Attractions and Places To See around Ashby Woulds - Top 20

Ashby Woulds, situated within The National Forest, offers several natural attractions. You can visit Deer Park at Calke Abbey, known for its ancient oak trees and historic deer population. Staunton Harold Reservoir provides beautiful views over the water and surrounding woodlands, ideal for birdwatching. Additionally, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers tranquil walks through a transformed opencast mining site now rich in wildlife.

The region is rich in history. Explore Moira Furnace and Canal, a well-preserved 19th-century blast furnace with a visitor's centre and museum, offering footpaths along the canal. Nearby, you can also visit Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle, a 15th-century English Heritage site with underground passages and a tower offering panoramic views. The restored Measham Station along the Ashby Woulds Trail is another historical highlight.

Yes, there are many family-friendly options. Conkers Discovery Centre, located in The National Forest, is an award-winning indoor and outdoor attraction with activities for all ages, including an Enchanted Forest Adventure play area. Rosliston Forestry Centre, a short drive away, offers tranquil areas, a lake, and a play area for children, along with organized activities. Many natural sites like Deer Park at Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold Reservoir are also suitable for families.

Ashby Woulds offers diverse cycling routes. For mountain biking, consider the Conkers and Ashby Woulds Trail loop or the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop. Road cyclists can explore routes like the Moira Furnace and Canal – Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop. For touring, the Hicks Lodge Trail – Conkers Waterside loop is an easy option.

Absolutely. The Ashby Woulds Trail is a 3.5-mile (6km) multi-use path following a former railway line, perfect for walks. You can also find accessible footpaths around Moira Furnace and Canal leading to Donisthorpe Woodland Park. Deer Park at Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold Reservoir also provide excellent walking opportunities with scenic views.

Many outdoor areas around Ashby Woulds are dog-friendly. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is a great place for walks with your dog. The trails around Moira Furnace and Canal, especially the adjacent forest area, are also popular for dog walking. Always check specific attraction rules for indoor access or designated off-leash areas.

Ashby Woulds is enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking and cycling. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to The National Forest. Winter can be peaceful for walks, but check local conditions, especially for trails, as some facilities might have reduced hours.

You'll find cafes and pubs in the towns and villages surrounding Ashby Woulds. For example, Staunton Harold Reservoir has a cafe, and there are local shops and cafes within a minute's walk of Melbourne Pool. The visitor's centre at Moira Furnace and Canal also has facilities, including a cafe.

Yes, some areas offer accessible options. The footpaths around Moira Furnace and Canal are generally accessible, leading to nearby woodlands. Donisthorpe Woodland Park, mentioned in tips for Moira Furnace, is also noted as suitable for pushchairs, implying good accessibility. Always check specific venue information for detailed accessibility features.

Being part of The National Forest, Ashby Woulds is rich in wildlife. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is home to a historic deer population. Staunton Harold Reservoir is known for its diverse birdlife. Woodland areas like Donisthorpe Woodland Park and Sence Valley Forest Park also provide habitats for various birds, small mammals, and insects.

Beyond walking and cycling, you can explore the unique landscape of The National Forest. Consider visiting Rosliston Forestry Centre for fishing or organized activities. The Ashby Woulds Trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in local wildlife and heritage. For a different experience, Twycross Zoo is a nearby attraction, and Swadlincote Snowsports Centre offers snow-related activities.

The Ashby Woulds Trail is a 3.5-mile (6km) multi-use trail following a former railway line. You can find more historical context and details about its significance as part of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway line by visiting its Wikipedia page: Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.

Yes, several attractions feature water. Staunton Harold Reservoir and Melbourne Pool are both scenic lakes offering opportunities for walks and enjoying the views. Moira Furnace and Canal provides lovely walks along the canal, and you might even see sail boats on Staunton Harold Reservoir.