Attractions and Places To See around Ashley - Top 20

The region is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Foxton Locks, a historic canal system featuring a staircase of ten locks and the remains of a unique Inclined Boat Lift, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Additionally, St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, a Grade II*-listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century, offers a glimpse into the area's past.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Foxton Locks is a great option, offering boat trips, a museum, guided walks, and plenty of green space for nature spotting. It also has cafes and pubs on-site. St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth is also considered family-friendly, providing a historical point of interest.

The area around Ashley is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, gravel biking, and cycling. For hiking, explore routes like 'The George at Ashley loop from Ashley' or 'The Nevill Arms Café – Nevill Holt Village loop from Medbourne'. Cyclists can tackle routes such as 'Eyebrook Reservoir – Café Ventoux loop from Weston by Welland' or the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough. For more details on routes, check out the hiking, gravel biking, and cycling guides for Ashley.

The National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough is a prominent cycling trail in the area, featuring two tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon. For a more tranquil experience, quiet lanes surround about half of Eyebrook Reservoir, offering scenic rides with some short climbs. Remember to bring lights for the tunnels on Route 6, as parts can be gravelly and bumpy. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Ashley guide.

The most notable natural attraction is Eyebrook Reservoir, a beautiful lake and natural monument. It offers a quieter experience compared to nearby Rutland Water, with scenic views and opportunities for walks or cycling along its perimeter. The area around Foxton Locks also provides 34 acres of natural green spaces, ideal for nature spotting.

Yes, Foxton Locks, with its 34 acres of natural green spaces, is an excellent spot for nature and wildlife observation. Visitors often look out for herons, swans, swallows, and kingfishers along the canal and river areas.

At Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs and two cafes, including the Top Lock Cottage cafe (serving hot/cold drinks, snacks, local ice cream) and the Foxton Locks Inn. Bridge 61 is another option. If you're cycling the National Cycle Route 6, Pitsford Country Park is nearby and features the Willow Tree Café.

The canal system near Ashley is highlighted by Foxton Locks Basin, which marks the convergence of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm. The main attraction is the 'staircase' of ten canal locks, arranged in two groups of five, built in the early 19th century to navigate a steep incline. The site also features the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The engineering marvel of Foxton Locks, with its boat trips and museum, is a major draw. The tranquility and scenic views of Eyebrook Reservoir are also highly valued, especially by those seeking a quieter outdoor experience compared to busier spots.

Yes, the National Cycle Route 6 connects Northampton to Market Harborough, offering a substantial cycling experience. Additionally, the Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile (22.5 km) trail following a former railway course, is located just north of Arthingworth, near St Andrew's Church.

The National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough features two tunnels, one at Kelmarsh and another at Oxendon, so it's essential to bring lights for your bike. While parts of the path are tarmac, especially south of the Windhover Pub, the section north of it can be gravelly and bumpy. Consider a detour to Pitsford Country Park for stunning scenery and a cafe stop.

Yes, at Foxton Locks, you have the option to hire a day boat to explore the canal system further. Additionally, boat trips on 'Vagabond II' are available during the summer months, managed by Foxton Boats LTD.