Best attractions and places to see around Lilbourne include a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and unique points of interest. The village, located in West Northamptonshire near the M1 motorway and A5 road, has a history dating back to Saxon settlement and the Domesday Book. Natural features like the River Avon, Lilbourne Meadows, and the Grand Union Canal offer diverse landscapes. The area provides opportunities to explore historical sites and rural scenery.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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The charming village of Monks Kirby is set in a nice shallow valley, with only about two hundred houses. It is small and picturesque. It is a historical hamlet with St. Edith’s church in the village going back to the 11th century, and this is the dominant architectural feature in the area with its large tower. The lanes around the village are ideal for cycling, they are quieter than you might think considering their proximity to the M6.
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The church of ALL SAINTS consists of chancel 23 ft. by 17 ft. 6 in., with vestry on the north side, clearstoried nave 41 ft. 8 in. by 17 ft. 6 in., north aisle 9 ft. 6 in. wide, south aisle about 8 ft. wide, south porch, and west tower 11 ft. square, all these measurements being internal. The tower is surmounted by a short leadcovered spire. The width across nave and aisles is 40 ft. All the roofs are leaded and of low pitch, with overhanging eaves. The building is generally of roughly coursed rubble, but has been much restored. The vestry was added about 1860, and the restoration of the chancel took place in 1887–8, when its south wall was rebuilt. The nave was restored in 1890, the old high closed pews and a west gallery erected in 1791 being then removed. The present seating dates from 1928. The tower is said to have been taken down to its foundations and rebuilt in 1728–9, but the old materials appear to have been used again. The earliest work in the building dates from c. 1150, to which period the half-round responds of the chancel arch belong: they have moulded bases and scalloped capitals with square chamfered abaci or imposts continued along the wall on the nave side. The extent of the nave of the 12th century church was probably the same as at present, but in the first half of the 13th century a south aisle was added and the chancel rebuilt as now existing. The south arcade and chancel arch are of this period (c. 1225–30), and the south doorway is also probably contemporary, though in appearance rather earlier in style. At the beginning of the 14th century a north aisle was added to the nave, and about a century later the tower appears to have been erected, followed shortly after by the addition of the clearstory. New windows were inserted in the chancel and south aisle, the east end of the aisle refaced or rebuilt, and the porch added. All this later work apparently extended over a considerable period towards the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century. All the walls are plastered internally. The chancel has a chamfered plinth, but is without buttresses. At the east end of the north wall is the only remaining 13th-century window, a single lancet, (fn. 107) the hood of which has notch-stops. The fourcentred east window and one in the rebuilt south wall are of three cinquefoiled lights, and there is a square-headed window of two trefoiled lights west of the modern priest's doorway. A round-headed north doorway, now opening into the vestry, may belong to the 12th-century church. The unmoulded trefoiled piscina recess has a slot for a wooden shelf, but the bowl is new; below the south-east window is a rectangular aumbry. The chancel arch is of two chamfered orders without hood-mould. The roof is modern, with flat-boarded ceiling. The nave arcades are of three bays, with pointed arches of two chamfered orders, those of the 13thcentury south arcade springing from cylindrical piers with circular moulded capitals and bases, and from similar half-round responds. The arches have plain hood-moulds on each side. The piers and responds of the later north arcade are octagonal, with deeper moulded capitals and the hood-moulds of the arches have head-stops. The south doorway is a good example of early 13th-century work, with semicircular arch of two orders, and hood-mould enriched on the underside with a continuous line of dog-tooth. The inner order has a keel-shaped moulding springing from