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Unexpected Upland

Where to visit

From medieval deer parks, to trappist abbeys, there’s something for everyone in Charnwood Forest.

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Inclined layers of rock at Beacon Hill. In the middle distance two people sit on a bench admiring the view over Loughborough.
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Beacon Hill

Rising to a height of 245m, Beacon Hill is one of the highest points in Leicestershire and boasts spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.

Rocky crags at Bradgate Park, next to the Old John tower.
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Bradgate Park

This 800 year old deer park offers wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled oak trees - some of which are over 500 years old! You can learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the Park at the onsite visitor centre.

An autumn view of the old windmill at Broombriggs
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Broombriggs Farm & Windmill Hill

Broombriggs Farm is a mosaic of small fields enclosed by dry stone walls, hedgerows, fences and woodlands.

The ruins of the priory at Grace Dieu
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Grace Dieu Priory

Owned by the Friends of Grace Dieu Priory, this ruined Augustinian nunnery was founded around 1240. Presentations and guided walks by appointment.

Tress and a track in Martinshaw Woods
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Martinshaw Wood

Covering over 100ha of an original ancient woodland site, Martinshaw Wood is rich in ecological and archaeological interest.

A view of Mount St. Bernard's Abbey with a blue sky background.
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Mount St. Bernard’s Abbey

This Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1835 as a continuation of Garendon Abbey (1133-1538). Includes gardens, high calvery, shop and Abbey Church.

Two people riding e-bikes through a forest.
  • Stay
  • Visit

National Forest E-Bike Holidays

Fun cycling and walking holidays for gentle adventurers.

An area of rock covered in orange lichens, with a large tree growing out of a crack
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Outwoods

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood.

Several bottles of wine sitting on a rocky outcrop.
  • Eat & Drink
  • Visit

Rothley Wine Estate

Rothley Wine Estate sells award-winning wine grown and produced at the Kingfishers’ Pool Vineyard.

A large flood former quarry surrounded by woodland.
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Swithland Wood

A 61ha remnant of the original Charnwood Forest, Swithland Wood is part of the Bradgate Estate and is managed by the Bradgate Park Trust.

A misty day at Thornton Reservoir. Several swans are on the water.
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Thornton Reservoir

Peaceful and picturesque, Thornton offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and neighbouring woodland areas

A snow-covered view of the tri point at Beacon Hill

COME VISIT US

A Place for Everyone

Explore Charnwood Forest through our interactive map, featuring recommendations from geosites and walks, to where’s best for a delicious dinner.

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EXPLORE MORE

A view of Mount St. Bernard's Abbey with a blue sky background.
  • Visit

Where to Visit

From medieval deer parks, to trappist abbeys, there's something for everyone in Charnwood Forest.

A picnic basket full of food. A sign says "Edible Forest"
  • Eat & Drink

Where to Eat

There's a restaurant, cafe, or pub for every taste in the Charnwood Forest Geopark.

Two people sit eating a meal out the front of a small accommodation building in the countryside
  • Stay

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Charnwood Forest