Top 5 Natural Monuments around Lubbesthorpe
Best natural monuments around Lubbesthorpe encompass diverse green spaces and historically significant natural features. The area features extensive parklands with woodlands, ponds, and nature areas, alongside recreational spaces. These locations provide opportunities for recreation, wildlife observation, and insights into the region's past. The landscape offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interaction with the environment.
Best natural monuments around Lubbesthorpe
- The most popular natural monuments is Swithland Wood, a natural monument that was purchased to ensure public access…
Last updated: August 11, 2026
Bradgate Park
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Swithland Wood
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Groby Pool
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Cropston Reservoir — Northwest Shore
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Memorial Wood
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Tips from the Community
Cycling is only permitted on the one route through the park, which gets busy with walkers, take it slow in the park. Cafe and toilets in the middle.
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Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park (for hunting) in the 12th Century. Herds of Red and Fallow Deer still roam freely across the Park's 800 acres today.The Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance as a wildlife habitat and its geological interest - the 600 million year old Precambrian rocks here are some of the oldest in England. Bradgate House, built around the year 1500, was one of the first unfortified, brick-built country houses in the country and was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey and played an important role in the English Civil War. Abandoned in the 18th Century, the house is now an evocative ruin set in a landscape that has changed little since the house's heyday.
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The building across the water, Pool House, is a Grade II listed building.
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The first recorded reference to Groby Pool was in 1295, and there is evidence of a mill associated with Groby Pool from that time until the 1900s. The last was a saw mill in Sheet Hedges Wood.
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Memorial Wood is an area of woodland to the side of the accessible carriage way that crosses the Park. It offers a tranquil setting overlooking Cropston Reservoir and is reached by a natural stone path. Rich in native wildlife species, the area is bound by traditional metal deer fencing, has seating and a central sculpture of a stag, set on a natural stone plinth.
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Cropston Reservoir (originally known as Bradgate Reservoir) lies in Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, England. The dam and associated water works are in Cropston, while the bulk of the reservoir is in the neighbouring Newtown Linford parish. It was opened in May 1871 in a corner of Bradgate Park, a large expanse of open land northwest of Leicester. It is part of the 987-acre (399.3 ha) Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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Swithland Wood (situated directly across the road on the northern side of Bradgate Park) was one of the first disposals of the Bradgate Estate by the Grey family in 1921. It was purchased by a local timber merchant who felled much of the timber. To prevent the removal of further timber, and to conserve the Wood as one of the most wildlife rich and attractive woodlands in Leicestershire, The Rotary Club of Leicester launched an appeal for its purchase to ensure public access into the future.
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Groby Pool is believed to be the largest natural expanse of open water in Leicestershire, covering 38 acres. The unusual combination of habitats includes woodland, wet and dry grassland, marsh, reed swamp and open water, supporting a wide range of water fowl and animals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore in the Lubbesthorpe area?
The Lubbesthorpe area offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interaction with the environment. You can explore the extensive Bradgate Park, which features 600 million-year-old Precambrian rocks and herds of Red and Fallow Deer. Additionally, the new community of Lubbesthorpe boasts **325 acres of new parklands** with woodlands, ponds, and extensive walking and cycling routes, focusing on native species and biodiversity.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Lubbesthorpe?
Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. Swithland Wood is a wildlife-rich woodland perfect for exploring. Groby Pool, the largest natural expanse of open water in Leicestershire, offers diverse habitats and is suitable for family visits. The New Lubbesthorpe Parklands also include children's play areas and picnic spots, making them ideal for families.
What historical natural sites can I visit near Lubbesthorpe?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can delve into history. The Bradgate Park is home to the ruins of Bradgate House, built around 1500, and has a rich history as a deer park. A unique historical site is the **Medieval Rabbit Warren**, a Scheduled Ancient Monument located west of Beggars Lane. This site features earthwork mounds that were purpose-built breeding places for rabbits, offering a glimpse into medieval agricultural practices and how natural features were adapted for human use centuries ago.
Where can I go for a peaceful walk or to observe wildlife in Lubbesthorpe?
For a tranquil experience and wildlife observation, visit the **Osiers Nature Reserve**. Located between Braunstone and Meridian Business Park, it features mature woodland, meadows, a stream, and a pond. It's an excellent spot for a peaceful walk and to observe local flora and fauna. Memorial Wood also offers a tranquil setting overlooking Cropston Reservoir, rich in native wildlife species.
Are there accessible walking routes or facilities for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, some areas are designed with accessibility in mind. The **New Lubbesthorpe Parklands** are being developed with new footpaths and facilities. Memorial Wood is an accessible woodland with a natural stone path. The Osiers Nature Reserve also features a hard-surfaced path guiding visitors through the woodland and meadows, making it suitable for a range of visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Lubbesthorpe offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for easy hikes, with routes like the 'Osprey Viewing Spot – Great Central Way loop'. For those who enjoy cycling, there are gravel biking routes, such as the 'Nice Trail loop from Groby'. Runners can explore running trails, including the 'Path Beside the Pond – Great Central Way loop from Enderby'.
Where can I find unique natural landmarks or viewpoints?
For unique natural landmarks, consider visiting The Lightning Tree, a distinctive pollarded tree in Bradgate Park that has been damaged by lightning over centuries. Groby Pool also offers scenic viewpoints across its 38 acres of open water, surrounded by woodland and marsh.
Are there any outdoor gyms or recreational facilities in the natural areas?
Yes, both the **New Lubbesthorpe Parklands** and the **Osiers Nature Reserve** include outdoor gym facilities. These areas are designed to support active outdoor pursuits, offering a blend of natural environments and recreational equipment for visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Lubbesthorpe?
The natural monuments around Lubbesthorpe offer beauty throughout the year. The **New Lubbesthorpe Parklands** feature diverse plantings, including birch, oak, acer, crab apple, and cherry trees, providing seasonal interest. Spring brings wildflowers and new growth, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer walks and picnics, and winter provides a peaceful, stark beauty.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in this region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse green spaces and the blend of natural beauty with historical significance. The opportunity to see herds of Red and Fallow Deer roaming freely in Bradgate Park is a highlight. The tranquil settings of places like Memorial Wood and the Osiers Nature Reserve are also highly valued for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments in Lubbesthorpe?
While specific dog policies can vary, many natural outdoor spaces in the UK, including parklands and nature reserves, generally welcome dogs, often requiring them to be kept on a lead. For detailed information on specific sites like the New Lubbesthorpe Parklands or Osiers Nature Reserve, it's advisable to check local signage or official websites for any specific restrictions.
Most popular attractions around Lubbesthorpe
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