plain chamfered imposts on nook-shafts with moulded bases, and simple water-leaf (west) and foliated capitals. There are traces of colour on the wall on either side the opening inside the porch, and a scratch dial at the top of the west jamb. The south aisle is lighted by two windows in the south wall, one on each side of the porch, that to the east being of three lights similar to those in the chancel, and the other a square-headed window of two trefoiled lights. There is also a single-light trefoiled window of c. 1350 in the west wall, but the east wall is blank. In the north aisle are two 14thcentury square-headed windows respectively of three and two cinquefoiled lights, and west of the blocked doorway a modern window of two lights. The end walls are blank. There are three pointed clearstory windows on each side, all of two cinquefoiled lights, with tracery and hood-moulds, and above them a hollow-moulded string. The low-pitched east gable has a modern apex cross, and stands high above the chancel roof. The tower is faced with ashlar, and is of three stages, with moulded plinth and diagonal buttresses the height of the lower stage. The pointed bellchamber windows are of two trefoiled lights with quatrefoil in the head, and the tower terminates with a plain moulded parapet behind which the tiny spire is scarcely seen. There is no vice. The two lower stages are blank on the north and south, but on the west there is a square-topped doorway with plain lintel, and above it a second lintelled opening with wooden door; over this again is a glazed pointed opening with central mullion, the whole arrangement apparently dating from the 18th-century rebuilding. There is no arch to the nave, the west wall of which is pierced by a square-headed doorway. The font is of 12th-century date, and consists of a large rectangular bowl with plain sides and shafted angles with cushion capitals and moulded bases; the capitals have a line of pellets at the angle. The modern Gothic oak pulpit was formerly in Wisbech parish church. In the floor at the east end of the south aisle are the brass effigies of Kenelme Cheseldyn of Uppingham (d. 1596) and his wife Winefred, daughter of Francis Say of Wilby, Northants, and an armorial brass plate to Edward Cheseldyn of Braunston (d. 1642). A large blue floor-slab in front of the chancel arch has the indents of a single figure and an inscription. There are considerable traces of mediæval paintings on the east and south walls of the south aisle. In the middle of the east wall is an image bracket about 6 ft. 6 in. above the floor, which probably supported a figure of our Lady of Sorrows, of which the painting formed the background. An angel with outstretched wings is depicted on either side and on a medallion at the north end are a cross and the instruments of the Passion. On the south wall are portions of a text and fragments of a painting in red and black of the Mass of St. Gregory. It depicts an altar with chalice and paten, and about the altar four candlesticks and a patriarchal cross. There is a stone coffin in the south aisle, and in the churchyard is preserved a grotesque stone figure (fn. 116) of the type known in Ireland as 'Sheela-na-gigs,' which was found in use, face downward, as a doorstep into the church. There are four bells in the tower: the treble is by Thomas Newcombe (II) of Leicester (c. 1562–80), inscribed 'S. Thoma,' the second dated 1710, the third by Hugh Watts of Leicester (c. 1593–1615), inscribed 'Praise the Lord,' and the tenor by Thomas Norris of Stamford, 1660. The plate consists of a cup of 1570–71; a paten of 1640–41; an undated paten with makers' marks 'R-S' only, and a pewter flagon.
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London Road Bridge No 90 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Northern Section - Main Line) between Braunston Turn (Junction of the Grand Union, Oxford and Grand Junction Canals - Bridges No 93 & No 94) (1 furlong to the south) and Rugby Wharf Arm Junction (10 miles and 1¼ furlongs and 3 locks to the northwest). The nearest place in the direction of Braunston Turn is Braunston Services; ¾ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Rugby Wharf Arm Junction is Braunston Visitor Moorings (London Road); ¾ furlongs away.
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A number of amenities are on offer at Hillmorton Locks. This is one of the busiest stretches along the Oxford Canal. The Canalchef Cafe is a simple establishment that serves terrific, hearty portions.
