The Plough Inn Motorhome Stopover Information

🍺 About the Pub

The Plough Inn is a traditional village pub located in Hickling, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, postcode LE14 3AH. It is a family-owned business nestled in the scenic Vale of Belvoir, opposite the Hickling basin of the Grantham Canal. The pub has a welcoming atmosphere with separate bar, lounge, and restaurant areas. It offers a wide selection of cask ales, craft beers, and real cider, and hosts an annual beer festival along with regular beer and food matching events.

⏰ Opening Times

• Monday to Thursday: 15:00 - 23:00
• Friday and Saturday: 12:00 - 24:00
• Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00

🍽 Food

The Plough Inn serves food lunchtimes and evenings. The menu includes:

• Delicious Sunday carvery with home-cooked meals including large Yorkshire puddings and fresh vegetables
• Friday pie day and Wednesday fish and chips supper night
• Light lunches and snacks such as chef’s chicken curry with rice and mango chutney, home-cooked roast ham with eggs and chips

Guests have praised the food quality and friendliness of service, although some recent reviews noted limited gluten-free options and mixed feedback on certain dishes. The pub strives to provide a warm, homemade dining experience.

🏕 Facilities

• Free motorhome stopover site in a paddock for customers, with parking suitable for vehicles up to 7 meters
• Large beer garden with views of the canal basin
• Bar with up to five real ales, craft beers, and real cider on offer
• Family and dog-friendly environment
• Function room with skittle alley available for hire
• Pool table, darts board, and a big screen showing live sports from BT Sports
• Encouragement to phone ahead before stopping over to ensure space and courtesy

🐕 Dog Friendly

The Plough Inn welcomes dogs, making it an ideal stop for travelers with pets.

🌳 Beer Garden

There is a large, attractive beer garden situated opposite the canal basin, perfect for relaxing with a drink and enjoying the tranquil village setting.

🌟 Reviews

The pub enjoys generally positive feedback for its atmosphere, welcoming staff, and scenic location, especially praised by motorhome visitors for its peaceful parking and friendly service. Some diners report excellent home-cooked meals, particularly on Sunday carvery days, though there have been some mixed experiences about food variety and quality.

📍 Interesting Things to Do Nearby (within 5 miles)

1. Grantham Canal Walks 🚶‍♂️

Directly opposite The Plough Inn lies the Hickling basin of the Grantham Canal, offering miles of peaceful walking trails along the water. These paths are ideal for gentle strolls or cycles, providing a scenic glimpse of the Vale of Belvoir’s countryside and wildlife.

2. Vale of Belvoir Exploration 🌳

The surrounding Vale is renowned for its beautiful rolling countryside, charming villages, and historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy countryside drives or hikes, with plenty of picturesque spots to explore in this tranquil rural area.

3. Melton Mowbray – 5 miles away 🧀

Famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray is a bustling market town with heritage markets, shops, and eateries. It offers a lively atmosphere contrasting with the village calm and a chance to taste local specialities and shop for artisan produce.

4. Belvoir Castle – Approx. 4.5 miles 🏰

This historic castle offers tours, gardens, events, and stunning views across the Vale. It provides an excellent cultural and historical day out, showcasing centuries of English history and beautifully maintained grounds.

5. Bottesford Village – About 3 miles 🏘️

A nearby charming village with quaint cottage streets, local pubs, and a welcoming community vibe. Walking around Bottesford is perfect for visitors seeking a quieter, authentic English village experience close to The Plough Inn.