Best attractions and places to see around Medbourne include a blend of historic landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This historic village in Leicestershire is situated within the Welland Valley, with the Medbourne Brook flowing through its center. Evidence of a Roman settlement and ancient structures like the Medbourne Packhorse Bridge highlight its long history. The surrounding countryside offers various scenic trails for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 6, 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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Welham is a beautifully quaint little village sitting on the border of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. It sits within the gorgeous Welland Valley, considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in the midlands. The village and its surrounding area is worth a visit year round. Be sure to pop into the Old Red Lion if you fancy a drink in front of the cosy log fire.
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Lovely place for a picnic, but be aware that most of the routes out involve some serious climbing for this part of the world. Like Norfolk, not all Rutland is as flat as many think.
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NOT SUITABLE FOR DOG WALKING! Tried this route today, and gave up at Thorpe Country Club. From Gretton to Thorpe there's no clear pathways. After crossing over the railway tracks the 'paths' become very overgrown and it's difficult to make out which way to go. There's several sties that you have to clamber over, which isn't suitable for big dogs to get over. I had to physically lift my 24kg dog over the sties as he was too hesitant to climb over them! Once you get to Thorpe, the route takes you onto a very dangerous B road for about 2 miles, which has numerous sharp double bends, with a 60mph speed limit. I just didn't feel safe and I wasn't prepared to take my dog any further..... VERY DISSAPOINTED.....
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A lovely cycling-friendly cafe with a great cycling 'vibe' & memorabilia, spares & kit....and of course coffee and food. Ample space to park your car if you are using it as a starting point for a cycling tour of the local area.
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Medbourne is rich in history. You can visit St. Giles Church, a Grade I listed building with origins dating back to the 13th century, featuring beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows. Don't miss the medieval Medbourne Packhorse Bridge, a five-arched stone bridge over the Medbourne Brook. The village also boasts historic buildings like Medbourne Manor House and The Old Hall, alongside several charming 17th-century ironstone houses, including Saddlers Cottage with its thatched roof.
Yes, Medbourne offers several natural attractions. The Medbourne Brook flows prominently through the village, providing tree-lined paths and open spaces. Medbourne Hollow is a nature conservation area, transformed from a derelict clay pit into a haven for local wildlife with two pools and planted trees. The village is also nestled within the picturesque Welland Valley, known as one of the most scenic regions in the Midlands. Additionally, Eyebrook Reservoir offers quiet lanes and scenic views, providing a tranquil experience.
Medbourne is surrounded by picturesque countryside with several scenic trails. You can explore the Welland Valley Walk and the Medbourne Circular Walk. For more structured outdoor activities, there are various routes available. You can find easy hikes, cycling routes, and MTB trails, including options like the Goadby Road Gravel Track, which offers a sense of being in the middle of nowhere.
Absolutely. Foxton Locks is a great family-friendly destination, offering 34 acres of natural green spaces for nature spotting, a canal museum, boat trips, and various events. You can also visit Welham Village and Stone Bridge, a quaint village in the Welland Valley. Medbourne Hollow, a nature conservation area, is also suitable for families looking to enjoy the outdoors and spot wildlife.
Yes, Medbourne has a significant Roman history. It was originally a Roman settlement, and evidence of a Roman villa, including a mosaic pavement, was first uncovered in 1721. The site of a Roman villa is included in the village's Conservation Area, with remains having been excavated over the last 150 years, indicating it was once a substantial Roman settlement.
The Nevill Arms Inn, a two-storey ironstone building, was rebuilt in 1863 in the Tudor style and offers a place to eat and drink. Slightly outside the immediate village, Café Ventoux is a popular cycling-themed café known for its high-quality coffee, cake, and unique cycling memorabilia, making it a great stop for refreshments.
The Welland Valley is one of the most scenic regions in the Midlands, where Medbourne is situated. It's characterized by beautiful countryside and the River Welland. You can experience its beauty by walking or cycling along the Welland Valley Walk, exploring the village of Medbourne itself, or visiting nearby spots like Welham Village and Stone Bridge, which sits within this gorgeous valley.
Medbourne is known for its participation in the ancient game of Bottle-kicking with Hallaton every Easter Monday. This notable annual event involves parades and a scramble for wooden barrels of ale, offering a unique cultural experience. The village also features an orientation table commemorating the millennium, designed by villagers, which highlights points of interest.
For easy walks and short strolls, you can explore the paths along the Medbourne Brook within the village. The Medbourne Hollow nature conservation area also offers gentle routes. Additionally, you can find several easy hikes around Medbourne, such as loops around Eyebrook Reservoir or within East Carlton Countryside Park.
Yes, Medbourne Hollow, a local nature conservation area, was specifically designed to encourage local wildlife with its two pools and planted trees and shrubs. The Medbourne Brook and the surrounding countryside also provide opportunities for spotting various birds and other local fauna. At Foxton Locks, you can look out for herons, swans, swallows, and kingfishers in its 34 acres of natural green spaces.
The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking and cycling around Medbourne. The countryside is vibrant, and events like the Bottle-kicking tradition (Easter Monday) add to the cultural experience. However, the Welland Valley and its trails can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn offering beautiful foliage and winter providing crisp, quiet walks.
While specific accessible routes are not detailed, the village center with its flat paths along the Medbourne Brook and the general village exploration can be suitable for many. For detailed information on accessibility for specific attractions or trails, it's advisable to check local resources or contact the venues directly.
Foxton Locks is a significant site featuring a flight of ten canal locks and the remains of a unique Inclined Boat Lift. It offers 34 acres of natural green spaces for nature spotting, a historic Canal Museum, and opportunities for boat trips. You can also hire a day boat, attend guided walks and themed activities, or simply enjoy the two pubs and two cafés on site.


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