Attractions and Places To See around Sheepy - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sheepy include picturesque villages set amidst green fields and rolling hills in Leicestershire, England. The area is situated on the banks of the River Sence and offers a landscape suitable for walking and cycling. Visitors can explore historic churches, listed buildings, and natural features like lakes and nature reserves. Sheepy provides a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor opportunities.
Best attractions and places to see around Sheepy
- The most popular attractions is Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a lake that is part of a significant woodland planting area. This area, formerly an opencast coal mining site, has been transformed into a haven for wildlife and visitors, offering short walks around the lake and through the woods.
- Another must-see spot is Tame Valley Wetlands Community Wetland, a natural monument and a site for landscape improvement projects. This 6-hectare wetland, transformed from disused football pitches, now features new water channels, scrapes, ditches, and reedbeds, restoring the floodplain of the River Tame.
- Visitors also love Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre, a preserved railway station and heritage museum. This site serves as the terminus of the Battlefield Line Railway, featuring a museum, Victorian tea room, and offering steam, diesel, and railcar services.
- Sheepy is known for its historical sites, natural features, and heritage attractions. The area offers a variety of churches, listed buildings, nature reserves, and a heritage railway to see and explore.
- The attractions around Sheepy are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 39 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
Highlight • Lake
Good free car park open during daytime, toilets and information board.
My sat nav tried to direct me to an old entrance but easy enough to skirt round from there to the main entrance (keep turning left) if the same happens.
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Tamworth Castle and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tame Valley Wetlands Community Wetland
Highlight • Natural Monument
It was led by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Warwickshire County Council, working together in partnership as part of a series of landscape improvement projects being delivered through the Heritage Lottery Funded Tame Valley Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme.
The 6 hectare wetland has been transformed from disused waterlogged football pitches and restored to its original function as the floodplain of the River Tame. It now consists of new water channels, scrapes, ditches and reedbed, helping to restore floodplain connectivity.
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Kingsbury Meadow Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • River
Explore the different habitats here from marshy and wet grassland and swamp to woodland and an important sedge bed of waist-high reeds. It's best to stick to the path and you will be surrounded by the wildflowers and grasses.
The brook runs through the middle of the reserve with a footbridge at one end and stepping stones at the other. After heavy rain the stepping stones may be submerged but in drier spells you can do a circular walk round the reserve. There are three live willow structures to admire and two signs showing you a map of the site and the species you might see here.
It's an old flood meadow and while it doesn't flood anymore it can get boggy so remember to wear appropriate footwear.
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Church of St Peter and St Paul, Kingsbury
Highlight • Religious Site
The church was built around the year 1200, when the church was built and until the 19th century the village was just a small hamlet, it was surrounded by land once owned by Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel.
The stones of the church porch show evidence of arrow-sharpening grooves, sometimes said to have been done by soldiers but more probably by hunting parties or locals waiting their turn for the nearby village butts, as all males had to be proficient with a longbow.
The churchyard contains the war grave of a Royal Engineers soldier of World War II.
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Tips from the Community
Stop off to admire the historic castle, which was originally a Motte and Bailey. It has been added to since. Also see the statue of Ethelfleda, the queen of Mercia, the bandstand, flower beds and the tribute to the Watchmen of the Staffordshire Regiment in the castle grounds... There is parking here to start the course if you prefer. Lots of nice cafes and places to eat. Recommend the castle grounds cafe, Christopher's at the Peel, no 18 coffee House and the Book Nook and Bakery.
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The church in Kingsbury was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, also known as the "Prince of the Apostles." Their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th for all major denominations. * Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee when he, along with his brother Andrew, was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men." In works of art, Peter is almost always depicted holding two keys; this attribute refers to the biblical passage in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19) * Paul was initially an opponent of the Christian movement and, unlike the other apostles, was not called to the apostleship by Jesus Christ during his lifetime. Instead, he was converted later through the famous "Damascus Experience." His attribute is the sword with which he was executed. Such a sentence was a "privilege" under Roman law at the time (a quick death, not a long, painful agony like other forms of execution) reserved for the citizens of Rome.
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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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A nice quiet spot, it was the dead centre of my walk
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Beautifully laid out flower beds around the motte down to the former moat.
