Attractions and Places To See around Ashby Magna - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Ashby Magna offer a blend of traditional English countryside and local heritage. The village is set amidst the rolling Leicestershire countryside, characterized by hedged fields and gentle grazing land. Its historical identity is rooted in landmarks like the Grade II* listed St Mary's Parish Church and various historic buildings. The surrounding area provides scenic routes for walkers and cyclists, with several natural and cultural points of interest nearby.
Best attractions and places to see around Ashby Magna
- The most popular attraction is Stoney Cove National Dive Centre, a lake that is a large flooded quarry hosting the UK National Dive Centre. It features an underwater adventure park and a pub/cafe.
- Another must-see spot is Saddington Reservoir, a lake covering 47 acres. This important biological site comprises wet willow, woodland, swamp, open water, and wetland habitats, providing a home for various wildlife.
- Visitors also love Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture, an other man-made monument. This sculpture of a quarryman was carved from a felled tree, commemorating both the tree and the area's mining history.
- Ashby Magna is known for its historical sites, natural features, and unique man-made structures. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from religious buildings to reservoirs.
- The attractions around Ashby Magna are appreciated by the komoot community, with 35 upvotes and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Stoney Cove National Dive Centre
Highlight • Lake
Above the surface, there is a pub/cafe and it's also a great spot to catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons/
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Church of All Saints, Peatling Magna
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture
Highlight • Structure
After consulting with residents in the area, it was decided that a sculpture of a quarryman would be made out of the trunk.
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Gilmorton Post Office, General Store and Delicatessen
Highlight • Cafe
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Saddington Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
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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The tree that was felled had been the village Christmas tree with lights etc for years, and this seemed a good way to commemorate both it and the mining in the area. Lots of quiet lanes round about and the old Fosse Way can be found nearby.
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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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After the tree was felled at Stoney Stanton, the parish council decided to do something with the remaining trunk. After consulting with residents in the area, it was decided that a sculpture of a quarryman would be made out of the trunk.
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Stoney Cove is a large flooded quarry that hosts the UK National Dive Centre. There is a heated pool for dive training, and the bed of the cove is described as an underwater adventure park! Above the surface, there is a pub/cafe and it's also a great spot to catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Ashby Magna?
The area around Ashby Magna offers several natural points of interest. You can visit Saddington Reservoir, a 47-acre site known for its diverse habitats including wet willow, woodland, and open water, providing a home for various wildlife. Additionally, the village is nestled within the rolling Leicestershire countryside, offering scenic views and opportunities to enjoy hedged fields and gentle grazing land.
Are there any unique man-made attractions or historical sites to see?
Yes, you can discover unique man-made and historical sites. The Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture is a notable example, carved from a felled tree to commemorate both the tree and the area's mining history. The village of Ashby Magna itself features the Grade II* listed St Mary's Parish Church and various historic buildings that reflect its agricultural past.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Ashby Magna?
The area around Ashby Magna is great for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling. For example, there are several easy hiking loops like the '1662 House loop from Bruntingthorpe' or the 'Kimcote Hall Farm Garden loop from Gilmorton'. Cyclists can explore routes such as the 'Gilmorton Wind Turbines loop from Broughton Astley'. You can find more details and routes in the dedicated guides for Easy hikes around Ashby Magna, MTB Trails around Ashby Magna, and Cycling around Ashby Magna.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Ashby Magna area?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. Saddington Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering a chance to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture is also a unique and interesting stop for families. For a more active day, many of the easy hiking and cycling routes around Ashby Magna are suitable for families.
Where can I find a place to eat or grab a coffee near the attractions?
You have a few options for food and drink. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre features a pub/cafe on-site. Additionally, the Gilmorton Post Office, General Store and Delicatessen is a popular spot for coffee, cakes, and pasties, and is known for its pork cobs on Friday mornings.
What historical churches are worth visiting in the vicinity of Ashby Magna?
Beyond Ashby Magna's own St Mary's Parish Church, you can visit the Church of All Saints in Peatling Magna. This church, primarily built during the 14th and 15th centuries, features fine examples of carved woodwork and has a rich history, including a notable event in 1265 after the Battle of Evesham.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ashby Magna?
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique experiences offered. For instance, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is appreciated for its unique 'underwater adventure park' and as a good spot to relax with a pub/cafe. The Gilmorton Post Office, General Store and Delicatessen is praised for its good coffee, cakes, and pasties, making it a great stop during outings.
Are there any unique water-based activities or sites?
Yes, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is a large flooded quarry that serves as the UK National Dive Centre, offering a unique 'underwater adventure park' experience for divers. It also has a heated pool for dive training.
What are some of the more challenging outdoor activities available?
While many routes are easy to moderate, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre offers challenging activities for experienced divers. For mountain biking, some routes like the 'Dunton Bassett Village – Wheelbarrow Pond loop from Narborough' are rated as moderate difficulty, providing a more demanding ride.
Can I find any historical castles or heritage sites within a short drive?
While not directly in Ashby Magna, several significant historical sites are within a reasonable driving distance. These include English Heritage sites such as Jewry Wall (Roman bath-house wall), Kirby Muxloe Castle (moated remains of a fortified mansion), and Ashby de la Zouch Castle, which has connections to 'Ivanhoe'.
What is the best time to visit Ashby Magna for outdoor activities?
The Leicestershire countryside around Ashby Magna is generally pleasant for outdoor activities during the warmer months, from spring through autumn. This allows for comfortable hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural features like Saddington Reservoir. Some attractions, like the Wistow Maze, are typically open during the summer months.
Are there any places to spot wildlife near Ashby Magna?
Yes, Saddington Reservoir is an important biological site with diverse habitats that support various wildlife, including beetles that are scarce in the UK. At Stoney Cove National Dive Centre, you might even catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons above the surface.
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