Attractions and Places To See around Ellistown And Battleflat - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ellistown And Battleflat, a civil parish in North West Leicestershire, include a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Situated just south of Coalville, the area offers diverse landscapes from elevated viewpoints to nature conservation sites. Its history is shaped by coal mining and potential ancient conflicts, adding cultural depth to its natural features. Visitors can explore significant natural features and historical sites within the parish and its immediate vicinity.
Best attractions and places to see around Ellistown And Battleflat
- The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit, a natural monument that is the second-highest peak in Leicestershire. It offers extensive views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley, providing superb accessibility for those seeking scenic vistas.
- Another must-see spot is Ruins of Bradgate House, a historical site. This Tudor mansion was once home to Lady Jane Grey and was abandoned in the 1730s, now standing as a ruin within Bradgate Park.
- Visitors also love Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, a man-made monument. This folly stands atop the highest hill in Bradgate Park at 212 meters high and is a prominent landmark across Leicester and Leicestershire.
- Ellistown And Battleflat is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and cultural insights. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from elevated viewpoints to historical ruins and religious buildings.
- The attractions around Ellistown And Battleflat are appreciated by the komoot community. The highlights have received 173 upvotes and feature 157 photos, showcasing their appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Old John Tower, Bradgate Park
Highlight • Monument
The earliest recorded use of the name is on a map of 1754, which records a windmill on the site, some 30 years before the tower was built. The tower itself began life as a ruined folly, built in 1784, during the time of George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford. He got Thomas Sketchley of Anstey to build him the mock ruin, which had strong similarities to Mow Cop, Staffordshire. It was adapted in the mid-19th century by the seventh Earl to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses, along with the building of a stable block lower down the hill.
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Beacon Hill Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
Situated just 2 miles from the M1 motorway and a stone's throw away from Loughborough, the peak offers superb accessibility for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort.
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Ruins of Bradgate House
Highlight • Historical Site
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Mount St Bernard Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Not just for the faithful!
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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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Popular around Ellistown And Battleflat
Tips from the Community
beacon hill country park great views at the top looking over Loughborough, cafe ,park for children, horse riding ,maze,
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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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Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond. Situated just 2 miles from the M1 motorway and a stone's throw away from Loughborough, the peak offers superb accessibility for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort.
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Bradgate House is one of England's great 'lost country houses', a once-magnificent Tudor mansion and the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic 'Nine Days Queen'. The story of Bradgate House goes back long before Lady Jane's birth, however, and is intertwined with the history of Bradgate Park, a large country park in which the ruins stand. Bradgate Park began as a hunting ground in the early 13th century. It was enclosed by an earthwork bank and ditch, topped by oak timbers. In 1445 the park passed by marriage to the Grey family, who owned it for the next 5 centuries. The first grey owner was Edward Grey, whose son John married Elizabeth Woodville. After John's death at the Battle of St Albans in 1461 Elizabeth married King Edward IV. One of Elizabeth's sons by her first marriage was Sir Thomas Grey, the 1st Marquess of Dorset.
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Such a calm place to visit. The monks here brew their own ale which is delicious!
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Mount St Bernard Abbey is a Roman Catholic, Trappist monastery near Coalville, Leicestershire, England, founded in 1835 in the parish of Whitwick and now in that of Charley. The abbey was the first permanent monastery to be founded in England since the Reformation and is the sole Trappist house in England. The monks brew the only Trappist beer in Britain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Ellistown And Battleflat?
The area offers several notable natural features. You can visit Beacon Hill Summit, the second-highest peak in Leicestershire, offering extensive views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Bradgate Park Deer Park is home to deer and provides opportunities for enjoying nature. Additionally, Battram Turn North in Ellistown is a pocket park dedicated to nature conservation, featuring an open meadow, specimen trees, and marshland supporting wetland species.
What historical sites can I visit in Ellistown And Battleflat?
The region is rich in history. Explore the Ruins of Bradgate House, once home to Lady Jane Grey. Nearby, the Old John Tower, a folly built in 1784, stands atop the highest hill in Bradgate Park. You can also visit Mount St Bernard Abbey, a Roman Catholic Trappist monastery known for its architecture and peaceful grounds. The villages themselves have a history rooted in coal mining and potential ancient conflicts.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ellistown And Battleflat?
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. Beacon Hill Summit offers easy walks and great views. Bradgate Park Deer Park is popular for spotting deer and enjoying the outdoors. The Ruins of Bradgate House offer an engaging historical exploration. Beyond the immediate parish, family-friendly options include Bosworth Water Park, Twycross Zoo, and the National Space Centre in Leicester.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, there are easy trails like the Sence Valley Country Park to Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve loop. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the Coalville Park – Snibston Discovery Trail. For more options, explore the available easy hikes, road cycling routes, and general cycling routes around Ellistown And Battleflat.
Where can I go for a walk or hike in the area?
There are several walking opportunities. Beacon Hill Summit offers great walks with 360-degree views. Bradgate Park, home to Old John Tower and the Ruins of Bradgate House, has numerous paths. For specific trails, consider easy hikes like the Sence Valley Country Park loop or the Bardon Hill Trig Point loop. You can find more detailed routes in the easy hikes guide for Ellistown And Battleflat.
Can I go cycling near the attractions in Ellistown And Battleflat?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Bradgate Park Deer Park offers a lovely ride, though it can get busy, and cyclists are advised to stick to designated paths. There are also various cycling routes available, including the Coalville Park – Snibston Discovery Trail loop. For more options, refer to the cycling guide for the area.
What is the historical significance of Ellistown and Battleflat?
Ellistown has a rich coal mining heritage, with the Ellistown Colliery shaping the village's identity from the 19th to the 20th centuries. Battleflat's name is believed to originate from a skirmish during the English Civil War in August 1643, with some historical accounts even linking it to potential ancient conflicts near Bardon Hill.
Where can I spot wildlife in the Ellistown And Battleflat area?
The Bradgate Park Deer Park is an excellent place to see deer. Battram Turn North, a local pocket park, features marshland that supports various wetland species, including Marsh Marigold, making it a good spot for nature observation.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ellistown And Battleflat?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views from Beacon Hill Summit and Old John Tower, often describing them as offering 360-degree panoramas. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture of Mount St Bernard Abbey are also highly appreciated. The presence of deer in Bradgate Park Deer Park is a highlight for many.
Are there cafes or facilities near the walking trails?
Yes, near Beacon Hill Summit, there is a cafe, an ice-cream van, and a park, making it convenient for visitors. Bradgate Park also has a visitors' centre where you can find more information and facilities.
What are some other points of interest nearby, but not directly in the parish?
Within a reasonable distance, you can find Bosworth Water Park for family activities, Twycross Zoo for animal encounters, and the National Space Centre in Leicester for an engaging experience with space exhibits. Tropical Birdland offers opportunities to see exotic birds, and Calke Abbey is a historic National Trust estate.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
Yes, parking is generally available. For Beacon Hill Summit, there is parking available both at the top and bottom of the hill. Bradgate Park, which includes Old John Tower and the Ruins of Bradgate House, is a popular attraction, so arriving early is advised, especially on busy days.
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Most popular attractions around Ellistown And Battleflat
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