Best attractions and places to see around Husbands Bosworth include a variety of historical sites and outdoor activity routes. The area features significant engineering marvels such as canal locks and disused railway tunnels. These locations offer opportunities for exploration within a rural landscape. The region provides a mix of natural and man-made points of interest.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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Things to do Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat. Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. There is plenty to keep you busy at Foxton: Visit the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust Take a boat trips on Vagabond II managed by Foxton Boats LTD (summer only) Hire a day boat and travel a little further -managed by Foxton Boats LTD Meet the team in the welcome station and learn about lock keeping and the site's unique history Guided walks, themed activities and events Summer events programme including paddle boarding and canoeing Pre-loved bookshop in the Top Lock Cottage for your favourite read Bring a picnic or recharge at one of the places to eat on site: Top Lock Cottage café – serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and locally produced ice cream, and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61. source: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/foxton-locks-leicestershire
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Peatling Magna, formerly known as "Great Petlyng" and later as "Great Peatling," is a village in the Harborough district of south Leicestershire. The village's notable landmark is the Church of All Saints, primarily built during the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring fine examples of carved woodwork from different periods. In 1265, Peatling Magna gained national attention when, after the Battle of Evesham, the villagers refused to cooperate with the victorious royal forces, citing concerns for the welfare of the realm. This led to a court appearance recorded in the Plea Rolls of 1266, highlighting the village's resistance and reflecting communal ideas at the smallest village level in 13th-century England.
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Decent front light a must to ride through. Surface is not too bad but best to go slowly if you can't see well.
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You will need a decent light to go through riding! There is a ventilation shaft halfway through which provides some relief from the gloom.
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Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.
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The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers. The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed. The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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A great route from Northampton to the picturesque town of Market Harborough and beyond, an especially easy route to and from the Railway Station in both towns. There are two tunnels, one at Kelmarsh and another at Oxendon so don't forget your lights, other things to mention are, where route 6 crosses the A5199 at the Windhover Pub to un-adopted road leading to Northampton via Windrush Way the path is tarmac, north from the Windhover is all gravel and quite bumpy in parts. If you have time why not visit Pitsford Country Park, its roughly 7 miles round some stunning countryside and you can grab drinks and eats at the Willow Tree Café!
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The area around Husbands Bosworth offers excellent opportunities for cycling and walking. You can explore disused railway tunnels like Kelmarsh Tunnels, which are part of the Brampton Valley Way, or cycle along National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough. For more cycling options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Husbands Bosworth or Cycling around Husbands Bosworth guides. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way loop available in the Gravel biking around Husbands Bosworth guide.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Foxton Locks is a great choice, offering 34 acres of green space for nature spotting, boat trips, a museum, and places to eat. Foxton Locks Basin, at the base of the 'staircase' of ten canal locks, is also family-friendly. Additionally, the historic St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, offers a glimpse into local history.
The area is rich in history. Foxton Locks is a significant historical site with its unique Inclined Boat Lift, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and a Canal Museum. The nearby Foxton Locks Basin also holds historical importance as a canal convergence point. Further afield, St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, is a Grade II*-listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century.
Yes, the region is known for its disused railway tunnels. The Kelmarsh Tunnels are a prominent feature of the Brampton Valley Way. These unlit tunnels, measuring 480 meters (1,570 ft), require lights for passage. National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough also includes tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon, where lights are essential for safe passage.
While the area is known for man-made attractions, Foxton Locks sits within 34 acres of natural green spaces, making it ideal for nature spotting. Visitors often see herons, swans, swallows, and kingfishers there. The rural landscape surrounding Husbands Bosworth generally offers opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Many attractions, particularly outdoor ones like the tunnels and cycle routes, are enjoyable year-round, though lights are essential for tunnels regardless of the season. Foxton Locks offers boat trips during the summer months, and its extensive green spaces are pleasant in warmer weather. Winter can be a good time for quieter walks, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on trails.
Yes, particularly around Foxton Locks. There are two pubs, two cafés (including the Top Lock Cottage café), and the Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61, all on-site. The Canal Museum also has a pre-loved bookshop. If you're exploring the Brampton Valley Way near Arthingworth, The Bull's Head is a traditional drovers' inn that serves food.
Cycling routes vary in difficulty. The Road Cycling Routes around Husbands Bosworth guide includes options ranging from easy, such as the St Nicholas Church – View of Stanford Reservoir loop, to moderate routes like the Camel's Humps Road – Wind Turbine Road loop. Similarly, Cycling around Husbands Bosworth offers easy to moderate tours. Gravel biking routes, found in the Gravel biking around Husbands Bosworth guide, are generally moderate.
While specific circular walks are not detailed in the highlights, the extensive network of trails and paths, including sections of the Brampton Valley Way and National Cycle Route 6, can be combined to create circular routes. For example, the area around Foxton Locks offers pleasant walking loops around its 34 acres of green space.
The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels that are unlit and 480 meters (1,570 ft) long. It is crucial to bring your own lights, whether you are walking or cycling through them, as it can be very dark inside. The surface is generally decent, but taking it slow is recommended, especially if there are pedestrians.
Parking facilities are typically available at popular attractions. For instance, Foxton Locks has dedicated parking for visitors. For other trails and sites, it's advisable to check local signage or specific highlight details for parking information.
Beyond the main attractions, exploring the smaller villages and their historic churches, such as St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, can offer a quieter experience. The entire Brampton Valley Way, which incorporates the Kelmarsh Tunnels, provides a unique journey through the countryside, often away from larger crowds.


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