Attractions and Places To See around Carlton Curlieu - Top 20

Carlton Curlieu is rich in history. You can explore the well-preserved earthworks of a Deserted Medieval Village, offering insights into medieval agrarian life. The village also features the 17th-century Carlton Curlieu Hall, a Grade II* listed building, and the historic Church of St Mary the Virgin, which dates back to the 11th century with later rebuilds and notable monuments inside. Additionally, you can find the remains of a wet moat, likely marking an earlier structure near the Hall.

Yes, the area offers several natural features. You can observe distinctive ridge and furrow cultivation, a physical indication of medieval farming practices, in the open countryside. The parish is characterized by open unfenced pasture land and is bounded by a head-stream of the River Sence. For a specific natural attraction, Saddington Reservoir is an important biological site covering 47 acres, home to various wildlife and wetland habitats. For a challenging viewpoint, consider Sludge Hall Hill, which offers rewarding views after a steep climb.

The region around Carlton Curlieu is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and running. For example, there are MTB Trails around Carlton Curlieu, including moderate loops like 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Debdale Lane loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore Gravel biking around Carlton Curlieu with routes like 'Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way loop'. Runners can find Running Trails around Carlton Curlieu, such as the 'Saddington Reservoir loop'.

Absolutely! Foxton Locks is a fantastic family-friendly destination, set within 34 acres of natural green spaces. It offers two pubs, two cafés, a museum, and opportunities for boat trips. You can also spot wildlife like herons and kingfishers. The Foxton Locks Basin, at the base of the locks, is also a great spot for families to observe canal boats navigating the historic 'staircase' of ten locks. Saddington Reservoir is another family-friendly natural area for appreciating nature.

Near the popular Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs and two cafés, including the Top Lock Cottage café and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61. For a unique experience, Café Ventoux is a cycling-themed cafe offering high-quality coffee and cake, along with a boutique bike shop, making it a great stop for refreshments.

The Deserted Medieval Village remains immediately south of the parish church are significant as they are well-preserved earthworks and buried features of an abandoned medieval settlement. They include hollow ways and ridge and furrow cultivation, providing valuable insights into medieval agrarian life, the historical landscape, and the settlement's economy, development, and eventual decline. Carlton Curlieu was first documented in the Domesday survey of 1086, highlighting its long history.

Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. You can find various routes for both mountain biking and gravel biking. Explore MTB Trails around Carlton Curlieu, with options ranging from easy to moderate, such as the 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Debdale Lane loop'. For gravel biking, check out Gravel biking around Carlton Curlieu, which features routes like the 'Rutland Water Cycle Route' for a more challenging ride.

The natural green spaces around Foxton Locks are great for nature spotting, where you might see herons, swans, swallows, and kingfishers. Saddington Reservoir is also an important biological site with wet willow, woodland, swamp, open water, and wetland habitats, providing a home for various wildlife, including beetles that have become scarce in the UK.

Carlton Curlieu Hall is a privately owned 17th-century country house, built in 1636, and has been the home of the Palmer family since 1664. It is a Grade II* listed building known for its distinctive Dutch gables. While it is a significant historical landmark in the village, it is a private residence and not generally open to the public for tours. However, its impressive estate gateway and the surrounding conservation area contribute to the village's character.

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find various options listed under Running Trails around Carlton Curlieu. Popular routes include the 'Saddington Reservoir – Saddington Reservoir loop' which is about 10.5 km, and shorter loops from Smeeton Westerby. These trails offer moderate difficulty and allow you to explore the local countryside.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The rich heritage of sites like Foxton Locks, with its unique inclined boat lift remains and opportunities for boat trips, is highly appreciated. The cycling-themed Café Ventoux is also a favorite for its quality offerings and atmosphere. The overall rural landscape and the chance to engage in outdoor activities like cycling and running also contribute to a positive visitor experience.