Best attractions and places to see around Mountsorrel include a variety of natural and historical sites within Leicestershire. The region features prominent hills offering expansive views, alongside significant historical ruins. Visitors can explore areas characterized by forests, reservoirs, and parklands. These locations provide opportunities to experience the natural landscape and cultural heritage of the area.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Cycling is only permitted on the one route through the park, which gets busy with walkers, take it slow in the park. Cafe and toilets in the middle.
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beacon hill country park great views at the top looking over Loughborough, cafe ,park for children, horse riding ,maze,
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Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park (for hunting) in the 12th Century. Herds of Red and Fallow Deer still roam freely across the Park's 800 acres today.The Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance as a wildlife habitat and its geological interest - the 600 million year old Precambrian rocks here are some of the oldest in England. Bradgate House, built around the year 1500, was one of the first unfortified, brick-built country houses in the country and was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey and played an important role in the English Civil War. Abandoned in the 18th Century, the house is now an evocative ruin set in a landscape that has changed little since the house's heyday.
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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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Swithland Reservoir, opened in 1896 for Leicester, had a 500 million-gallon capacity but became insufficient. In the early 20th century, a pipeline from Derwent reservoirs in Derbyshire was required. As you pass Buddon Wood, quarried in the early Iron Age for millstones, take a moment to enjoy the scenery, woodland, and water birds. You might also catch sight of steam trains on the viaduct from this spot.
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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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Swithland Reservoir is a reservoir in the English county of Leicestershire. It is north-east of the village of Swithland from which it takes its name, north-west of Rothley and approximately 133 metres (145 yd) south-west of Mountsorrel Quarry. It is part of the 187.1-hectare (462-acre) Buddon Wood and Swithland Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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The area boasts several natural attractions. You can visit Beacon Hill Summit, the second highest peak in Leicestershire, offering spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another notable natural feature is Swithland Reservoir, known for its scenic views, woodland, and water birds, with steam trains often visible on the nearby viaduct.
Yes, the region is rich in history. The Ruins of Bradgate House are a significant historical site, once a Tudor mansion and home to Lady Jane Grey. Additionally, Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, a prominent folly built in 1784, stands at the highest point in Bradgate Park and offers historical context and panoramic views.
Several attractions are suitable for families. Beacon Hill Summit offers accessible routes and amenities like a cafe and ice-cream van. Ruins of Bradgate House and Bradgate Park Deer Park are also great for families, with opportunities to see deer and explore historical grounds. Swithland Reservoir provides a pleasant setting for walks and enjoying nature.
Absolutely. Beacon Hill Summit is renowned for its 360-degree views across Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Old John Tower, Bradgate Park also provides excellent views of the surrounding area, including Leicester city centre on clear days, from its elevated position.
The Mountsorrel area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, cycling routes, and running trails. For detailed guides and routes, explore the MTB Trails around Mountsorrel, Cycling around Mountsorrel, and Running Trails around Mountsorrel guides.
Yes, there are options for all levels. Beacon Hill Summit offers accessible routes, making it suitable for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort. Many of the routes around Swithland Reservoir and within Bradgate Park are also considered easy to moderate, perfect for beginners.
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views from Beacon Hill Summit and Old John Tower. The historical significance of sites like the Ruins of Bradgate House and the chance to see deer in Bradgate Park Deer Park are also highly appreciated. The natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities are consistently highlighted.
Yes, for instance, Beacon Hill Summit has a cafe and an ice-cream van, providing refreshments for visitors. Bradgate Park also has a visitor's centre which may offer facilities.
Many of the trails in the area, particularly those around Swithland Reservoir and within Bradgate Park, are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. You can find specific circular routes in the Running Trails around Mountsorrel and Cycling around Mountsorrel guides.
Yes, parking is generally available. For example, Beacon Hill Summit has parking at both the top and bottom of the hill. Bradgate Park also offers parking facilities, though it can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
The attractions are enjoyable year-round, but to avoid crowds, it's often best to arrive early, especially at popular spots like Bradgate Park Deer Park, which can get very busy later in the day. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for walking and exploring the natural landscapes.
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the wider Charnwood Forest area can reveal quieter spots. The various trails listed in the MTB Trails, Cycling, and Running Trails guides often lead through less frequented parts of the landscape, offering a chance to discover your own hidden gems.


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