Best attractions and places to see around Arnesby include a mix of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural points of interest. This Leicestershire village is characterized by its rural setting with open green spaces. The area offers opportunities to explore significant historical sites and experience the local landscape through various walking routes.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Top tip only park your bike on the left, (looking from the road) there is a sign to remind you when you arrive. Great service, nice little upstairs room when the weather isn’t so good, or sit outside side on warm sunny days, good value for money with the coffee and cake.
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It's the perfect spot to hydrate, stretch, and simply appreciate nature before continuing to ride. Beware the thorns and sticks in spring time!
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Things to do Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat. Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. There is plenty to keep you busy at Foxton: Visit the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust Take a boat trips on Vagabond II managed by Foxton Boats LTD (summer only) Hire a day boat and travel a little further -managed by Foxton Boats LTD Meet the team in the welcome station and learn about lock keeping and the site's unique history Guided walks, themed activities and events Summer events programme including paddle boarding and canoeing Pre-loved bookshop in the Top Lock Cottage for your favourite read Bring a picnic or recharge at one of the places to eat on site: Top Lock Cottage café – serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and locally produced ice cream, and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61. source: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/foxton-locks-leicestershire
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Peatling Magna, formerly known as "Great Petlyng" and later as "Great Peatling," is a village in the Harborough district of south Leicestershire. The village's notable landmark is the Church of All Saints, primarily built during the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring fine examples of carved woodwork from different periods. In 1265, Peatling Magna gained national attention when, after the Battle of Evesham, the villagers refused to cooperate with the victorious royal forces, citing concerns for the welfare of the realm. This led to a court appearance recorded in the Plea Rolls of 1266, highlighting the village's resistance and reflecting communal ideas at the smallest village level in 13th-century England.
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The basin marks the convergence point of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm, situated at the base of Foxton Locks. Foxton Locks is the 'staircase' of ten canal locks. This flight of locks was built in the early 19th century to enable canal boats to navigate the steep incline. The locks are arranged in two groups of five, allowing boats to ascend or descend the hill.
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Great spot to grab a bite to eat. Good pasties and sweet treats. Filled up my water bottles too
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Covering 47 acres, Saddington Reservoir is an important biological site. The area comprises of wet willow, woodland, swamp, open water, and wetland habitats. It provides a home for various wildlife, such as beetles that have become scarce in the UK.
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Arnesby is rich in history. You can visit the prominent Grade II listed Arnesby Windmill, the early 12th-century Church of St. Peter, and the 18th-century Arnesby Baptist Chapel. Additionally, the Manorial Site, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, offers insights into a medieval manor. Further afield, explore the historic Foxton Locks, a significant canal heritage site, and the Church of All Saints in Peatling Magna, known for its 14th and 15th-century architecture.
Yes, Arnesby is set in a rural landscape with open green spaces along Mill Hill Road and St. Peter's Road. For a larger natural escape, Saddington Reservoir is a 47-acre biological site featuring wet willow, woodland, swamp, and open water habitats, home to various wildlife. The area around Foxton Locks also offers 34 acres of natural green spaces, perfect for nature spotting.
The area around Arnesby is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking routes, including easy loops like the '1662 House loop from Arnesby' or moderate trails such as the 'Saddington Tunnel loop from Fleckney'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Foxton Locks – Saddington Reservoir loop from Countesthorpe'. Gravel biking options are also available, such as the 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Foxton Swing Bridge loop from Smeeton Westerby'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guides for Arnesby.
Absolutely! Foxton Locks is a fantastic family destination, offering boat trips, a Canal Museum, and plenty of space for nature spotting within its 34 acres of green space. The nearby Foxton Locks Basin is also a great spot to observe canal boats. Saddington Reservoir provides a peaceful setting for families to enjoy nature. Even historical sites like the Church of All Saints in Peatling Magna can be interesting for older children.
Arnesby is pleasant throughout the warmer months, especially for outdoor activities and exploring its rural setting. If you're interested in local events, the village hosts its annual Arnesby May Fayre on the second bank holiday each May, offering games, craft stalls, and entertainment. This can be a particularly vibrant time to visit.
Near Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs and two cafés, including the Top Lock Cottage café and the Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61. For a local stop, Gilmorton Post Office, General Store and Delicatessen is known for good coffee, cakes, and pasties, making it a great spot to refuel.
Beyond the well-known sites, Arnesby holds some unique points of interest. The village is home to The Old Manse, a historic building where the Rev. Robert Hall, a notable figure, was born. Additionally, there is a tank hangar in the area that houses a large private collection of armored fighting vehicles and artillery, offering a distinct experience for those interested in military history.
Arnesby offers a variety of walking routes through its rural landscape. You can enjoy easy walks through open green spaces within the village or venture onto longer trails. Options include circular walks that take you through the surrounding countryside, such as those found in the hiking guide for Arnesby, which features routes of varying distances and difficulties.
Foxton Locks is a remarkable man-made monument and a significant historical site. It features a 'staircase' of ten canal locks, built in the early 19th century to allow canal boats to navigate a steep incline. The site also includes the remains of a unique Inclined Boat Lift, listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and a Canal Museum, making it a key piece of industrial heritage.
Arnesby has a rich heritage, with 15 Grade II listed structures contributing to its historic character, including various houses, a milepost, and a memorial. The village's conservation area status helps preserve its unique architectural and historical elements. For more detailed information on the conservation area, you can refer to resources provided by Harborough District Council.
Yes, Arnesby is known for its annual May Fayre, held on the second bank holiday in May. This popular event attracts visitors with games, competitions, craft stalls, and street entertainment, raising money for local amenities. The Arnesby Village Hall also serves as a community hub, hosting various local activities, including the Arnesby Table Tennis Club.


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