Best attractions and places to see around Heather, a village in North West Leicestershire, England, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. This area is situated within the National Forest, providing diverse outdoor exploration opportunities. The region features remnants of its industrial past alongside tranquil natural settings.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight • Lake
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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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snibston trail great bike trail and skills area, old coal mining still can see some things check the photos.cafe car park and a park
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snibston colliery the old mining still got some things to view
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The canal is a lovely place for a walk, especially on a sunny day when the water reflects beautifully. There's a large forest area adjacent to the canal, with trails leading back to the path. You'll also find a museum, some small shops, and public restrooms. It's a great place for a day out, whether you're looking for adventure, walking the dog, fishing, or just grabbing a bite at the cafe!
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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check out the photos for signs for the trails and skills area
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check the photos there are some signs for the bike trail and skills area
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The area around Heather offers several historical sites. You can visit Moira Furnace and Canal, an industrial heritage site with a museum and accessible footpaths. Another significant historical and religious site is Mount St Bernard Abbey, England's sole Trappist monastery known for its architecture. Additionally, Snibston Colliery Park, a former coal mining site, now offers a park with a museum, and the ruins of Ashby de la Zouch Castle are also nearby.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Moira Furnace and Canal features a children's play area, a visitors' centre, and a museum. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short walks through woodlands, perfect for a family stroll. Snibston Colliery Park has a skills area and a museum, while Ashby de la Zouch Castle provides an engaging historical experience for all ages.
For nature and walks, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is an excellent choice, offering short walks around the lake and through extensive woodlands. The area around Moira Furnace and Canal also provides easily accessible footpaths along the canal and into nearby Donisthorp woodland. The entire region is situated within the National Forest, offering diverse outdoor exploration.
Heather is a great base for various cycling activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and general touring. Explore detailed routes and guides for Road Cycling Routes around Heather, Gravel biking around Heather, and Cycling around Heather.
Yes, there are several options for easy and short walks. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short, accessible circuits around the lake and through the woods. The footpaths along the canal near Moira Furnace and Canal are also easy to navigate and suitable for dog walking, with trails leading to Donisthorp woodland.
For a unique cultural and religious experience, visit Mount St Bernard Abbey. It is the only Trappist monastery in England, known for its stunning architecture, peaceful grounds, and the fact that the monks brew their own ale.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical interest and natural beauty. The accessible footpaths and family-friendly facilities at places like Moira Furnace are highly rated, as are the peaceful atmosphere and architectural beauty of Mount St Bernard Abbey. The transformation of former industrial sites into havens for wildlife and recreation, such as Sence Valley Forest Park, is also a highlight.
Parking availability varies by attraction. Moira Furnace offers good free parking. At Sence Valley Forest Park, car parks are available, but they are no longer free and require card or app payment.
Yes, the area has a rich industrial past, particularly related to coal mining. Moira Furnace and Canal is a prime example of industrial heritage, featuring a museum. Snibston Colliery Park, built on a former opencast coal mining site, also offers insights into this history with its colliery buildings and museum.
While specific pubs are not detailed for every attraction, the tips for Moira Furnace and Canal mention a cafe on-site. Snibston Colliery Park also has a cafe. For other locations, nearby villages like Ashby de la Zouch offer various dining options.
The attractions around Heather can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for walks and outdoor activities in places like Sence Valley Forest Park and along the canal at Moira Furnace. Historical sites like Mount St Bernard Abbey and Ashby de la Zouch Castle are accessible in all seasons, though checking specific opening hours is always recommended.


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