working market town to enjoy: independent shops, historic St Mary's church, Melton Country Park, and Belvoir Castle's spectacular grounds just up the road. It's an easy, satisfying day out — especially on a market day.
When is market day in Melton Mowbray?+
Markets run several days a week, with Tuesday the big one — it's home to one of the country's last surviving town-centre livestock markets, a genuine slice of rural England. Saturdays are lively too, with stalls across the town centre.
What can families do in Melton Mowbray?+
Twinlakes theme park on the edge of town is one of the county's favourite family days out, Melton Country Park has trails and play areas, and older kids enjoy watching the pork pies being made. Belvoir Castle's adventure playground and gardens are a short drive away.
How do I get to Melton Mowbray?+
Melton is in the north-east of Leicestershire, about 30 minutes from Leicester by car or rail. Direct trains connect Melton Mowbray with Leicester, Peterborough and beyond, and the A606/A607 link it to Nottingham, Grantham and Leicester.
Where can I try a real Melton Mowbray pork pie?+
In the town that invented them — Melton Mowbray is home to traditional pie makers and food shops selling authentic, protected-origin pork pies, and the town's famous markets and food festivals celebrate them year-round. Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe is a popular pilgrimage for first-timers.
Is parking easy in Melton Mowbray?+
Yes — Melton is a compact market town with several central pay-and-display car parks within a short walk of the market place, the museum and the main shopping streets. Market days are busier, so arrive earlier for the best spaces.
Is Melton Mowbray good for a food-lover's day out?+
Absolutely — Melton styles itself the Rural Capital of Food, famous for pork pies and Stilton cheese, with regular markets, food shops and an annual food festival. Combine a market visit with lunch in town and a walk in Melton Country Park.
Is there a food festival in Melton Mowbray?+
Yes! Melton Mowbray hosts a number of popular food related festivals celebrating its reputation as Britain's Rural Capital of Food. It's a brilliant day out for foodies, with local producers, street food, and artisan goods. Check GoLeicestershire.com for event listings, dates, and places to eat and stay nearby.