Attractions and Places To See around Shackerstone - Top 20

Shackerstone is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy peaceful waterside walks along the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal, which is teeming with wildlife like ducks, swans, and dragonflies. The village is also situated on the River Sence. Nearby, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers extensive woodland, walking trails, and three lakes, transformed from a former opencast coal mining site into a haven for nature.

Yes, Shackerstone boasts several historical landmarks. The village is home to the Shackerstone Motte, earthwork remains of a probable timber castle. You can also visit Moira Furnace and Canal, a significant historical site with a visitor centre and museum, and the late 15th-century St Peter's Church, a Grade 2* listed building.

For families, Moira Furnace and Canal offers a children's play area, a visitor centre, and easy footpaths. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park provides short, accessible walks around the lake and through the woods, suitable for all ages. Additionally, the Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park offers trails and a cafe, making it a great day out.

Absolutely. The area around Shackerstone offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. You can explore trails within Sence Valley Forest Park, which has miles of paths. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Shackerstone, which includes routes like the 'Shackerstone Motte loop from Carlton' and 'Bosworth Marina – Shackerstone Motte loop'.

Cyclists can enjoy the trails within Sence Valley Forest Park, which was once an opencast coal mining site and now features extensive woodland planting and paths. For mountain biking, the Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park provides dedicated trails and a skills area.

Beyond the historical sites, the Battlefield Line Railway / Shackerstone Station is a must-visit. It's a preserved steam and diesel heritage railway with a museum, Victorian tea room, and souvenir shop. You can also visit Mount St Bernard Abbey, a Roman Catholic Trappist monastery known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere, where monks brew their own ale.

The Shackerstone Motte is an ancient earthwork, believed to be the remains of a timber castle and a scheduled monument. It features a large flat-topped mound with a base diameter of approximately 75m. While traditionally considered an early castle earthwork, some evidence suggests it may have also functioned as a formal garden feature near Shackerstone Hall. You can find more details on Heritage Gateway.

Shackerstone offers attractions year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying waterside walks along the Ashby Canal and exploring Sence Valley Forest Park when wildlife is most active and wildflowers are in bloom. The heritage railway and historical sites are generally open throughout the year, though it's always best to check specific opening times.

Yes, the Battlefield Line Railway / Shackerstone Station features a Victorian tea room where visitors can enjoy refreshments. While Shackerstone itself is a small village, nearby towns and villages offer a wider selection of cafes and pubs. For example, Moira Furnace and Canal has a cafe on site.

The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal is a peaceful stretch of waterway running through Shackerstone, known for its rich wildlife and scenic towpath walks. It offers public and private moorings and is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with ducks, swans, and moorhens, as well as dragonflies and wildflowers along its banks.

Visitors frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere and stunning grounds of Mount St Bernard Abbey, noting its fantastic architecture. The Moira Furnace and Canal is appreciated for its historical significance, family-friendly facilities, and lovely walks. Many also enjoy the tranquil walks and natural beauty of Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park.

While Shackerstone is a rural village, public transport options may be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or plan your journey by car. The Battlefield Line Railway operates services from Shackerstone Station, connecting to other points along the heritage line.

Yes, there are several easy walking options. The towpath along the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal provides flat, accessible routes. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short, gentle walks around the lake and through the woods. For more easy routes, consult the Easy hikes around Shackerstone guide, which includes routes like 'Sence Valley Country Park to Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve loop'.