A taste of Britain’s heritage in England. Take a step back in time with traditional pubs, shops, and markets, and sample the famous Melton Mowbray pork pies for a truly delicious experience.
Melton Mowbray is a city located in Leicestershire, England. Melton derives from the Old English words ‘mel’ or ‘mellon,’ which means honey and soft rock, and ‘tontore,’ which means estate. Thus, Melton literally means honey estate. The city was named after the family of earls responsible for building Melton Castle is a popular tourist destination due to its medieval architecture and proximity to Melton Mowbray.
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History of Melton Mowbray
Originally a royal town, Melton became prosperous due to its position on the road linking Leicester with Nottingham. The city was originally called New Abbey upon the Abbey Field when it became an ecclesiastical diocese in 604 AD. Over time, Melton adopted the name, Melton Mowbray, possibly in reference to the local water meadows. Melton was also once home to a royal manor where the King once stayed. The family of earls that built Melton Castle also became known as the Black Earls due to their dark complexions.
Why else is Melton Mowbray popular in the history books?
Melton Mowbray also holds a prominent place in English history due to its proximity to Bosworth Field where Richard III lost his life during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 AD. The Lyte gates from this castle now stand guard at the entrance to Melton Mowbray’s town center. Around this gate stands an ancient cathedral built in Norman style- one of only two remaining cathedrals in Leicestershire (the other being Burton upon Trent). In addition to churches and cathedrals, Melton Mowbray also boasts several notable public buildings including a market hall/convention center and an art gallery/public library.
Melton Mowbray: culinary capital
What are two famous foods that Melton Mowbray is known for?
- The most famous dish from Melton Mowbray is undoubtedly the pork pie- a savory meat pie traditionally served at Christmas time in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. This now iconic Melton Mowbray pork pie was created in the 1700s. Each savory pie contains a different ingredient such as minced gammon, minced liver, or minced heart giblets. A traditional topping for a melton pie is Smithfield ham, a spicy English ham imported from Southampton. Other local ingredients include cheese, onion, celery, and parsley- all of which add flavor, texture, and color to this culinary masterpiece.
- Melston Mowbraty is also known as the cheese capital of England due to its abundance of dairy products. The world-famous Stilton cheese was first produced in Melton Mowbray in the 1980s. The city is home to several dairy cooperatives and award-winning cheesemakers such as Cotswold Dairy Co-op Ltd., Halsbury Dairy Co-op Ltd., Malin Dairy Co-op Ltd., Malinsbury Dairy Co-op Ltd., Thringstone Dairy Co-op Ltd.- as well as many other independent dairy businesses. Many local businesses use cheddar in their marketing campaigns because of its universally appealing appearance and taste. In addition to cheeses, Melton is also home to several milk products including buttermilk, butter, and yogurt.
A few other local dishes include macaroni cheese, bangers, and mash and apple crumble with custard.
Most Interesting & Best Restaurants in Melton Mowbray
Shire Horse
Shire Horse’s interior is elegantly decorated with rich dark wood and brass fixtures. There are numerous mounted deer heads on the walls and a large leather chair sits prominently in the center of the dining area. Each table has a fine china plate, crystal glassware, and a serving spoon topped with a quail’s feather. Each chair is upholstered in fine woolen material. This setting creates an extremely formal atmosphere that pairs well with the fine cuisine offered here.
The menu at Shire Horse changes frequently, depending on what locally grown ingredients the chef has available. However, most dishes include curry sauces made from scratch daily. Other menu items include tasty steaks, chicken dishes, and seafood specials. Vegetarians will find plenty to like on their extensive vegetarian menu as well as their gluten-free options. Desserts are also available and include Indian classics like rasmalai; gulab jamun; and various kinds of fresh fruit salad with yogurt sauce.
Service is excellent at Shire Horse as servers attend to each table individually throughout the meal. They are prompt with refilling beverages and making sure each diner is completely satisfied with his or her meal. Servers also make sure that each diner is completely satisfied with their bill before departing the table. All this attention to detail creates an incredibly memorable dining experience at Shire Horse!
La Perla Fine dining
La Perla restaurant in Melton Mowbray is an absolute gem! From the moment you enter, you feel a warm and friendly atmosphere. The decor is stylish and the ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The food is absolutely fantastic, with a good variety of Italian dishes and some unique specials. Owner Sasha is a true chef and his attention to detail shows in every dish. The staff is also very attentive and helpful, making sure everyone has a great experience. If you’re looking for a great Italian restaurant in the area, look no further than La Perla. highly recommended!
What this reviewer says: “Have breakfast here several times and it’s always to a very high standard. The atmosphere and welcome are also always second to none and I was very impressed to see the owner/waiter taking the time to help people take their orders, especially helping an older gentleman who didn’t know what he wanted. “
What reviewers say: “This is the best restaurant ever!! Once we arrived, the service was amazing. We had 7 courses and the food was absolutely amazing and the wines were a great accompaniment. If you want to celebrate a special This is definitely the place to go.”
Explore the Sights in Melton Mowbray
What is the only castle in Melton Mowbray?
Belvoir Castle (BEE-vər) is a historic castle and estate in Leicestershire, England, 10 kilometers west of the town of Grantham and 16 kilometers northeast of Melton Mowbray. The castle was built immediately after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has been remodeled at least three times since.
The surviving structure is a listed building dating from the early 19th century. It is the seat of David Manners, 11th Duke of Rutland (the small county of Rutland is 25 kilometers south of Belvoir Castle), whose direct male ancestors inherited it in 1508.
With views and exquisite interiors at Capability Brown, its grand historic beauty has been featured in the hit Netflix series The Crown, as it doubles as Windsor Castle, and Young Victoria starring Emily Blunt Films such as “Victoria and Abdul” starring Judi Dench. The castle and gardens are open on certain days throughout the year. Visitors are advised to check the website for opening dates and times.
