Attractions and Places To See around Earl Shilton - Top 20

Earl Shilton offers several historical sites. You can visit the remnants of the 12th-century Earl Shilton Castle, which features a large earthwork mound and ditch. The Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, built in 1854, stands on a medieval church site and features fine stained glass. Other notable historical landmarks include The Old Smock Mill and The Pinfold, an old stone building used for penning stray cattle.

For natural outdoor spaces, consider visiting Thornton Reservoir, which offers a traffic-free trail and is home to abundant wildlife. Bagworth Heath Woods provides woodland, grassland, and lakes, and is a reclaimed colliery site. Within Earl Shilton itself, you can explore Shilton Hill, the ancient "The Backs" Paths, and Spring Gardens.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Bagworth Heath Woods is a great place for a family outing with its varied landscapes. The Shenton Station – Battlefield Line Railway offers a unique experience with traditional station features and the chance to see steam trains. The Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture, carved from a tree trunk, is also a point of interest for all ages.

The area around Earl Shilton is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For hiking, explore trails like the Burbage Common and Woods loop or routes around Croft Hill. Mountain biking options include loops from Hinckley and Barwell. Gravel biking routes, such as the Malt Kiln Farm Shop loop, also offer scenic rides. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, and gravel biking guide for Earl Shilton.

For a unique experience, visit Stoney Cove National Dive Centre, a large flooded quarry that serves as the UK's National Dive Centre and features an underwater adventure park. The Shenton Station – Battlefield Line Railway offers a glimpse into traditional railway history with active steam trains. Additionally, the Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture, carved from a felled tree, provides a distinctive local landmark.

Yes, Thornton Reservoir is noted for its accessibility. It features a traffic-free trail all around the reservoir that is paved, making it suitable for wheelchairs and those seeking an easy, flat walk.

Earl Shilton has a rich industrial past, particularly in the hosiery and knitwear industry. The Earl Shilton Conservation Area, designated in 2002, highlights this heritage. You can also see reminders of past industries at Bagworth Heath Woods, a reclaimed colliery site where a pit wheel stands as a monument to its mining history. The Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture also commemorates the area's quarrying legacy.

Visitors particularly enjoy the peaceful and scenic environments. For example, the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of Thornton Reservoir, with its paved path, are highly appreciated. The unique aspect of Stoney Cove National Dive Centre, with its diving activities and on-site pub/cafe, also makes it a popular stop. Many find the varied landscapes of Bagworth Heath Woods ideal for walks and observing wildlife.

Yes, the region offers good opportunities for wildlife spotting. Thornton Reservoir is home to abundant wildlife, including mammals, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Bagworth Heath Woods is known for its wildfowl and aquatic plants, making it a great spot for nature observation.

Beyond the main highlights, you can explore the ancient "The Backs" Paths within "Old Shilton," which offer a maze-like walk preserving centuries-old rights of way. Spring Gardens, located near the historical springs that supplied Earl Shilton Castle, also provides a tranquil spot. These areas offer a quieter, more intimate connection with the local landscape and history.

Absolutely. Thornton Reservoir offers a lovely traffic-free trail perfect for a scenic walk. Bagworth Heath Woods provides a variety of paths through woodland and grassland. For more extensive hiking, consider routes like the Burbage Common and Woods loop or trails around Croft Hill, which can be found in the hiking guide for Earl Shilton.

Earl Shilton Castle is a historic 12th-century motte and bailey castle, founded by the Earl of Leicester. It once guarded the Vale of Kirkby and later served as a hunting lodge. Its existence is why the prefix 'Earl' was added to the town's name, and it has links to medieval figures like Simon de Montfort. Today, visitors can see the large earthwork mound, ditch, and remnants of the bailey bank within a public garden.