Discover Measham: History and Paths Along the Ashby Canal

Measham combines impressive local history with paths through the countryside around the Ashby Canal. Anyone looking to combine culture and exercise on a trip will find a range of options here: a small museum in the renovated railway station, the Church of St Lawrence, an important war memorial and a route measuring approximately 2.5 miles in each direction to the canal at Snarestone. This makes it possible to choose a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Measham based on your own plans for each day, without reducing the village to just one type of travel experience.

Local History in the Museum and Church

Measham Museum is a small village museum and, at the same time, a centre for local history. It is located in Measham's renovated railway station and offers a fitting introduction if you would first like to get to know the character of the village through its past. The Church of St Lawrence provides another historical focal point. Its west tower was built shortly after 1733. The church building also displays artefacts from the now-closed Measham Coal Mine. The numbered pews with side panels throughout the nave date from 1842.

The Measham War Memorial Cross is also one of the village's prominent memorial sites. The memorial is Grade II listed and commemorates 44 members of the local community who died in the First World War. The names of 11 parishioners who fell in the Second World War and one soldier who died in the Iraq War of 2003–2011 were added later. Anyone interested in local history and remembrance culture can take this aspect into account when planning their trip, alongside visits to the museum and church.

Level Paths for Walking and Cycling

The Ashby Canal Trail provides a safe route between Measham and the canal at Snarestone. The route is level and easy to walk, measuring approximately 2.5 miles in each direction. This information can help when planning your day: you can include a walk along the path or use the route as a peaceful counterpoint to the historical and cultural impressions. For visitors who prefer a manageable route, the approximate length is also an important guide.

The Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail is also part of the National Cycle Network. This adds another thematic option, which may be particularly appealing to travellers who would like to combine Measham with a cycling tour. The trail should be regarded as a separate offering; its membership of the National Cycle Network does not provide any additional information about its length, route or facilities.

Measham Ware and Its Connection with the Canal

A distinctive local tradition is Measham ware, also known as Barge ware. This pottery was produced in Measham on the Ashby Canal in Leicestershire in the late 19th century. The name therefore points to a craft history closely connected with the village and its location on the canal. Together with the museum, the historical evidence in the Church of St Lawrence and the War Memorial Cross, it creates a diverse picture of Measham: industrial history, religious history, remembrance culture and regional craft tradition stand side by side.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can therefore consider which focus should shape your trip. Anyone wishing to use the Ashby Canal Trail from Measham will plan the day differently from someone who wants to focus primarily on the museum, church and local history. Those who enjoy both themes can include culture and exercise in their own travel plans.

Further Places to Consider for Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations near Measham, here is a compact selection: Appleby Magna, Harby, Quorn, Coalville, Hathern, Great Glen, Shepshed and Medbourne.

For the wider travel overview: Leicestershire.