Why not visit the Hanwell Wine Estate for a tour and tasting?
Hanwell Wine Estate is a family-owned winery offering Nottinghamshire sparkling wines, vineyard tours, and tastings. There’s also an on-site café, and a charming calendar of country arts and crafts workshops. Hanwell Wine Estate is open most weekends, so be sure to check the website before you travel. You might want to drop by on a scheduled tour, which runs from February to September and includes 2 hours of lectures, tours, and wine tastings. Or, if it needs to fit your schedule, how about a self-guided tour of the Vineyard Walk?
Which is the most magnificent church to visit in Melton Mowbray?
St Mary’s Parish Church in Melton Mowbray is a Grade I listed building, dating back to the 12th century. It is a beautiful example of English Gothic architecture and stands proudly over the market town of Melton Mowbray.
Built-in 1130 and has a mixture of Norman and Gothic features, with an interior that is mainly Gothic, with a nave, chancel, south aisle, and south chapel and a tower dating from the 13th century which has a flat lead roof. The church has wonderful acoustics, which have been improved by a sound system installed in recent years.
Being extensively restored in the 19th century and today it is a popular tourist attraction and a popular venue for weddings and other events. Inside the church, there is a unique collection of monuments, including a memorial to the Duke of Rutland from 1679. Some interesting stained glass windows, including a window depicting the Life of St Mary and a window of Christ in Majesty you must look out for.
Do you enjoy the outdoors?
Melton Country Parks, located in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors. Spanning over 80 acres, the parks provide plenty of space for visitors to explore.
There are two main sections to the parks, divided by the River Eye. On one side lies the smaller park, containing a nature reserve that is home to a variety of wildlife. This area of the park also offers a 3.2 km circuit walk, ideal for those looking for an easy stroll.
The larger section of the park is home to the huge 120-acre Melton Lake. Here, visitors will find a range of activities to enjoy, from water skiing and kayaking to fishing and sailing. There is also a cycle track and two playgrounds, as well as a café and picnic area for those wanting to take a break.
In addition to the lakes, rivers, and nature reserves, the parks also provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bird watching is especially popular, with over 100 species of birds spotted in the area. The parks also have a large herd of deer, which can be seen grazing in the meadows.
Best Accommodation in Melton Mowbray
Melton Mowbray is a delightful market town in the heart of Leicestershire, renowned for its delicious local produce and iconic pork pies. It is also a great destination for a weekend getaway, with a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts, here are some of the best places to stay in Melton Mowbray.
| The Harboro Hotel | It is a luxurious 3-star hotel that offers guests a comfortable and relaxing stay. Located in the heart of the town, the hotel boasts a range of modern amenities and services, such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. |
| Sysonby Knoll Hotel | With a rich history, the hotel is full of character and charm, offering guests a unique experience. It has 21 individually decorated bedrooms, all of which are en-suite and equipped with modern amenities. Each room has been designed with comfort in mind, with plush beds and luxury linens, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. |
| Quorn Lodge Hotel | Quorn Lodge Hotel is one of Melton Mowbray’s premier accommodation options. Located on the outskirts of town, it offers a tranquil retreat for visitors and an ideal setting for a special occasion or celebration. The hotel is set in a picturesque rural location, surrounded by rolling hills and sprawling countryside. It is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, with tastefully furnished rooms, modern amenities, and a host of outdoor activities to take part in. Guests can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds or take part in a spot of fishing in the nearby lake. |
| Stapleford Park Luxury Hotel | The hotel is located in the village of Melton Mowbray, providing easy access to the nearby towns and cities of Leicester, Nottingham, and Birmingham. The hotel has a range of rooms, from classic suites to luxury executive rooms. Each room features beautiful views over the rolling countryside, as well as modern amenities and the latest in technology. The hotel also boasts a range of leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness center. The hotel offers a variety of activities, such as clay-pigeon shooting, fishing, croquet, and archery. |
| Melton Mowbray Yurts | Guests can enjoy traditional camping activities such as bonfires, barbecues, and campfire cooking, as well as modern activities such as yoga and meditation. There is a communal fire pit in the center of the site, perfect for gathering with family and friends and making new memories. The site offers a range of activities for visitors to choose from, from guided walks and cycle rides to bird watching and star gazing. The yurts are equipped with all the necessary amenities, including double beds, kitchen equipment, and wood- burning stoves for warmth. The Yurts also offer a range of workshops and courses, allowing visitors to learn new skills and explore new areas of interest. From cooking classes to mindfulness and meditation, there is something for everyone. |
Although many people know Melton primarily as a culinary hotspot, they may find that knowledge lacking if they have not read any local history books or visited any historical sites pertaining to that history. As one of England’s oldest cities, Melton holds much rich history that has been passed down through successive generations through the castle that once belonged to the Black Earl family, through Cathedrals where kings once lay their heads down for rest, and through pubs frequented by both local residents and tourists alike since medieval times.
England is made up of nine different regions, each one unique in its individual character in history, geography, purpose, and tourist attractions. In this article, I am focused on Melton Mowbray’s city within the East Midlands Region, then moving on to the other regions in other articles. If you would like to know more about the other regions, read through the links.
9 Different Regions
North East – largest city Newcastle
North West – largest city Manchester
Yorkshire & the Humber – largest city Leeds
East Midlands – largest city Melton Mowbray
West Midlands – largest city Birmingham
South West – largest city Bristol
South East – largest city Guildford
London – London
East of England – largest city Cambridge
If you are planning to visit Melton Mowbray, let us know the special places you will be visiting in the comments section, so others can benefit.
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