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East Midlands

Bagworth & Thornton

Attractions and Places To See around Bagworth & Thornton - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Bagworth & Thornton include expansive country parks, tranquil reservoirs, and sites of historical significance. This civil parish in Leicestershire, England, blends natural beauty with its industrial heritage. Visitors can explore reclaimed colliery sites transformed into woodlands and heathlands, alongside ancient churches and historical landmarks. The area offers diverse landscapes for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Bagworth & Thornton

  • The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Old John Tower, Bradgate Park

Highlight • Monument

Old John is the highest hill in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. It gives its name to the folly that stands at its top. …

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Beacon Hill Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond.

Situated just 2 miles from …

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Ruins of Bradgate House

Highlight • Historical Site

Not sure on much of the history of this place, I do know that once upon a time Lady Jane Grey lived here. You can access the inside on specific days of the year.

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Mount St Bernard Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

A very peaceful part of the Charnwood Area. Fantastic Architecture, stunning grounds & a real sense of being somewhere special.
Not just for the faithful!

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Bradgate Park Deer Park

Highlight • Lake

Arrive early at Bradgate Park to enjoy it at its best. It's a lovely ride, but as a very popular attraction, the park can get very busy with pedestrians later …

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Tips from the Community

Richard
March 2, 2025, Beacon Hill Summit

beacon hill country park great views at the top looking over Loughborough, cafe ,park for children, horse riding ,maze,

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Richard
December 26, 2024, Beacon Hill Summit

Great walks, beacon hill

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Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond. Situated just 2 miles from the M1 motorway and a stone's throw away from Loughborough, the peak offers superb accessibility for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort.

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Bradgate House is one of England's great 'lost country houses', a once-magnificent Tudor mansion and the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic 'Nine Days Queen'. The story of Bradgate House goes back long before Lady Jane's birth, however, and is intertwined with the history of Bradgate Park, a large country park in which the ruins stand. Bradgate Park began as a hunting ground in the early 13th century. It was enclosed by an earthwork bank and ditch, topped by oak timbers. In 1445 the park passed by marriage to the Grey family, who owned it for the next 5 centuries. The first grey owner was Edward Grey, whose son John married Elizabeth Woodville. After John's death at the Battle of St Albans in 1461 Elizabeth married King Edward IV. One of Elizabeth's sons by her first marriage was Sir Thomas Grey, the 1st Marquess of Dorset.

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Such a calm place to visit. The monks here brew their own ale which is delicious!

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Mount St Bernard Abbey is a Roman Catholic, Trappist monastery near Coalville, Leicestershire, England, founded in 1835 in the parish of Whitwick and now in that of Charley. The abbey was the first permanent monastery to be founded in England since the Reformation and is the sole Trappist house in England. The monks brew the only Trappist beer in Britain.

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The present "Gill-style" sculptures surmounting the calvary rock are the work of Father Vincent Eley, 1965, and represent the crucified Jesus, mounted on a cross of concrete, with images of Our Lady and St John on either side. The Calvary at Mount St Bernard has the distinction of being only the second in England since the Reformation. The first had been established on a rocky outcrop on De Lisle's Grace Dieu estate off Thurlough Road, near Thringstone, about a mile away.

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Old John is the highest hill in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. It gives its name to the folly that stands at its top. The hill stands at 696 foot (212 m) high, and is a prominent landmark across Leicester and Leicestershire. The earliest recorded use of the name is on a map of 1754, which records a windmill on the site, some 30 years before the tower was built. The tower itself began life as a ruined folly, built in 1784, during the time of George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford. He got Thomas Sketchley of Anstey to build him the mock ruin, which had strong similarities to Mow Cop, Staffordshire. It was adapted in the mid-19th century by the seventh Earl to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses, along with the building of a stable block lower down the hill.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Bagworth & Thornton?

The region offers several beautiful natural spots. You can visit Thornton Reservoir, known for its peaceful setting, diverse birdlife, and a well-surfaced 2.5-mile circular track suitable for walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users. Another excellent choice is Bagworth Heath Woods, a 185-acre country park reclaimed from a former colliery, featuring woodlands, grasslands, lakes, and a 2km multi-use path. For panoramic views, head to Beacon Hill Summit, the second-highest peak in Leicestershire, offering spectacular vistas of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.

Are there historical sites or landmarks to visit in the area?

Yes, Bagworth & Thornton has a rich history reflected in its landmarks. Explore the Ruins of Bradgate House, a significant Tudor mansion and birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. Nearby, you'll find Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, a prominent 18th-century folly offering extensive views. The Bagworth Miners Statue commemorates the village's coal mining heritage, and St Peter's Church in Thornton has records dating back to 1162. For a peaceful experience, visit Mount St Bernard Abbey, known for its stunning architecture and grounds.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The area is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the 'Thornton Reservoir loop' or 'Nice Trail loop' near Bagworth & Thornton. For road cycling, routes such as 'Bagworth Heath Woods loop' or 'Thornton Reservoir loop' are popular. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like 'Snipston Country Park and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood loop'. Find more details on these and other routes in the Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and MTB Trails guides for the region.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Bagworth & Thornton?

Absolutely! Thornton Reservoir is very family-friendly, with its accessible circular track and a play area nearby at Thornton Meadows. Bagworth Heath Woods offers multi-use paths suitable for families to walk or cycle. Beacon Hill Summit is also considered family-friendly, offering great views with minimal effort. The Bradgate Park Deer Park is a wonderful place for families to spot deer and enjoy nature.

What is the best time to visit Bagworth & Thornton for wildlife or nature viewing?

For birdlife, Thornton Reservoir is excellent year-round, home to cormorants, mallards, swans, and herons. If you're interested in fungi, Thornton Meadows is a notable site for spotting waxcap fungi in autumn. Spring is ideal for visiting woodlands like Burroughs Wood, Pear Tree Wood, and Martinshaw Wood, which are known for their beautiful bluebell displays.

Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, Thornton Reservoir features a well-surfaced 2.5-mile circular track that is suitable for wheelchair users and strollers, allowing everyone to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and birdlife. Bagworth Heath Woods also offers a network of grass and surfaced paths, including a 2km multi-use path.

Where can I find parking at Thornton Reservoir and Bagworth Heath Woods?

Both Thornton Reservoir and Bagworth Heath Woods have dedicated parking facilities for visitors. At Thornton Reservoir, parking is available near the main entrance. For Bagworth Heath Woods, there are parking areas provided to access the country park's extensive network of paths and trails.

What are some good places for walking or hiking in the region?

The area boasts numerous walking opportunities. The 2.5-mile circular track around Thornton Reservoir is popular for easy walks. Bagworth Heath Woods offers a variety of paths through woodlands and heathlands. For longer routes, the National Forest Way and Leicestershire Round long-distance paths pass by Thornton Reservoir. You can also extend walks into adjacent woodlands like Browns Wood near Thornton or explore the extensive trails at Beacon Hill Summit.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the attractions?

While specific names are not provided, the villages of Bagworth and Thornton offer local amenities. You can typically find cafes and pubs in these villages, especially near popular spots like Thornton Reservoir, which often has facilities or nearby establishments catering to visitors.

What is the significance of the Bradgate Park area?

Bradgate Park is historically significant as the site of Bradgate House, the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. It also features Old John Tower, a prominent folly with extensive views. The park is also home to the Bradgate Park Deer Park, where visitors can observe deer in a natural setting.

Can I ride horses in any of the local woodlands?

Yes, Bagworth Wood, part of the National Forest, offers designated horse-riding routes in addition to inter-linking footpaths. This provides an opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife habitats of the 26-hectare woodland on horseback.

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