Attractions and places to see around Kingston On Soar include a mix of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The village itself contains several listed buildings, such as St Winifred's Church and Kingston Hall. Nearby, the River Soar forms a border, and the area offers various nature reserves and significant waterways. This region provides diverse opportunities for exploring both heritage and the outdoors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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A beautiful place to visit year-round. They updated the benches.
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The church dates from the 13th century, and was completed in 1474 with funding from Walter Blount, 1st Baron Mountjoy. The chancel was restored and lengthened by 11 feet (3.4 m) in 1904 by George Frederick Bodley. Some of the tombs and memorials were moved to give a better view of the altar. The new chancel has no window at the east end, but a large reredos of carved white clunch filled the whole end, which was richly carved with subjects and figures, and effectively lit by two new traceried windows of three lights each in the north and south walls of the sanctuary. The pavements of the sanctuary and chancel were laid with black and white marble. The floor of the nave was laid with wooden blocks, and the aisles with slate and white stone. The plaster was removed from the walls. The roofs and various parts of the walls were decorated with gold and blue, with monograms of "B" for St Bartholomew.
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A Gothic Revival castle in Elvaston, Derbyshire, is now part of Elvaston Castle Country Park, owned and managed by Derbyshire County Council, encompassing 321 acres of parkland, woodlands, and historical gardens. The castle, designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s, replaced an older house dating back to 1633.
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There's no entry to the castle, but you can look through some of the windows. It's in a run-down state, would cost a fortune to restore but nevertheless quite magnificent inside. Reminded me of buildings in Venice with the gilded ornate art decorated ceilings and golden pillars.
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The present day church consists of a medieval chancel with north vestry (now housing an organ) and south wall chancel door, clerestoried nave, north and south aisles, south porch, west tower and spire, and west-end vestries and galilee added in the 20th century. It is set within a conventional churchyard that is walled and gated on Church Lane (north side). A chapel is said to have existed on the banks of the River Trent at Attenborough n 964 AD and was overbuilt with the stone chancel of the present day church.
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The Hemlock Stone is an outcrop of New Red Sandstone, deposited more than 200 million years ago in the Triassic Period. Approximately 28 feet (8.5 m) high, it is formed of a layer of Nottingham Castle Sandstone overlying a layer of Lenton Sandstone.
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Kingston On Soar is rich in history. Within the village, you can explore St Winifred's Church, a Grade I listed building with parts dating back to 1540, and Kingston Hall, a grand country house from the 1840s with Grade II listed pleasure gardens. Nearby, consider visiting Elvaston Castle and Gardens, a Gothic Revival castle with historical grounds, or St Mary the Virgin Church, Attenborough, another Grade I listed church near the nature reserve.
Yes, the area offers several natural attractions. The Attenborough Nature Reserve is a popular spot for birdwatching with numerous ponds and tranquil river paths. You can also visit The Hemlock Stone, a striking 31-foot red sandstone outcrop on Stapleford Hill. The River Soar itself forms a scenic nearby border, and within a 10-mile radius, you'll find various Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust reserves like Loughborough Big Meadow and Cloud Wood, offering diverse natural habitats.
The region around Kingston On Soar provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find various trails, including easy options like the 'St. Andrew's Church, Kegworth – Kegworth Shallow Lock loop from Kegworth'. If you're interested in running, routes such as the 'St. Andrew's Church, Kegworth – Hungary Lane loop from Kegworth' offer moderate challenges. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Kingston On Soar and Running Trails around Kingston On Soar guide pages.
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. Attenborough Nature Reserve is great for walks and birdwatching. Elvaston Castle and Gardens offers a country park with plenty of space to explore and flat, traffic-free routes. The historical sites like St Winifred's Church and Kingston Hall's Pleasure Gardens can also be interesting for older children.
Beyond the historical buildings, you can discover several cultural points of interest. The John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum offers insights into bell founding, while Tarpey Gallery showcases contemporary artwork. For local history, visit the Kegworth Heritage Centre, and the Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum provides a living history experience. Ferrers Gallery features artisan gifts from UK designers.
Trent Lock is a significant canal junction where the River Soar and Erewash Canal connect to the Trent and Mersey Canal via the River Trent. It's popular not only for its historical importance as a waterway but also because it marks a border between Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. It's a scenic spot with a pub and cafe, making it ideal for a break during a walk or cycle.
While the River Soar doesn't flow directly through Kingston On Soar, it forms a nearby border with Leicestershire, offering scenic views. Areas around Trent Lock provide excellent vantage points where the River Soar meets other waterways. The paths around Attenborough Nature Reserve also offer tranquil views along river paths and ponds.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The tranquil river paths at Attenborough Nature Reserve are highly rated for birdwatching and easy cycling. Trent Lock is loved for its scenic setting and the convenience of nearby pubs and cafes. The flat, traffic-free routes at Elvaston Castle and Gardens are also a big draw for cyclists and families.
Yes, Elvaston Castle and Gardens is known for its flat, traffic-free routes within its country park, making it a good option for those seeking easier access. The paths around Attenborough Nature Reserve are generally easy and tranquil, though some areas might be unpaved.
While Kingston On Soar can be enjoyed year-round, spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and birdwatching at places like Attenborough Nature Reserve. The historical sites and cultural attractions are accessible throughout the year.
Yes, several attractions have amenities nearby. Trent Lock has a pub and cafe directly at the lock, which is a popular spot for visitors. Attenborough Nature Reserve also has refreshments available, and Elvaston Castle and Gardens includes a cafe within its country park.


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