A bus-load of summer days out
Summer is here, and if you’re looking for ways to make the most out of the school holidays, we’ve got offers that are sure to get you on board.
This August, exploring Leicestershire is easier and cheaper than ever. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a wildlife adventure, a step back in time, or a relaxing stroll through the countryside, there’s a bus waiting to take you there.
Fare-y good deals this August
Under the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, children aged between 5-15 years old will be able to travel for free on selected bus services in England for the whole of August. This will include travel on FoxConnect but more information on this scheme and participating operators can be found on our summer by bus page.
And it doesn’t stop there!
Adult single fares on all Leicestershire County Council supported bus services will be just £1, making getting around simpler and more affordable than ever.
What’s more, FoxConnect passengers can enjoy 50% off their journey when they book via the app or by phone across all 11 operating zones.
There are also great value group tickets for passengers travelling together as well as Flexi tickets which give you the freedom to travel all day on Arriva, Centrebus, First Bus, Central Connect, Kinchbus and Stagecoach services in the Leicester Flexi area at a capped fare.
Hop off and head outdoors to Bradgate Park
Board the LC15 service and enjoy a day exploring one of Leicestershire’s most iconic country parks. With roaming deer, scenic walks and plenty of picnic-perfect spots, Bradgate Park is the ideal place to reconnect with nature.
Go wild at Twycross Zoo
Leave the car at home and hop aboard our FoxConnect service in Zone 9 which will take you straight to Twycross Zoo where you can come face-to-face with giraffes, penguins and even tigers. There are also dedicated Arriva services to take you straight there where your bus fare also includes your admission ticket. Whilst these services are not included in the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, they’re still worth mentioning! This offer includes the TZ1 from St Margaret’s Bus Station and the TZ3 from Bardon, Birch Tree and Coalville. These limited stop services provide one journey to the zoo and return journeys on Mondays and Saturdays between 11 July and 21 August.
Step back in time
History lovers can enjoy a journey through the centuries with bus links to some fascinating local attractions.
Discover what life was like over 400 years ago and catch the LC15 or Arriva 15 service to Hugglescote which is then just a short walk away from the 1620s House and Garden.
Heading to Beaumanor Hall for an event, conference or holiday club session? Explore the beautiful grounds and rich heritage of Beaumanor Hall via the Centrebus 154 service.
Build up some steam at the Great Central Railway which is the only double track mainline heritage railway in the UK and runs between Leicester North and Loughborough. The 8-mile journey not only takes you back to the days when steam locomotives ruled the rails, but it also takes you through the stunning Swithland reservoir. The Arriva 127 service stops just a short walk from both stations while special journeys on the 127A service also run via Quorn & Woodhouse station on Sundays only from 19 July.
Or you could catch a performance at Leicestershire’s unique Century Theatre. Britain’s oldest surviving travelling theatre can be reached by either the LC13 or LC15 service.
Museums without the mileage
Looking for a culture-filled day out?
Whether you’re uncovering local history, learning something new or simply escaping a rainy summers afternoon, you can travel by bus to the Melton Carnegie Museum using the LC1, LC3, LC8 or MC1-5 services.
Or, head to Queen’s Park in Loughborough where you can find Charnwood Museum and Loughborough Carillon War Memorial Museum which are both close to the town centre and can be reached using the LC5, LC8 or LC16 services. The LC8 is also handy for visiting Britain’s last active bellfoundry and working museum ran by the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust.
Another historic building in Leicestershire houses the Harborough Museum which is located within a former Victorian corset factory in the centre of Market Harborough. This can be reached using the HC1-4, LC4, LC10 or LC11 bus services.
Retail therapy minus the stress of parking
Catch the LC17 service to Fosse Park and enjoy a day of browsing, shopping and dining without worrying about finding a parking space. There’s also the added bonus of Fosse Park’s beach themed pop-up event which is happening every day throughout August for some added summer fun.
Let the bus take you there
Your next adventure is just a bus ride away. Check out our summer by bus page for more information including our summer by bus offers, participating operators, eligible bus services and full terms and conditions.
Don’t forget to tag us in your bus adventures on our social media channels using the hashtag #DoMoreByBus.