Attractions and Places To See around Outwoods - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Outwoods include a 110-acre ancient woodland in Leicestershire, England, known for its natural beauty and geological significance. This area, part of the historic Charnwood Forest, features rocks formed 700 million years ago, making it one of Britain's oldest exposed rock sites. The Outwoods offers diverse walking trails and recreational opportunities, overlooking Loughborough and the Soar Valley. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique wildlife and geology.
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Last updated: August 13, 2026
Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Ferry Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. …
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Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Mickleover Greenway (National Cycle Network Route 54)
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Large number of benches …
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Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood
Highlight • Monument
In fact, I think this is my favourite one.
Firstly, and most importantly in my opinion, fellow Pride and Prejudice fans will recognise a few scenes from …
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A 29 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve features a combination of lakes and ponds, woodland and sheltered sunny areas make the former gravel pits at Hilton a haven for wildlife. Look for kingfishers flashing blue over the water, herons, great crested grebes, and tufted ducks. It is famous for dragonflies and damselflies, with 15 species recorded here.
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Sudbury Hall is a magnificent 17th-century country mansion. Now managed by the National Trust and rebranded as The Children's Country House, it blends grand Restoration architecture with interactive exhibits, making it a highly engaging, family-friendly destination. Built between 1660 and 1680 by George Vernon, it is considered one of the finest Restoration mansions in the country. Inside, you’ll find exquisite plasterwork, intricate wood carvings (some by Grinling Gibbons), and sweeping classical murals. Unlike traditional stately homes, it is designed to be fully hands-on. Visitors can try period dancing, pose for portraits, or play parlour game The estate features landscaped parkland, ornamental lakes (including a lilypond dating back to 1690), and outdoor woodland play areas.
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Carvers Rocks is situated at the southern tip of Foremark Reservoir and is a designated 280-acre (113-hectare) nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by the National Trust and Seven Trent. The area includes woodland, lowland heath, beautiful open countryside, and the open water of Foremark Reservoir. It is a haven for all types of wildlife , especially birds. There are a variety of recreation activities here, including woodland walks along with car parking and toilets.
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Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent. Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton. The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.
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The Ferry Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the River Trent. It was opened in 1889 and replaced a small ferry service that had run since the 13th century. It's a semi-suspension bridge and was the only one of this design to be built in Europe.
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Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.
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A pleasant nature reserve worth checking out if in the area. Despite the noises from the nearby A50, it is still a calming place with hardly any visitors, and full of wildlife. A loop around the nature reserve is about 1.5 - 2 miles and there are suggested routes on a board at the entrance. Car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road. Note: most of the paths do not allow dogs.
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Oh, and it has an INCREDIBLE play area for young and old alike. I did not take photos as it is not appropriate with other folks' children enjoying the facilities. I have had fun there myself on previous visits with friends. Try and walk the rolling log. See how far along you get before you fall off. It brings out a competitive side in folk that they might not realise is there😁
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in and around Outwoods?
The Outwoods is a 110-acre ancient woodland, part of the historic Charnwood Forest, known for its geological significance with rocks formed 700 million years ago. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique wildlife and geology. You can also find the Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve nearby, offering a calming place with wildlife, lakes, and forest trails.
Are there family-friendly activities and attractions near Outwoods?
Yes, The Outwoods itself features a natural play area for children and easy-access walking paths suitable for families. Nearby, the Ferry Bridge and Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage are both family-friendly and offer accessible routes for walks. The Mickleover Greenway is also an excellent traffic-free path for family cycling.
What historical sites can I visit in the Outwoods area?
The Outwoods is geologically significant, with rocks dating back 700 million years and discoveries like the 560-million-year-old *Charnia* fossil. For more recent history, you can visit the Ferry Bridge, a Victorian semi-suspension bridge that replaced a 13th-century ferry service. The Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage also offers a glimpse into historical waterways. Additionally, the Fauld Explosion Crater Memorial marks the site of a significant RAF munitions explosion from 1944.
What types of walking trails are available at The Outwoods?
The Outwoods offers a network of diverse walking trails suitable for all abilities, including easy-access paths. These trails are perfect for gentle strolls, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the serene environment of the ancient woodland. You can also find opportunities for orienteering within the woodland.
Is The Outwoods dog-friendly?
Yes, The Outwoods is a popular spot for dog walking, with options for dogs to roam off-lead if they have good recall. Please be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
What is the best time of year to visit The Outwoods?
The Outwoods offers seasonal beauty throughout the year. In springtime, visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of bluebells carpeting the woodland floor, alongside other woodland flora like wood anemone and ramsons. The autumn months also bring spectacular colors to the trees, making it a beautiful time for a visit.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near The Outwoods?
Yes, Olivia's Coffee and Bakery is located on-site at The Outwoods, providing refreshments for visitors. The café also offers information about the *Charnia* fossil discovery, adding a historical touch to your visit.
What outdoor activities can I do near the Outwoods attractions?
Beyond walking in The Outwoods, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, ranging from easy to moderate, such as the 'Ford at Rolleston on Dove – Toot Hill Bowl Barrow loop'. For runners, there are several running trails, including an 'easy Running loop from Horninglow and Eton'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find routes like the 'Robin Wood – Shell Brook Trail loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes on the respective guide pages for cycling, running, and mountain biking around Outwoods.
Where can I learn more about the geological significance of The Outwoods?
The Outwoods is internationally important for the study of early life forms due to its 700 million-year-old rocks and discoveries like the *Charnia* fossil. You can view fossils found in The Outwoods at Leicester Museum and Charnwood Museum in Loughborough for a deeper dive into the area's ancient past. Olivia's Coffee and Bakery on-site also provides information about the *Charnia* fossil discovery.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers at The Outwoods?
Yes, The Outwoods provides easy-access paths, including one that leads to a bird feeding station, making it suitable for visitors with wheelchairs or strollers. Additionally, nearby attractions like the Ferry Bridge and the Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage also offer wheelchair-accessible routes.
What wildlife can I expect to see at The Outwoods?
As an ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), The Outwoods boasts a rich variety of plants, insects, and birds. You can spot various woodland flora, especially bluebells in spring, and observe birds at the dedicated bird feeding station. The nearby Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is also known for its abundant wildlife.
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