Attractions and Places To See around Market Bosworth - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Market Bosworth include historical sites and natural landscapes. This historic market town in Leicestershire, England, is known for its connection to the Battle of Bosworth Field. The area features picturesque shops, a market square, and traditional English pubs, alongside various parks and waterways. Visitors can explore a blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Market Bosworth
- The most popular attractions is Thornton Reservoir, a lake that is home to wildlife and features a traffic-free trail. This reservoir is situated in a National Forest valley, offering a scenic walking experience.
- Another must-see spot is Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a lake within a forest park. This location serves as a starting point for walks around the lake and through the woods, including the National Forest Birthday walk.
- Visitors also love Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park, a former colliery site transformed into an ecologically diverse park. The park features colliery buildings and machinery, alongside a cafe and museum detailing its mining history.
- Market Bosworth is known for its historical sites, natural parks, and heritage railway experiences. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from battlefields to nature reserves.
- The attractions around Market Bosworth are appreciated by the komoot community, with 52 upvotes and 39 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 21, 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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Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park
Highlight • Structure
Although you can see the Colliery buildings and machinery, all evidence of the mining is gone and replaced by a wonderfully ecologically diverse park to explore. There is also a cafe to have a bite to eat and a museum to learn more about the mining history.
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Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
Steam, diesel and railcar train services run along a single track line. There is a bike park at the station, or it is possible to take your cycle on the train for a small fee.
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Bagworth Heath Woods
Highlight • Natural
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon!
Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Tips from the Community
Sand martins return annually to an artificial nesting wall at Bagworth Heath Wood Country Park in Leicestershire, usually arriving in March to nest through the summer. The site, featuring a specialized "Sandmartin Pool," is maintained by rangers and volunteers who refresh the sandy bank annually, with hundreds of chicks raised there.
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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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snibston trail great bike trail and skills area, old coal mining still can see some things check the photos.cafe car park and a park
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snibston colliery the old mining still got some things to view
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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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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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check out the photos for signs for the trails and skills area
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Market Bosworth?
The area offers several natural highlights. You can visit Thornton Reservoir, known for its wildlife and traffic-free trail. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park provides a starting point for walks through woods and around the lake. Additionally, Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatching, with diverse species and meandering waters.
Are there good walking trails near Market Bosworth?
Yes, Market Bosworth offers various walking opportunities. The Thornton Reservoir features a lovely traffic-free trail. Market Bosworth Country Park, a short walk from the town center, has woodlands, meadows, and an arboretum with walking paths. The Ashby Canal is also easily accessible for leisurely walks. For more structured routes, you can find many easy hikes around Market Bosworth.
What historical sites are there to visit in and around Market Bosworth?
Market Bosworth is rich in history. The most prominent is the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park, the site of the pivotal Battle of Bosworth Field. Other notable sites include Bosworth Hall, an example of English Renaissance architecture, and the Dixie Grammar School, founded in 1601. St Peter's Church, dating from the 14th century, also holds historical significance.
Can I experience a heritage railway near Market Bosworth?
Yes, the Battlefield Line Railway is located near the Battlefield Centre. You can take a traditional steam train ride to Shackerstone and back. Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre serves as the northern end of the line, featuring a museum, Victorian tea room, and souvenir shop.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Market Bosworth?
Absolutely. Market Bosworth Country Park offers a lake (Bow Pool) for feeding ducks, a children's play area, and picnic facilities. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is also family-friendly with walks and an information board. Bosworth Water Trust (Bosworth Water Park) provides a pirate play area and golden beaches, alongside water sports. The Battlefield Line Railway is also a popular family outing.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the area?
The natural areas around Market Bosworth are great for wildlife spotting. Thornton Reservoir is home to various mammals, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is particularly noted for birdwatching, with sightings of Warblers, Whitethroat, Snipe, Kingfisher, and various birds of prey like Osprey and Buzzard.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking around Market Bosworth?
Yes, there are several options for cycling. The 'Gated Road' (Sutton Lane) is valued as a green refuge for cycling. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park offers dedicated trails. You can find more detailed routes and guides for gravel biking and MTB trails around Market Bosworth.
What is the best time of year to visit Market Bosworth for outdoor activities?
Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities. In May, Market Bosworth Country Park is known for its bluebells. The town's impressive floral displays are also best appreciated during the warmer months. Birdwatching is excellent year-round, but specific species may be more prevalent during migration seasons.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible places or trails?
Yes, Thornton Reservoir offers a paved, traffic-free trail all around the reservoir, making it suitable for wheelchairs and prams. It also has plenty of benches along the path.
Where can I find local markets or unique shopping experiences?
Market Bosworth's central Market Square features picturesque shops and hosts a traditional market every Wednesday. Additionally, a Farmers' Market takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month, offering local produce and goods.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Market Bosworth?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The interactive exhibits at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre are highly engaging. The peaceful walks around lakes like Thornton Reservoir and the opportunities for birdwatching at Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve are also frequently enjoyed. The transformation of former industrial sites into ecologically diverse parks, such as Snibston Colliery Park, also receives positive feedback.
Are there any guided tours available in Market Bosworth?
The Market Bosworth Society offers guided walks around the medieval town. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the town's rich history and development from local experts.
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Most popular attractions around Market Bosworth
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