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The castle has been here on the banks of the River Anker for over 900 years. It's now paid entry and open Tue to Sun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Sheepy?
Sheepy offers several natural attractions. You can visit Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a significant woodland area perfect for short walks. The Tame Valley Wetlands Community Wetland is another excellent spot, transformed from disused football pitches into a rich floodplain ecosystem. Additionally, the River Sence flows through Sheepy Magna and Sheepy Parva, providing scenic riverside views.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Sheepy?
Yes, Sheepy is rich in history. You can explore the ancient All Saints Church in Sheepy Magna, dating back to before 1150, or St. Mary's Church in Sheepy Parva from the 13th century. Sheepy Lodge, a Grade II listed building, and the magnificent Tithe Barn at New House Grange, built in 1506, also offer glimpses into the area's past. For a broader historical experience, the Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre provides a preserved railway experience with a museum.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Sheepy?
Families visiting Sheepy have several options. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is great for easy walks and enjoying nature. The Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre offers a fun day out with steam train rides and a museum. Just a few miles away, Twycross Zoo is a well-known family attraction. Many of the churches, like Church of St Peter and St Paul, Kingsbury, are also considered family-friendly historical sites.
What kind of outdoor activities and trails can I find around Sheepy?
The area around Sheepy is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous country trails for walking and cycling. For specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Sheepy, Easy hikes around Sheepy, and Running Trails around Sheepy guides. These guides feature routes like the 'Lime Kilns Pub – Rural Downhill Road loop' for mountain biking or 'Ambion Wood – Richard III's Well loop' for an easy hike.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for all abilities near Sheepy?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short, accessible walks around the lake and through the woods. You can also find a selection of easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Sheepy guide, such as the 'Ambion Wood – Richard III's Well loop' or the 'Far Coton Hamlet – Bosworth Marina loop'.
Where can I experience local heritage or unique attractions?
For a unique heritage experience, visit the Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre, which offers steam, diesel, and railcar services. The Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, commemorating the Battle of Bosworth, is also nearby. For a glimpse into industrial heritage, the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience in Hinckley provides insights into motorcycle history.
Are there good spots for birdwatching or wildlife observation?
Absolutely. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, known for warblers, whitethroats, and various birds of prey. The Tame Valley Wetlands Community Wetland also supports diverse wildlife, including a sand martin bank for nesting birds. The general countryside around Sheepy, with its green fields and riverbanks, is also home to various species.
Are there local pubs or cafes to visit in Sheepy?
Yes, Sheepy Magna is home to The Black Horse Pub, a popular local establishment that has been serving the community for over 250 years. The Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre also features a Victorian tea room.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Sheepy?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Many enjoy the peaceful walks around Horseshoe Lake and the opportunity to observe wildlife at places like Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve. The historical significance of the churches and the unique experience of the heritage railway are also highly valued.
Can I explore sites related to specific historical periods, like Roman or medieval, near Sheepy?
Yes, you can delve into various historical periods. For medieval history, the churches in Sheepy Magna and Parva, along with the Tithe Barn, are excellent examples. The Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is crucial for understanding the War of the Roses. Further afield, within 15-16 miles, you can find Roman archaeological sites like Jewry Wall and Wall Roman Site. Ashby de la Zouch Castle and Kirby Muxloe Castle also offer insights into medieval England.
Are there any castles to visit near Sheepy?
Yes, there are several historic castles within a reasonable distance. Ashby de la Zouch Castle and Kirby Muxloe Castle, both English Heritage sites, are within 10-11 miles of Sheepy Parish. A bit further, about 19 miles away, you can visit Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, known for its rich history and beautiful grounds.
What are the parking options for attractions around Sheepy?
For attractions like Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, there are car parks available. It's advisable to check specific attraction websites for the most up-to-date parking information, including any fees or payment methods, as some car parks may require card or app payment.
Is Sheepy, Leicestershire, the same as Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve?
No, these are distinct locations. This guide focuses on Sheepy, a civil parish in Leicestershire, England, known for its picturesque villages, historical sites, and countryside. Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve is a wilderness area located in Ohio, USA, characterized by its hemlock ravine, sandstone outcroppings, and waterfalls.
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