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Part of the Oxford Canal walk (http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/oxford-canal-walk-walking-route). Suited to all types of activities
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Picturesque area with easy access from A426 https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/oxford-canal Great cycle way and/ or pathway from Rugby to Braunston https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/52.3892348,-1.2524688/52.353078,-1.2023153/52.3401376,-1.2207475/52.3154839,-1.2348238/52.2928375,-1.2185159/Admiral+Nelson/@52.2900026,-1.2107912,15z/data=!4m23!4m22!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m10!3m4!1m2!1d-1.2188647!2d52.2890597!3s0x48773e60d46e0089:0x8a04422f8724ffa!3m4!1m2!1d-1.2019483!2d52.289051!3s0x48773e6b3e93dd7b:0x52c782c89348f7ca!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0xdc4226d41cebe428!2m2!1d-1.196714!2d52.288669!3e2
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Lilbourne is rich in history. You can explore the remains of Norman motte-and-bailey castles just outside the village, including a smaller one at Lilbourne Gorse. The 12th-century All Saints Church, a Grade I listed building, offers a glimpse into the village's medieval past. Additionally, historical canal structures like Humphris Bridge (Bridge 89) on the Oxford Canal are points of interest.
The area around Lilbourne boasts several natural features. The River Avon flows nearby, marking the boundary with Leicestershire. You can also visit Lilbourne Meadows, a local nature reserve, or explore the Grand Union Canal to the east and south of the village, which offers scenic routes through the rural landscape. The Oxford Canal Locks and Narrowboats also provide a picturesque area to experience the waterways.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Malt Kiln Farm Shop is a popular spot with a cafe and farm shop, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The Cycling Lanes Around Monks Kirby are suitable for family cycling, and Humphris Bridge (Bridge 89) on the Oxford Canal is also considered family-friendly.
Absolutely. The lanes around the charming village of Monks Kirby, particularly the Cycling Lanes Around Monks Kirby, are ideal for cycling and are surprisingly quiet despite their proximity to the M6. For more options, you can find various cycling routes in the area, including easy and moderate loops, by exploring the Cycling around Lilbourne guide.
Yes, there are several walking and hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes such as the 'Lilbourne Castle loop from Lilbourne' or routes along the canal. For a comprehensive list of trails, including distances and difficulties, refer to the Easy hikes around Lilbourne guide.
For local produce and a pleasant stop, visit Malt Kiln Farm Shop. It features a cafe where you can enjoy coffee and generous cake portions, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. It's also a great place to pick up farm-fresh goods.
Beyond exploring historical sites, the area offers a range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on quiet country lanes, hiking on easy trails, or gravel biking. Guides like Cycling around Lilbourne, Gravel biking around Lilbourne, and Easy hikes around Lilbourne provide detailed routes and options.
Lilbourne has a few unique points of interest. The village is noted for its repurposed old red phone box, which serves an unexpected function. It is also home to Greenhaven Woodland Burial Ground, the UK's first privately owned natural burial ground, offering an environmentally conscious approach to interment. The former officers' quarters of RAF Lilbourne, now a large truck stop, also add to the area's distinct character.
The local waterways are a significant part of the region's charm. You can explore the Grand Union Canal, which runs to the east and south of the village, offering scenic routes. The Oxford Canal Locks and Narrowboats provide a picturesque area to walk or cycle alongside the canal, observing the historical infrastructure and boats.
The Cycling Lanes Around Monks Kirby are highly regarded for their quiet and picturesque nature. Beyond this, you can find various routes, such as the 'Stanford-on-Avon Bridge – View of the Rolling Fields loop' or the 'Bike loop from Kilsby', which are detailed in the Cycling around Lilbourne guide.
Yes, the Cycling Lanes Around Monks Kirby offer scenic views of the charming village set in a shallow valley. Additionally, some hiking routes, like the 'Cracks Hill Viewpoint loop from Yelvertoft' found in the Easy hikes around Lilbourne guide, are specifically designed to take you to elevated spots with good vistas.
All Saints Church, located in Braunston, is a significant historical site. It is a Grade I listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century. The church features impressive architecture, including a 12th-century font, medieval paintings, and a stone coffin. It provides a deep dive into the region's religious and architectural heritage. You can find more details about its history and features at All Saints' Church, Braunston.


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