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Glenfields

Attractions and Places To See around Glenfields - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Glenfields include a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites, primarily located in Leicestershire, UK. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, expansive parks, and significant historical structures. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, climb prominent viewpoints, and discover engineering marvels. These diverse attractions offer opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Glenfields

  • The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit, a natural monument that…

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Old John Tower, Bradgate Park

Highlight • Monument

Old John is the highest hill in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. It gives its name to the folly that stands at its top. …

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Beacon Hill Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond.

Situated just 2 miles from …

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Ruins of Bradgate House

Highlight • Historical Site

Not sure on much of the history of this place, I do know that once upon a time Lady Jane Grey lived here. You can access the inside on specific days of the year.

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Swithland Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

Swithland reservoir, built around 1896, is about a mile long by half a mile wide. The Great Central Railway divides the reservoir into two. There is no access to the …

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Bradgate Park

Highlight • Settlement

Large car park, toilets, and an ice cream van in the summer months. What more do you need. £3 all day parking.

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Baboon
March 3, 2025, Bradgate Park

Cycling is only permitted on the one route through the park, which gets busy with walkers, take it slow in the park. Cafe and toilets in the middle.

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beacon hill country park great views at the top looking over Loughborough, cafe ,park for children, horse riding ,maze,

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Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park (for hunting) in the 12th Century. Herds of Red and Fallow Deer still roam freely across the Park's 800 acres today.The Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance as a wildlife habitat and its geological interest - the 600 million year old Precambrian rocks here are some of the oldest in England. Bradgate House, built around the year 1500, was one of the first unfortified, brick-built country houses in the country and was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey and played an important role in the English Civil War. Abandoned in the 18th Century, the house is now an evocative ruin set in a landscape that has changed little since the house's heyday.

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Richard
December 26, 2024, Beacon Hill Summit

Great walks, beacon hill

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Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond. Situated just 2 miles from the M1 motorway and a stone's throw away from Loughborough, the peak offers superb accessibility for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort.

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Swithland Reservoir, opened in 1896 for Leicester, had a 500 million-gallon capacity but became insufficient. In the early 20th century, a pipeline from Derwent reservoirs in Derbyshire was required. As you pass Buddon Wood, quarried in the early Iron Age for millstones, take a moment to enjoy the scenery, woodland, and water birds. You might also catch sight of steam trains on the viaduct from this spot.

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Bradgate House is one of England's great 'lost country houses', a once-magnificent Tudor mansion and the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic 'Nine Days Queen'. The story of Bradgate House goes back long before Lady Jane's birth, however, and is intertwined with the history of Bradgate Park, a large country park in which the ruins stand. Bradgate Park began as a hunting ground in the early 13th century. It was enclosed by an earthwork bank and ditch, topped by oak timbers. In 1445 the park passed by marriage to the Grey family, who owned it for the next 5 centuries. The first grey owner was Edward Grey, whose son John married Elizabeth Woodville. After John's death at the Battle of St Albans in 1461 Elizabeth married King Edward IV. One of Elizabeth's sons by her first marriage was Sir Thomas Grey, the 1st Marquess of Dorset.

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Swithland Reservoir is a reservoir in the English county of Leicestershire. It is north-east of the village of Swithland from which it takes its name, north-west of Rothley and approximately 133 metres (145 yd) south-west of Mountsorrel Quarry. It is part of the 187.1-hectare (462-acre) Buddon Wood and Swithland Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Glenfields?

Glenfields, primarily in Leicestershire, UK, offers several natural attractions. You can visit Beacon Hill Summit, the second highest peak in Leicestershire, for spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Bradgate Park Deer Park is a popular spot for wildlife spotting, especially deer. Additionally, Swithland Reservoir provides scenic views of water, woodland, and water birds, with the added charm of steam trains on the nearby viaduct.

Are there any historical sites to visit in the Glenfields area?

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore the Ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor mansion that was once home to Lady Jane Grey. Another significant historical site is the Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, a ruined folly built in 1784 that later served as an observation tower. The Glenfield Tunnel, built in 1829, was one of the world's longest railway tunnels and is accessible for public tours from May to October. More information can be found on visitleicester.info.

What family-friendly activities are available around Glenfields?

Many attractions around Glenfields are suitable for families. Beacon Hill Summit and Bradgate Park Deer Park are great for walks and wildlife spotting. Within Glenfield village, Ellis Park and Millennium Park offer children's play areas, outdoor gym equipment, and multi-use games areas. Millennium Park also features a sensory garden designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.

Are there good places for walking or hiking near Glenfields?

Absolutely. The area around Glenfields is excellent for walking and hiking. You can find numerous trails, including easy loops like the 'Roman Way – Groby & Ratby loop' or the 'Ruins of Bradgate House – River Lin loop'. For more options, explore the dedicated guide to Hiking around Glenfields, which details various routes and their difficulty levels.

Can I go cycling around the attractions in Glenfields?

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. There are several road cycling routes, such as the 'View of Cropston Reservoir – Ruins of Bradgate House loop' and the 'Smooth Road for Cycling – Bagworth Heath Woods loop'. For mountain biking, trails like the 'Bradgate Park Visitor Centre – John Merrick's Lake loop' are available. You can find detailed information and more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Glenfields and MTB Trails around Glenfields guides.

What are the best viewpoints in the Glenfields area?

For panoramic views, head to Beacon Hill Summit, which offers extensive vistas of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another excellent viewpoint is Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, standing at the highest point in the park with views stretching across the surrounding area and even Leicester city centre on a clear day.

Is Bradgate Park accessible for visitors, and what should I know before going?

Bradgate Park is a very popular attraction. While it offers beautiful scenery and wildlife, especially deer, it can get very busy, particularly on weekends and holidays. If cycling, be aware that cyclists do not have right of way and may be asked to dismount during busy periods. Arriving early is recommended to enjoy the park at its best. There are plenty of routes up and down the hills to choose from.

Are there any accessible parks or facilities for wheelchair users in Glenfield?

Yes, Millennium Park in Glenfield village includes a sensory garden specifically designed to be accessible for wheelchair users. This park also features a children's play park, an outdoor gym, and a multi-use game area.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Glenfields?

The most prominent wildlife you'll encounter is the deer population in Bradgate Park Deer Park. Additionally, around Swithland Reservoir, you can spot various water birds and enjoy the surrounding woodland scenery.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Glenfields?

Visitors frequently praise the tremendous views from Beacon Hill Summit and the 360-degree panoramas from Old John Tower. The historical significance of sites like the Ruins of Bradgate House and the natural beauty of Bradgate Park Deer Park are also highly appreciated. The area is known for offering fabulous views with minimal effort, making it accessible for many.

Are there any unique engineering marvels to see near Glenfields?

Yes, the Glenfield Tunnel is a notable engineering marvel. Built in 1829, it was officially the longest railway tunnel in the world when it opened in 1832 and was one of the first underground rail routes used by steam trains to transport coal. Public access into a portion of the tunnel is available from May to October.

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