1. SOAK IN THE HERITAGE VIBES

The Christmas lights are officially on and Market Harborough is bedecked in winter finery. Have a pootle around the Cultural Quarter of town and you can’t miss the Old Grammar School, a timber-framed building on stilts dating back to 1614. If you fancy striding out a bit further, you’ll love the Kibworth Heritage Trails exploring the close-knit villages of Kibworth Harcourt, Kibworth Beauchamp and Smeeton Westerby, taking in Anglo-Saxon and Bronze Age burial grounds, civil war sites and an early 18th century windmill.

Nearby, Grade I listed country house, Kelmarsh Hall is well worth visiting during the open season to see the charming gardens and stately interiors but, as luck would have it, there’a a special Christmas opening on 10 Dec, when visitors can explore the Hall, enjoy the beautiful winter gardens, and take tea and mince pies in the Ballroom. If you’re thinking ahead to a summer visit, make sure you come during the Nevill Holt arts festival, which takes place on the stunning Nevill Holt Estate, showcasing classical music, theatre, art, jazz and contemporary music, alongside conversations with leading novelists, historians, broadcasters and artists.

2. EXPLORE THE INDUSTRIAL PAST

A walk along the winding towpath to Foxton Locks is around 5 miles if you’re up for a leg stretch, home to Britain’s longest and steepest set of staircase locks, Foxton boasts 10 locks carved by hand through the Leicestershire countryside. Why not enjoy a spot of gongoozling, while you’re here – the long lost art of watching the narrowboats slowly making their way past – and be sure to visit the Canal Museum.

Fancy tackling the locks yourself? Why not hire a luxuriously appointed boat from Boutique Narrowboats. Based at Union Wharf Marina, we reckon these might be the very chicest canal boats out there.

3. TAKE IN SOME CULTURE

Harborough Theatre, in Church Square, is a fantastic theatre set in a historic building where you’ll find a busy programme of plays, comedy and film screenings. Just across the street, the Symington Building, originally a Victorian corset factory, now houses the Harborough Museum on its first floor, along with the absolutely lovely Insomnia Café.

4. TUCK IN TO A FESTIVE FEAST

There’s no shortage of choice in Harbs when it comes to filling your boots and family favourite PizzaExpress, has recently re-opened in town following a rather snazzy remodel. Known for taking on unusual and heritage buildings, the PizzaExpress in Market Harborough is no exception, having had a former life as the 17th century Peacock Inn. There’s a carved relief of a peacock in the chimney, so make sure you look up to see if you can spot it before you head inside to sample the newly launched Christmas menu, which includes truffle dough balls; the Romana Figgy Formaggi with blue cheese and marinated figs and the Romana Christmas Feast pizza with pulled turkey and cranberry sauce. Mmm, Christmas on a pizza.

5. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Market Harborough is a quintessential English market town, with a market charter dating back quite a few years to 1204, so be sure to visit the thriving indoor market, which is open six days a week. Harbs is also a fab place for chic boutiques and high street chains, so if shopping’s your thing you’re in luck. We love Bagel and Griff, which is perfect for beautifully stylish homewares and gifts, as well as Ginger Kate for pre-loved designer threads. If you covet the likes of Marant and Ganni (but can’t justify the price tag), then this is a real treasure trove.

Then head to the lovely No. 34 Boutique, Ssnug Living, Daisy and Fox floristry, Just So Italian Deli and the best bread in the business from Hambleton Bakery. You’ll also find Space NK, Jigsaw, Jo Malone, Mint Velvet, Loake, The White Company and many more. Oh, and don’t miss the superb Farndon Fields farm shop and the Eco Village, which is home to small local businesses offering sustainable, free-range produce.

6. STRETCH YOURSELF

When it comes to getting your ommm on, there’s no better place than the Muddy Award-winning Optimum You for yoga, pilates and nutrition coaching. We absolutely love their warm hatha classes, a bit like hot yoga but slightly dialled down on the sweatometer. There are often longer workshop type sessions at weekends if you’re up for a deep dive.

7. TAKE A BOOZY TOUR

Unwrap the kind of winter spirit we love over at Falls Farm in Harrington. Just outside town and home of the fabulous Warner’s Distillery, this family run Northants gin brand is rapidly heading for global domination. Book onto one of their brilliant Tasting Tours to explore the distillery, beautifully decorated for the season, discover the traditional methods used to create Warner’s festive gins and indulge in a special Christmas tasting session, where you can sip handcrafted gins paired with seasonal treats. Be sure to visit The Tollemache Arms (fondly known as the Tolly) afterwards, where the menu focuses on local and sustainable producers – bonus points. And don’t miss the Welland Valley Vineyard, where you can stock up on wine and cider, all produced just two miles outside Market Harborough.

8. GO OFF-ROADING

Over at nearby Rockingham Castle, which dates back to the Norman Conquest, you can immerse yourself the ancient Leicestershire landscape and indulge your inner adrenaline junkie on an off-road Land Rover Drive Experience in 300 picturesque acres of grounds. Led by an experienced instructor, you’ll go off-roading in some pretty intense conditions (definitely one to try before you hit the distillery) and the good news is you can land your helicopter on-site.

9. TRAVEL ON TWO WHEELS

If you’re up for a bit of pedal power, the Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (23km) cycle route on the former Northampton to Market Harborough Railway, now a haven for wildlife, with a hard surface track suitable for most pedestrians and cyclists. There are two old railway tunnels on the route, Kelmarsh (480m) and Oxendon (422m). They’re both unlit, so can be a bit spooky (and chilly). Be sure to have bike lights or a head torch.

10. AND RELAX

Need a place to rest your weary head after all that frenzied activity? Rushton Hall has the luxurious Stableyard Spa, perfect for a spot of well-earned pampering, whilst Kilworth House Hotel even has it’s own theatre. And if you need your own space, why not opt for self-catering? The Loft in Clipston is the perfect rural retreat, with space for 6 guests and a balcony view overlooking a wildlife pond, it’s kitted out with custom-made furniture, original art and premium appliances.