Discover Leicestershire’s Hidden Gems
If we have learned anything from lockdown it has been how much we have missed being in nature and connecting with family, friends, and ourselves. So we thought we would list our 9 top places to get lost and visit to get your fix of nature in the Leicestershire area.
Some less and some more well-known spots to help you discover even more of Leicestershire’s beautiful countryside.
We didn’t include the River Soar as we are biased, as we know it’s the best place to chill, relax, restore, and get lost. Enjoy discovering.
9: Charley Woods
A mosaic of woodlands in the heart of Charnwood, this ancient, broadleaved woodland is bursting with wildlife. In the spring, you can enjoy a spectacular display of bluebells. Enjoy woodland birds all year round, including Nuthatch, Treecreeper, woodpeckers, and Tawny Owls.
8: Cossington Meadows
This wetland haven is worth visiting all year round but comes alive in the winter, when rafts of ducks, like wigeon and teal, gather on the lakes, and short-eared owls hunt over the meadows. Wrap up warm enjoy a brisk winter walk to one of the best wildlife spots in the Soar Valley.
7: Croft Pasture
This amazing geological site was formed by a glacier moving through. Birds-foot trefoil, wild clary, upright chickweed, meadow saxifrage, common stork 's-bill, and subterranean clover are just some of the rare plants you might spot.
6: Wymeswold Meadows
One of the most magical things about visiting Wymeswold Meadows is the sense of seclusion you get when you step through the gates. The river is deeply cut, and, despite being so close to the road, this is the perfect spot for immersing yourself fully in the wild.
5: Aylestone Meadows
The meadows are home to a variety of wildlife and are Leicester's largest local nature reserve.
The Great Central Way (formerly part of the Great Central Railway) forms part of Sustrans national cycle route 6. This four-mile pathway is ideal for walkers, horse riders, and cyclists. Partly tarmacked, the level surface is ideal for those who have mobility restrictions or young cyclists gaining confidence. Many other pathways lead off around other areas of Aylestone Meadows, including the canal towpath and boardwalk.
4: Beacon Hill Country Park
If you want an impressive view across Leicestershire, head to the summit of Beacon Hill. You won’t be disappointed. The 135-hectare park is also made up of some of the oldest rocks (700 million years) in the world. These include the unusual Old Man’s Head rock formation which can be seen from the path near the summit. Just across the road from Beacon Hill is Broombriggs Farm, where there’s a mile-and-a-half farm trail.
3: Great Merrible Wood
Bluebells, badgers, and woodland birds: what more could you want from this beautiful woodland? Adjacent to Eye Brook Reservoir, the reserve is bursting with wildflowers, mammals, and birds, and is the perfect place to enjoy a wander. Test your birdsong skills in the spring or challenge your fungi ID knowledge in the autumn.
2: Bradgate Country Park
Bradgate Park is a hugely popular beauty spot and it’s no wonder. There are 830 acres of wild and beautiful countryside, populated by hundreds of resident deer.
There are dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. There’s also the historic ruins of Bradgate House – home of nine-day queen Lady Jane Grey – and the landmark Old John’s Tower.
You could hike up the hills and enjoy the stunning views, or take it easy and stick to the driveway running through the lower part of the park, close to the shallow waters of the River Lin.
Just north of Bradgate is Swithland Wood, a 155-acre ancient woodland. A network of waymarked footpaths and riding tracks extend throughout the wood and link directly to Bradgate Park.
1: Swithland Woods
Swithland Wood (situated directly across the road on the northern side of Bradgate Park) was one of the first disposals of the Bradgate Estate by the Grey family in 1921. It was purchased by a local timber merchant who felled much of the timber. To prevent the removal of further timber, and to conserve the Wood as one of the most wildlife-rich and attractive woodlands in Leicestershire, The Rotary Club of Leicester launched an appeal for its purchase to ensure public access into the future.