Best attractions and places to see around Glooston include historical sites, natural landscapes, and engineering marvels. This small Leicestershire village features traditional 17th and 18th-century architecture, including Glooston Lodge and Glooston Rectory. The ancient Roman Gartree Road traverses the village, and a Roman villa site lies nearby. Glooston is set amidst the rolling hills of High Leicestershire, offering scenic walks and access to significant regional attractions.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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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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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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Bit of a challenging climb, measured up to 13% in places. Was even more challenging upon my first approached due to the cold, wind and sideways rain. Once you’re over the steepest part it’s not too bad. feels quite rewarding!
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On the wonderfully named "Sludge Hall Hill", you will gain around 50m of elevation over an average gradient of around 7%. (Sludge Hall itself, despite the name is a rather lovely, private country house).
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Lovely place for a picnic, but be aware that most of the routes out involve some serious climbing for this part of the world. Like Norfolk, not all Rutland is as flat as many think.
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A lovely cycling-friendly cafe with a great cycling 'vibe' & memorabilia, spares & kit....and of course coffee and food. Ample space to park your car if you are using it as a starting point for a cycling tour of the local area.
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Glooston village itself offers a glimpse into rural history with 17th and 18th-century brick houses, early 19th-century stone cottages, and the historic St John the Baptist Church. The ancient Roman Gartree Road traverses the village, and a Roman villa site was discovered nearby. Further afield, you can explore the engineering marvel of Foxton Locks, the medieval Lyddington Bede House, the unique Rushton Triangular Lodge, or the remains of Hallaton Castle Hill Camp.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Foxton Locks is a popular destination with green spaces, boat trips, a museum, and cafes. Eyebrook Reservoir and Saddington Reservoir offer natural settings for walks and wildlife spotting. Café Ventoux is also noted as family-friendly, offering a welcoming stop for refreshments.
The area is characterized by the rolling hills of High Leicestershire. Within the parish, Crossburrow Hill is the highest point, and Glooston Wood offers a natural woodland experience. Nearby, you can visit Eyebrook Reservoir and Saddington Reservoir, both providing tranquil natural settings and opportunities for walks. Charnwood Forest, an ancient woodland, is also within reach for further outdoor exploration.
Yes, the area around Glooston is excellent for hiking. Public footpaths traverse agricultural fields, woodlands, and small villages. The Leicestershire Round long-distance path passes directly through Glooston. For specific routes, you can find various options, including moderate hikes like the 'Hallaton Castle Hill Camp – Keythorpe Trig Point loop' or 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Rolleston Lake loop'. Explore more hiking routes on the Hiking around Glooston guide.
Absolutely. If you're looking for less strenuous walks, there are several easy hiking trails available. Examples include the 'Hallaton Pond loop from Hallaton' and the 'Hiking loop from Illston on the Hill', both offering pleasant, manageable distances. You can discover more easy routes on the Easy hikes around Glooston guide.
The region offers good opportunities for cycling, particularly gravel biking. Routes like the 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Foxton Swing Bridge loop' provide moderate challenges. For more options and detailed routes, refer to the Gravel biking around Glooston guide.
Café Ventoux is a popular cycling-themed cafe known for its high-quality coffee, cake, and friendly staff. It's a great spot to refuel during a ride or walk, offering good bike storage and even tools for emergency repairs.
The rolling hills and natural landscapes of High Leicestershire are particularly scenic during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer the best weather for enjoying walks, cycling, and exploring the outdoor attractions like Foxton Locks and the reservoirs.
Beyond the well-known spots, Glooston village itself is a charming 'hidden gem' with its historic architecture and the ancient Roman Gartree Road. The overgrown moated site on the north side of Gartree Road also offers a glimpse into the area's past. For a unique historical experience, consider the Lyddington Bede House, a picturesque English Heritage site that was once part of a bishop's palace.
Visitors appreciate Foxton Locks for its rich heritage, the impressive 'staircase' of ten canal locks, and the surrounding 34 acres of natural green spaces. It's a great place for nature spotting, with opportunities to see herons and kingfishers. The site also offers boat trips, a museum, pubs, and cafes, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable day out.
Eyebrook Reservoir is valued for its natural beauty and quieter atmosphere compared to other larger reservoirs. It's surrounded by quiet lanes, offering scenic views and opportunities for walks or rides with some short climbs. It's a peaceful spot to appreciate nature.
Yes, in addition to the Roman Gartree Road and villa site in Glooston, the city of Leicester, approximately 11 miles northwest, houses the Jewry Wall. This substantial remnant of a Roman bath-house wall stands over 9 meters high and is located near a museum showcasing Leicester's archaeology, offering a deeper dive into the region's Roman past.


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