Attractions and Places To See around Stretton En Le Field - Top 20

The area offers a rich history. You can visit Moira Furnace and Canal, a historical site with a museum and visitor's centre. Another significant landmark is Ashby de la Zouch Castle, a ruined castle famous from Sir Walter Scott's *Ivanhoe*. Within Stretton En Le Field itself, St Michael's Church, a 14th-century Anglican church, offers a glimpse into medieval architecture and is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust. You can find more details about the church on visitchurches.org.uk.

Yes, the region is on the edge of the National Forest. A great spot is Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, which offers short walks around the lake and through the woods. The area around Moira Furnace and Canal also features accessible footpaths along the canal and nearby woodlands, such as Donisthorpe Woodland.

Families can enjoy several attractions. Moira Furnace and Canal has a children's play area, museum, and easy canal-side walks. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is ideal for short, easy walks. Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre offers steam, diesel, and railcar services, a museum, and a Victorian tea room. Additionally, Twycross Zoo is a short drive away.

Absolutely. The region is excellent for walks. You can find easy hikes like the Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail and the Donisthorpe Woodland Trail. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Stretton En Le Field guide, which includes routes such as the Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail – Moira Furnace and Canal loop.

Yes, the area provides various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes, including easy options like the Derby Lane loop from Appleby Magna, and moderate ones such as the Harvey's Coffee Cabin – Redburn Lane loop from Moira. For gravel biking, routes like the Hicks Lodge Trail – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds are available. Discover more in the road cycling guide and the gravel biking guide.

St Michael's Church is a Grade II* listed building, notable for its largely unaltered 14th-century medieval interior, 18th-century box pews, and an alabaster grave slab from 1489. It's also recognized as a "Thankful Village," as all eleven men who served in World War I returned home. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia or visitchurches.org.uk.

Parking is generally available. Moira Furnace and Canal offers good free parking. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park, though it now requires card or app payment. Shackerstone Railway Station also has a bike park and allows cycles on trains for a small fee.

The village's name, "Stretton," hints at its Roman origins, suggesting proximity to a Roman road. Archaeological excavations nearby have uncovered remains of a 4th-century Roman farm, including coins and pottery, indicating a Roman presence in the area. Earthworks near St Michael's Church also suggest former village buildings, including the demolished Stretton Hall.

Shackerstone Railway Station is the northern terminus of the "Battlefield Railway" line. It features a museum, a Victorian tea room, a souvenir shop, and the main loco shed. You can experience steam, diesel, and railcar services along the single-track line. It's also possible to bring your bicycle on the train for a small fee.

Yes, many of the outdoor areas are suitable for walks with dogs. The canal paths around Moira Furnace and Canal are popular for dog walking. Additionally, the various woodland trails and routes in Sence Valley Forest Park and the wider National Forest area generally welcome dogs, though always check for specific park rules or lead requirements.

Moira Furnace and Canal is popular for its historical significance as an 18th-century blast furnace, its visitor's centre and museum, and its scenic location by the canal. It offers easily accessible footpaths, a children's play area, and is even noted as an inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's "Mines of Moria." It's a great spot for a day out with varied activities.

Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a ruined castle managed by English Heritage. It's known for its historical importance as a royalist stronghold and gained fame after being featured in Sir Walter Scott's novel *Ivanhoe*. Visitors can explore the ruins, which include a tower and various structures, offering a glimpse into medieval life and architecture.

Yes, the area is well-suited for easy walks. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park provides short, gentle circuits around the lake and through the woods. The Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail and the Donisthorpe Woodland Trail are also excellent options for easy, family-friendly strolls. You can find more details in the easy hikes guide.