Attractions and Places To See around Great Glen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Great Glen include a variety of historical sites, natural features, and family-friendly locations. This region offers diverse points of interest, from canal lock systems to urban parks and unique cafes. Visitors can explore historical engineering marvels and green spaces. The area provides opportunities for both active exploration and relaxed visits.
Best attractions and places to see around Great Glen
- The most popular attractions is Stone Bridge in Abbey Park, a historical site that offers a green retreat with the River Soar flowing through its center. It includes archaeological sites of the former St Mary's Abbey and the ruined Cavendish House.
- Another must-see spot is Foxton Locks Basin, a river feature marking the convergence point of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm. This basin is situated at the base of Foxton Locks, a staircase of 10 canal locks.
- Visitors also love Café Ventoux, a cafe with a cycling theme. It serves coffee and food, and includes a boutique bike shop with memorabilia.
- Great Glen is known for historical sites, canal systems, and family-friendly parks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The attractions around Great Glen are appreciated by the komoot community, with highlights receiving more than 20 upvotes and featuring 4 photos.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Foxton Locks
Highlight • Monument
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: canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/foxton-locks-leicestershire
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Stone Bridge in Abbey Park
Highlight • Historical Site
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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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Foxton Locks Basin
Highlight • River
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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Friars Mill
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
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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Cafe, toilets, beautiful park, miniature railway. Cycle route through the patk
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Friars Mill gets its name from the site which had been a Dominican Priory (the Black Friars). The main surviving building of a cluster of early industrial buildings, Friars Mill, dates from around 1794.
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just be vigilant of glass along the canal paths as they seem to be in places especially approaching Bridges for some reason and near benches.
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Nice view of Friars Mill from the west bank of River Soar (Grand Union Canal - Leicester branch).
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With the River Soar flowing through its centre, Abbey Park is a lovely place to relax in the city. The park was opened in 1882 and has since become a popular green retreat. There are also plenty of historic sites to explore: the park is bounded by medieval walls and includes archeological sites of the former St Mary's Abbey and the ruined Cavendish House.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular historical sites to visit in the Great Glen area?
The Great Glen area offers several historical sites. You can explore the impressive canal engineering at Foxton Locks, which includes the remains of a unique Inclined Boat Lift. Another significant historical landmark is the Stone Bridge in Abbey Park, surrounded by medieval walls and archaeological sites of the former St Mary's Abbey and Cavendish House. Additionally, Friars Mill, dating back to 1794, stands as a surviving example of early industrial buildings on the site of a former Dominican Priory.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Great Glen region?
Yes, the Great Glen region has several family-friendly attractions. Foxton Locks offers 34 acres of green space for nature spotting, boat trips, and a museum. Abbey Park, with its Stone Bridge, provides a lovely green retreat with a miniature railway, cafe, and toilets. The Foxton Locks Basin is also a fascinating spot for families to observe boats navigating the canal locks.
What natural features can I explore around Great Glen?
While the Great Glen in Scotland is known for its dramatic lochs and mountains, the Great Glen area referenced here features the tranquil River Soar flowing through Abbey Park, offering a green retreat. The canal system, particularly around Foxton Locks and the Foxton Locks Basin, showcases the convergence of waterways and provides opportunities for nature spotting, including herons, swans, and kingfishers.
Where can I find cycling-themed cafes or facilities in the area?
For cyclists, Café Ventoux is a must-visit. It's a cycling-themed cafe serving high-quality coffee and food, and it includes a boutique bike shop with memorabilia. They also offer good bike storage, tools for emergency use, and a bottle refilling tap, making it an ideal stop during a ride.
Are there any easy hiking trails near the attractions in Great Glen?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. You can find routes like the 'Wistow Church – Canal View loop from Newton Harcourt' (4.2 km) or the 'Kilby Bridge Canal Crane loop from Oadby and Wigston' (5.1 km). For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Great Glen guide.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous running trails, such as the 'Bridleway Through Open Fields loop from Great Glen' (14.3 km). Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Foxton Swing Bridge loop from Smeeton Westerby' (32.3 km). For more details, check out the Running Trails around Great Glen and Gravel biking around Great Glen guides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Great Glen attractions?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. At Foxton Locks, the 34 acres of green space, boat trips, and the unique Inclined Boat Lift are highly appreciated. Abbey Park is loved for its relaxing green environment, historic sites, and family amenities like the miniature railway. The cycling community values Café Ventoux for its themed atmosphere and practical facilities.
Are there places to eat or relax near the main attractions?
Yes, there are several options. Near Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs, two cafes (including Top Lock Cottage café), and the Foxton Locks Inn. Abbey Park also has a cafe. For a unique experience, Café Ventoux offers quality food and coffee in a cycling-themed setting.
Can I learn about the canal system's history in the Great Glen area?
Absolutely. The Foxton Locks site includes a Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse, where you can learn about the site's unique history and the remains of the Inclined Boat Lift. The Foxton Locks Basin itself is a historical marvel, marking the convergence of canal arms and featuring a 'staircase' of ten locks built in the early 19th century.
Are there any parks or green spaces for relaxation?
Yes, Abbey Park is a beautiful green retreat with the River Soar flowing through it, perfect for relaxation. Foxton Locks also boasts 34 acres of natural green spaces, ideal for picnics and nature observation.
What is the significance of Friars Mill?
Friars Mill is a significant historical site named after the Dominican Priory (the Black Friars) that once stood there. The main surviving building dates from around 1794 and is part of a cluster of early industrial buildings, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past along the River Soar.
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