Ashby-de-la-Zouch: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a market town in Leicestershire, England, with a rich historical heritage dating back to medieval times. The town's name combines the Old Norse word "Ashby," meaning "ash tree settlement," with the Norman addition "de la Zouch," derived from the La Zouch family who owned the manor in the 13th century.

The town is particularly known for its imposing Ashby Castle, built in the 12th century and later transformed into a grand fortified manor house by William, Lord Hastings in the 15th century. The castle played a significant role during the English Civil War and was later immortalized in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe." The town's cultural heritage is reflected in its well-preserved historic architecture, including several Tudor and Georgian buildings along Market Street and throughout the town center. Today, Ashby-de-la-Zouch maintains its character as a traditional English market town while serving as a cultural center for the surrounding area.