Attractions and Places To See around Barlestone - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Barlestone include a blend of local historical sites and access to a variety of attractions in the surrounding area. This Leicestershire village offers opportunities to explore notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The region provides diverse points of interest for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Barlestone
- The most popular attractions is Ruins of Bradgate House, a historical site that was once a Tudor mansion and home to Lady Jane Grey. It was abandoned in the 1730s and is now a prominent ruin within Bradgate Park.
- Another must-see spot is Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, an 18th-century folly and viewpoint located on the highest hill in Bradgate Park. It offers expansive views of the surrounding area and Leicester city centre.
- Visitors also love Mount St Bernard Abbey, a Roman Catholic, Trappist monastery founded in 1835. It is known for its architecture and peaceful grounds, and is the sole Trappist house in England.
- Barlestone is known for historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. Visitors can explore landmarks, reforested parks, and significant historical locations.
- The attractions around Barlestone are appreciated by the komoot community, with 174 upvotes and 95 photos shared.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Old John Tower, Bradgate Park
Highlight • Monument
The earliest recorded use of the name is on a map of 1754, which records a windmill on the site, some 30 years before the tower was built. The tower itself began life as a ruined folly, built in 1784, during the time of George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford. He got Thomas Sketchley of Anstey to build him the mock ruin, which had strong similarities to Mow Cop, Staffordshire. It was adapted in the mid-19th century by the seventh Earl to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses, along with the building of a stable block lower down the hill.
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Ruins of Bradgate House
Highlight • Historical Site
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Mount St Bernard Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Not just for the faithful!
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Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
Highlight • Lake
Good free car park open during daytime, toilets and information board.
My sat nav tried to direct me to an old entrance but easy enough to skirt round from there to the main entrance (keep turning left) if the same happens.
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Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park
Highlight • Structure
Although you can see the Colliery buildings and machinery, all evidence of the mining is gone and replaced by a wonderfully ecologically diverse park to explore. There is also a cafe to have a bite to eat and a museum to learn more about the mining history.
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Tips from the Community
A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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snibston trail great bike trail and skills area, old coal mining still can see some things check the photos.cafe car park and a park
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snibston colliery the old mining still got some things to view
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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check out the photos for signs for the trails and skills area
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check the photos there are some signs for the bike trail and skills area
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Bradgate House is one of England's great 'lost country houses', a once-magnificent Tudor mansion and the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic 'Nine Days Queen'. The story of Bradgate House goes back long before Lady Jane's birth, however, and is intertwined with the history of Bradgate Park, a large country park in which the ruins stand. Bradgate Park began as a hunting ground in the early 13th century. It was enclosed by an earthwork bank and ditch, topped by oak timbers. In 1445 the park passed by marriage to the Grey family, who owned it for the next 5 centuries. The first grey owner was Edward Grey, whose son John married Elizabeth Woodville. After John's death at the Battle of St Albans in 1461 Elizabeth married King Edward IV. One of Elizabeth's sons by her first marriage was Sir Thomas Grey, the 1st Marquess of Dorset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Barlestone?
The area around Barlestone is rich in history. You can visit the evocative Ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor mansion known as the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. Another significant site is Mount St Bernard Abbey, England's sole Trappist monastery, founded in 1835. Further afield, consider Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Kirby Muxloe Castle, or Ashby de la Zouch Castle.
Are there natural attractions or parks to visit near Barlestone?
Yes, several natural attractions are easily accessible. Sence Valley Forest Park, a reforested opencast coal mining site, features Horseshoe Lake and offers various walking trails. Bradgate Park is home to the prominent Old John Tower and offers expansive views. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is also nearby, known for its spring bluebells and diverse lakeside vegetation.
What family-friendly activities are available in the Barlestone area?
For families, there are several engaging options. The Ruins of Bradgate House and Old John Tower in Bradgate Park offer historical exploration and outdoor fun. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is great for walks. Beyond these, Twycross Zoo, Tropical Birdland, and Fantasy Farm are popular choices for a day out with children.
Where can I find good viewpoints around Barlestone?
For panoramic views, head to Old John Tower in Bradgate Park. This 18th-century folly sits on the park's highest hill, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding area and Leicester city centre. Another notable viewpoint is Bardon Hill Trig Point, which marks the highest elevation in Leicestershire.
Are there opportunities for hiking near Barlestone?
Yes, Barlestone is a great base for hiking. You can find various trails in Sence Valley Forest Park, including short walks around Horseshoe Lake. For more options, explore the hiking routes around the region, such as those leading to Bagworth Heath Woods or Thornton Reservoir. You can find detailed routes and guides at Hiking around Barlestone.
What cycling routes are available around Barlestone?
The Barlestone area offers diverse cycling opportunities. For gravel biking, you can find routes like the Donisthorpe Woodland Park – Hicks Lodge Trail loop. Road cyclists can explore routes such as the Kilstone Gibbet Post – Shenton Village loop or the View of Cropston Reservoir – Bradgate Park loop. Discover more options at Gravel biking around Barlestone and Road Cycling Routes around Barlestone.
Can I visit any religious or cultural landmarks in the region?
Certainly. Within Barlestone, St Giles' Church is a significant landmark with parts dating back to the 14th century. Nearby, Mount St Bernard Abbey offers a peaceful and architecturally impressive experience. For a glimpse into 17th-century life, The 1620s House And Garden is also a short drive away.
What are some unique local landmarks within Barlestone village itself?
Barlestone village has several notable local landmarks. These include the War Memorial, a granite obelisk honoring local service members, and the Pit Wheel Monument, which commemorates the village's coal mining heritage. The Barlestone Circle of Life sculpture is also a unique feature, designed to align with the sun at specific times.
Is there anything for those interested in local industrial history?
Yes, Barlestone has a strong connection to industrial history. The Pit Wheel Monument in the village pays tribute to local miners. Additionally, the Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park is located on a former coal mining site, offering insights into the area's mining past through its museum and preserved colliery buildings.
Where can I experience local wildlife or nature conservation efforts?
The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is a developing woodland planted with native broadleaf trees, offering a chance to see bluebells and wood anemones in spring, and diverse lakeside vegetation. Sence Valley Forest Park, a reforested opencast coal mining site, has been transformed into a haven for wildlife and visitors, with various walking trails to explore its natural habitats.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Barlestone?
Visitors frequently praise the historical significance and scenic beauty of the attractions. The Ruins of Bradgate House are appreciated for their historical depth, while Old John Tower is loved for its expansive views. Many also find Mount St Bernard Abbey to be a peaceful retreat with fantastic architecture. The transformation of former industrial sites like Sence Valley Forest Park into natural havens is also highly regarded.
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