Grounds Café Hicks Lodge

National Cycle Centre, Willesley Woodside, Moira, Swadlincote LE65 2UP, United Kingdom
+44 1530 274533
$$$ Cafe
(44 Reviews)
Price Range £1–20

Situated within the stunning setting of the National Cycle Centre in Moira, Grounds Café Hicks Lodge is more than just a café; it's a vibrant hub for cyclists, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. With its prime location near extensive cycling tracks and scenic lakes, this delightful café is the perfect spot to recharge after a day in the great outdoors.

The menu at Grounds Café Hicks Lodge offers a wonderful selection of satisfying fare, showcasing their commitment to quality and taste. Dive into an array of freshly made sandwiches and baguettes including the classic Ham and Cheddar Cheese, or savor the refreshing Tuna Mayo & Cucumber. For a taste adventure, don’t miss out on the delightfully zesty Cheddar Cheese & Chutney or the wholesome Cheddar Cheese & Tomato options. If soups are your comfort food of choice, their Bowl of Soup accompanied by Homemade Coleslaw is a perfect choice for warming up after a chilly ride. During the summer months, the Seasonal Summer Salad Pots offer a crisp, light alternative that celebrates seasonal produce beautifully.

But it’s not just the food that creates an inviting atmosphere. Many guests have praised the café for its cheerful service and warm ambiance. One enthusiast, Paul, describes it as “a fantastic place” with a lovely indoor café vibe and unparalleled outdoor seating—a perfect place to relax while watching the world go by. With options for both indoor comfort and outdoor fresh air, there’s something for everyone. It’s no surprise that families, cyclists, and dog owners alike are drawn to this charming spot.

Reviews from satisfied customers echo the sentiment that Grounds Café is a delightful stop. Michael shares how it’s a “good family day out,” with not only food but also a children’s play area and nature trails surrounding the café. Harriet even likens it to a service station but emphasizes how it far exceeds expectations with its excellent coffee and ice cream, making it a hidden gem along any journey.

One of the highlights for parents is their provision of quick, easy meals for children, paired with delicious options such as butternut squash soup and mouth-watering paninis. Meghan fondly recalls her family’s enjoyable day out, capped with a scoop of homemade gelato that’s blissfully enjoyed after outdoor activities.

Grounds Café Hicks Lodge not only satisfies your culinary cravings but also enriches your outdoor experiences—making it an unmissable stop whether you're cycling through the lush trails or simply taking a leisurely stroll by the lake. Just remember to accommodate for parking, as there is a small fee for this convenience, ensuring that your adventure remains stress-free.

Next time you find yourself in Swadlincote, take a break at Grounds Café Hicks Lodge. It’s where good food, fresh air, and friendly faces come together to create memories.

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

44 Reviews
Paul

20 Sep 2025

Excellent location for cycling with large cycle tracks for different levels of experience, ideal for a gentle walk around the lake area, great cafe with a good selection of food etc also there's a kids play area. One thing to note is that you will have to pay for parking if you come by car.

Michael Christou

11 Sep 2025

Good family day out with the lake (1-2km loop) to walk/ ride around or family friendly bike trails in the woods. Children’s play park and plenty of nature & wildlife for the kids to enjoy. Car parking £3.10 cash or pay by phone (as at August 2019) Range of cakes, ice cream, hot & cold drinks and lunch. Take card and are very dog friendly Bike shop counter for essential spares and repairs for the trails

Harriet Gilmour

19 Aug 2025

Great stop off on journey if you're round these parts. Wooden playground. Excellent coffee, baguettes and ice cream. Better than a service station by far. Good for bikes if you live locally

Meghan Yager Treleaven-Shaw

18 Aug 2025

What a lovely cafe! We enjoyed their quick and easy packed lunch for the kids, a delicious butternut squash soup and panini, yummy coffees and finished with their homemade gelato after a day out cycling in the forest! Highly recommend. Lovely service and the have gluten free and vegan options Thanks!

Paul Walker

26 Jul 2025

Amazing place. Miles of awesome cycling and a great cafe in the middle. Coffee and food is ok, service always friendly, indoor cafe great ambience, outdoor seating unparalleled. I don't want to big it up too much as I regard it as my personal paradise, but truth be told it is a FANTASTIC place.

Rob Swift

26 Jun 2025

Great selection of good quality sandwiches and cakes with really friendly, helpful staff. Definitely worth a stop before or after a walk round the lake.

Steve Gray

17 Jun 2025

Nice. Parking is easy. Coffee and short bread. And yes a woman in wheel chair

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