Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Hinckley has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Hinckley.
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Sights in Hinckley
If you’re looking for a pictureperfect English market town with historic charm and plenty of friendly locals, then Hinckley is the place for you. This lovely town in England’s Midlands has plenty to offer visitors, from its attractive architecture and leafy parks, to its numerous independent shops and lively calendar of events. Here are just a few of the many sights that make Hinckley so special.
The Clock Tower
Hinckley’s most iconic landmark is undoubtedly its magnificent clock tower, which dominates the town centre. The tower was built in 1852 to mark the coronation of Queen Victoria, and originally housed a set of eight bells. Today, four of the original bells remain, and the clock still chimes every hour.
The Hinckley Times Building
Another of Hinckley’s historic landmarks is the former home of the Hinckley Times newspaper. The building, which dates back to 1891, is now home to a branch of the national chain of vintage emporiums, Toast. It’s definitely worth popping in for a browse – you never know what treasures you might find!
The Green Dragon pub
No visit to Hinckley would be complete without spending some time in one of its many traditional pubs. The Green Dragon is a particular favourite with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its cosy interior, delicious food and wide selection of real ales.
The Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
Just a few miles from Hinckley is the site of one of the most important battles in English history – the Battle of Bosworth, which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses. Today, the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells the story of the battle (including a reenactment of the key moments), as well as the stories of the people who fought and died there.
There’s plenty more to see and do in Hinckley, from exploring its many independent shops, to taking a leisurely stroll around one of its pretty parks. So why not pay a visit and see for yourself what this charming English town has to offer?
History of Hinckley
Hinckley is a historic market town in southwest Leicestershire, England. It is twinned with Matthew, Arkansas and has a population of 34,000. Hinckley is located about 10 miles southwest of Leicester and is situated on the A5 road, which follows the Roman Fosse Way.
Hinckley’s origins date back to the 6th century when it was known as Hinchelei, meaning “settlement on the hill”. In 1085, William the Conqueror ordered that a market be held in the town. The market charter was granted by King Henry I in 1100.
Hinckley became a thriving market town and in 1311, it was granted a charter to become a free borough. The town’s growth continued and by the 16th century, Hinckley had become an important centre for the woollen industry.
The town’s prosperity declined in the following centuries and by the 19th century, it was a small market town with a population of just 2,500. However, the coming of the railways in the 19th century led to a new era of growth for Hinckley and by the end of the century, the population had reached 8,000.
Today, Hinckley is a thriving market town with a thriving economy. The town’s historic Market Place is at the heart of the town and is home to a number of independent shops and businesses. The town also has a large industrial estate which is home to a number of businesses, including aerospace, engineering and manufacturing companies.
Vacation in Hinckley
Hinckley, an ancient market town in Leicestershire, England, lies 10 miles southwest of Leicester. It is twinned withing Frailes, Spain and with Bottrop, Germany. The town has a rich heritage dating back to AngloSaxon times, when it was known as Hynecastre, meaning ‘strong settlement’. Today, Hinckley is a thriving commercial centre with a population of around 55,000. The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as a cinema, theatre, leisure centre and several museums.
The surrounding countryside is ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding, and there are numerous golf courses in the area. Hinckley is also home to Bosworth Water Park, which has over 140 acres of lakes and streams for fishing, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. The park also has a children’s play area, nature trails and a café.
Just a short drive from Hinckley is the National Forest, which covers 200 square miles of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The forest is a haven for wildlife, with ancient woodlands, meadows, heathland and wetlands. There are also many waymarked trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a more lively holiday, Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham are all within easy reach of Hinckley. Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city, offers a wealth of shopping, dining and entertainment options, while Leicester is home to a number of interesting attractions including the awardwinning National Space Centre. Nottingham, meanwhile, is renowned for its nightlife and is also home to Sherwood Forest, the legendary home of Robin Hood.
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