Best attractions and places to see around Osbaston, a village in Leicestershire, England, offers a variety of points of interest. The region features natural landscapes, including lakes and nature reserves, alongside cultural sites and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore woodlands, former industrial sites transformed into parks, and heritage railways. The area provides diverse options for outdoor activities and cultural enrichment.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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Sand martins return annually to an artificial nesting wall at Bagworth Heath Wood Country Park in Leicestershire, usually arriving in March to nest through the summer. The site, featuring a specialized "Sandmartin Pool," is maintained by rangers and volunteers who refresh the sandy bank annually, with hundreds of chicks raised there.
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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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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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check out the photos for signs for the trails and skills area
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You can visit Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, which offers walks around the lake and through woodlands, and serves as a starting point for the National Forest Birthday walk. Another option is Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, a serene area where the land floods naturally, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities. For panoramic views, head to Bardon Hill Trig Point, the highest point in Leicestershire and part of an eroded volcano.
Yes, you can experience history at Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre, which features a museum, Victorian tea room, and offers steam, diesel, and railcar train services. Additionally, the Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park is located within a former coal mining site transformed into an ecologically diverse park with a cafe and museum detailing its mining history. The nearby Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre also provides a significant historical experience.
Families can enjoy several attractions, including Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park and Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve for nature walks. The Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park offers trails and a skills area, along with a cafe. For a unique experience, visit Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre. Beyond these, Twycross Zoo and the National Forest Adventure Farm are popular family destinations in the broader area.
Many attractions, like Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park and Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, offer walking paths directly. For a wider range of options, you can explore various routes, including easy to moderate loops around Market Bosworth and the Shackerstone Motte loop. Find more details and routes in the Hiking around Osbaston guide.
Yes, the area offers diverse cycling options. The Skills Area at Snibston Colliery Park is specifically designed for mountain biking. For road cycling, you can find routes ranging from easy to moderate, such as loops from Barlestone or Newbold Verdon. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop. Discover more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Osbaston and Gravel biking around Osbaston guides.
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers a free car park, though payment by card or app is now required. For Shackerstone Railway Station, there is a bike park available, and it's possible to take your cycle on the train for a small fee. Generally, many natural parks and heritage sites in the area provide designated parking.
Many natural areas around Osbaston are dog-friendly, especially places like Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park and Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, which are ideal for walks. It's always best to check specific rules for each location, especially regarding lead requirements, to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
Bardon Hill Trig Point, being the highest point in Leicestershire at 278m, offers extensive panoramic views. On clear days, you can reportedly see distant landmarks such as the Malvern and Shropshire Hills, summits in Derbyshire, and even Lincoln Cathedral.
Yes, several attractions offer amenities. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has toilets and an information board. At Snibston Colliery Park, you'll find a cafe and museum. Shackerstone Railway Station boasts a Victorian tea room, souvenir shop, and a cafe. The broader Osbaston area also has numerous pubs and cafes.
Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is unique because it's a relatively new reserve where the land is allowed to flood naturally, creating a wild and serene environment. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, with sightings of various warblers, waders, and even birds of prey like Osprey, Merlin, and Peregrine falcons.
Snibston Colliery Park is a former coal mining site that has been transformed into an ecologically diverse park. It features trails, a dedicated skills area (popular for mountain biking), a cafe, and a museum where you can learn about its rich mining history.
Yes, many of the walks around Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park are short and relatively flat, making them suitable for easy strolls. Similarly, paths within Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve offer gentle terrain. For more options, the Hiking around Osbaston guide lists several easy-grade routes, such as the Market Bosworth Town Centre loops.


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