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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Leicestershire
Charnwood

Wymeswold

Attractions and Places To See around Wymeswold - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Wymeswold include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes within the Leicestershire Wolds. The village offers notable landmarks and green spaces for exploration. Visitors can discover cultural sites and natural features, providing diverse points of interest. The area is characterized by its blend of historical charm and outdoor opportunities.

Best attractions and places to see around Wymeswold

  • The most popular attractions is Swithland Reservoir, a viewpoint that features a large body of water divided by the Great Central Railway. It offers views of the water and passing vintage trains.
  • Another must-see spot is Hickling Basin, a facilities area located along the Grantham Canal. This spot provides a place to stop and observe the canal, with amenities nearby.
  • Visitors also love Barrow Bridge, a viewpoint that crosses the River Soar navigation. It is a picturesque location popular with walkers and boaters.
  • Wymeswold is known for its reservoirs, bridges, and cafes. The area offers a variety of attractions, from natural viewpoints to facilities for visitors.
  • The attractions around Wymeswold are appreciated by the komoot community, with 64 upvotes and 50 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

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 reservoir margins, but both sections can be viewed from the roads at the North and South ends.

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Love & Piste Coffee Shop

Highlight • Cafe

Great pit stop for coffee and cake. Loads of outdoor seating with some covered areas with blankets and heater. No indoor seating inside shop and cafe.

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Barrow Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

The bridge crosses the River Soar navigation. Located only a stone's throw from the bridge is the Soar Bridge Inn, a traditional pub popular with boaters and walkers attracted by the picturesque scene.

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Racehub Lake

Highlight • Lake

Fantastic bike shop and cafe in the middle of the Leicestershire countryside. The cafe serves a selection of coffees, shakes and cold drinks along with sports nutrition and plenty of delicious cakes. Bike shop sells mainly Giant/Liv bikes and components but also plenty of fun socks along with their own Racehub branded kit. The workshop is very knowledgeable and happy to help. There is also open water swimming available in the lake a few times a week. It is a lovely lake to swim in, nice and clean with clearly marked laps and not too deep so gets nice and warm on a hot day.
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Hickling Basin

Highlight • Rest Area

A lovely place to stop when walking along the Grantham Canal. There is a tea room and pub right next to the basin to refuel.

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Hiking around Wymeswold

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Tips from the Community

Abi
April 18, 2025, Love & Piste Coffee Shop

Great pit stop for coffee and cake. No indoor seating but plenty of outdoor seating round the back and covered seating with blankets and heaters round the front. Cake is TASTY!

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Great pit stop for coffee and cake. Loads of outdoor seating with some covered areas with blankets and heater. No indoor seating inside shop and cafe.

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Lovely cake and coffee with a covered seating porch to get out of the rain!

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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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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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The disused Grantham Canal passes through the village and there is a large basin adjacent to the main road. This would have facilitated loading and mooring when the canal was in use. The basin now attracts a substantial population of swans and ducks.

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garyb
May 11, 2023, Barrow Bridge

A good place to take a breather and watch the boats. Cotes Road and South Street provide a nice, quiet north - south run avoiding the A6 on the other side of the river.

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Iain Harber
February 8, 2023, Barrow Bridge

Traffic lights both sides. Nasty little climb up towards the village that will take the wind out of your sails!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Wymeswold?

Wymeswold offers several natural highlights. You can visit the Swithland Reservoir, a large body of water divided by the Great Central Railway, offering views of the water and passing vintage trains. For a tranquil experience, explore the Wymeswold Meadows Nature Reserve, a 4.5-hectare haven along the River Mantle, known for diverse flora and wildlife like dragonflies and butterflies. The River Mantle itself flows through the village, and numerous footpaths crisscross the surrounding fields.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit in Wymeswold?

Yes, Wymeswold is rich in history. The most prominent historical site is St. Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 13th century, notable for its architecture and Pugin's restoration work. You can also admire Georgian houses along Far Street, and unique curiosities like a Type K6 Telephone Kiosk and a 1770 pump preserved at the Hammer and Pincers Inn. While the Wymeswold Manor House is a historic Grade II listed building, it is a private residence.

What are some family-friendly activities available in the Wymeswold area?

Many attractions around Wymeswold are suitable for families. You can enjoy the views and watch vintage trains at Swithland Reservoir. Hickling Basin along the Grantham Canal is a pleasant spot with amenities nearby, and Barrow Bridge is a picturesque location popular with walkers and boaters. For a more active day, Racehub Lake offers open water swimming and has a cafe.

Where can I find good places for walking or cycling near Wymeswold?

The area around Wymeswold is excellent for outdoor activities. You'll find numerous footpaths through fields and hedgerows. For cycling, there are dedicated guides for various disciplines. You can explore routes for Cycling around Wymeswold, Road Cycling Routes around Wymeswold, and Gravel biking around Wymeswold. These guides feature routes of varying distances and difficulties, often passing by local highlights and scenic spots.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the attractions for refreshments?

Yes, you'll find several options for refreshments. The Love & Piste Coffee Shop is a great pit stop for coffee and cake, especially popular with cyclists. Near Hickling Basin, there's a tea room and a pub. Close to Barrow Bridge, the Soar Bridge Inn offers a traditional pub experience. Additionally, Racehub Lake features a cafe with a selection of coffees, shakes, and cakes. In Wymeswold village itself, The Three Crowns pub and the Michelin Guide-featured Hammer and Pincers restaurant provide dining and social opportunities.

What unique community events take place in Wymeswold?

Wymeswold is known for its lively community events. The village hosts the annual Glastonbudget Festival, recognized as the UK's largest tribute act festival. Other popular events include the annual Wymeswold Duck Race on the River Mantle, typically held in May, and the Wymeswold Open Gardens event in June, where residents open their gardens to the public.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Wymeswold?

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Many enjoy the scenic views over water bodies like Swithland Reservoir and the tranquil atmosphere of places like Hickling Basin. The cycling-friendly cafes, the picturesque settings of bridges like Barrow Bridge, and the opportunities for outdoor activities like open water swimming at Racehub Lake are also highly rated by the komoot community.

Are there any viewpoints to enjoy scenic landscapes in the area?

Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. Swithland Reservoir offers expansive views of the water and the Great Central Railway. Barrow Bridge provides a picturesque scene over the River Soar navigation, popular with walkers and boaters. Hickling Basin also serves as a viewpoint along the Grantham Canal, perfect for observing canal life.

What is the significance of St. Mary's Church in Wymeswold?

St. Mary's Church is a central and significant landmark in Wymeswold. Dating back to the 13th century, this Grade I listed building is renowned for its impressive architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. It underwent a notable restoration in the 1840s by the acclaimed architect A.W.N. Pugin, known for his work on the Houses of Parliament, making it an important example of Gothic revival architecture. The churchyard also features a collection of Swithland slate headstones, reflecting local historical craftsmanship.

Can I find places for outdoor sports like open water swimming or gliding near Wymeswold?

Yes, for outdoor sports, Racehub Lake offers open water swimming several times a week in a clean, marked lake. Additionally, the former RAF Wymeswold Airfield is now utilized as a driving experience center and a gliding club, providing opportunities for aerial activities.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Wymeswold's natural areas?

In natural areas like the Wymeswold Meadows Nature Reserve, you can observe diverse flora including cowslip, cuckooflower, and hoary plantain. It's an excellent spot for observing dragonflies and damselflies in summer, along with various butterflies and hedgerow birds. The River Mantle also provides a habitat for various aquatic creatures.

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