Built-up area in North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire, England
| Coordinates: | 52.749, -1.47 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SK 35 16 |
| Population: | 12,370 |
| Dialling code: | 01530 (Coalville) |
Ashby-de-la-Zouch in the district of North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire, England is a compact historic market town best known for the 15th‑century ruin of Ashby Castle, once the Hastings family seat and besieged during the Civil War. Its curious name comes from the de la Zouche family and the town retains a pleasant high street of Georgian and Victorian buildings, with a spa history and a literary link through Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe.
The town sits on the edge of the restored Ashby Canal and the developing National Forest, making it popular for walking and boating; today it mixes independent shops, regular markets and light industry and also serves as a commuter centre for nearby Leicester and Burton upon Trent.