Best attractions and places to see around Stoke Golding include historical landmarks and natural areas. This Leicestershire village is a ridge-top settlement offering views of the surrounding countryside. The Ashby Canal borders the conservation area to the north and west, providing a natural feature. The area features a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes for exploration.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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The church of St James mostly dates from the 14th century and probably replaces an earlier church on the site. The church consists of a low west tower, nave, chancel and south chapel. The circular arcade dates to the 13th century, the low west tower has a brick upper stage which was rebuilt in the early 19th century. The font is probably 14th century. There is a monument to William Roberts who died in 1633 a recumbent alabaster effigy. He lies in armour with his two wives, one kneeling at his feet. The inscription reads; “here lyeth interred the body of Sir William Roberts, who in his life-time, being devoted both to hospitality and charity, among other memorable works erected, out of a pious mind, a hospital for six poor men adjoining the churchyard and endowed it with 30 pounds worth of land yearly for their maintenance for ever”.
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Shackerstone steam railway station, stands as a preserved railway station and a distinguished heritage museum. Serving as the terminus and headquarters of the Battlefield Line Railway, this location boasts the Shackerstone Railwayana Museum, a tea room, a well-stocked shop, and houses both the locomotive shed and main rolling stock.
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Saint James Church is known as 'The Battlefield Church,' a title attributed to an aged wooden sign located in the garden across from the church. Tradition holds that Richard III conducted Mass here on the eve of the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Within the church, numerous artifacts linked to Richard III are on display, including needlepoint kneelers crafted by members of the Richard III Society. Adjacent to the church stands an impressive row of 17th-century almshouses.
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Stoney Cove is a large flooded quarry that hosts the UK National Dive Centre. There is a heated pool for dive training, and the bed of the cove is described as an underwater adventure park! Above the surface, there is a pub/cafe and it's also a great spot to catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons/
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Shackerstone Station is at the northern end of the "Battlefield Railway" line, and features a museum, Victorian tea room, souvenir shop, and the main loco shed. Steam, diesel and railcar train services run along a single track line. There is a bike park at the station, or it is possible to take your cycle on the train for a small fee.
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Stoke Golding is rich in history. You can visit the impressive St. Margaret of Antioch Church, a Grade I listed Saxon church with 14th-century wall paintings. Don't miss Crown Hill, recognized as the "Birthplace of the Tudor Dynasty" where Henry VII was crowned after the Battle of Bosworth. The grounds of Park House also contain a Saxon burial ground and medieval fish ponds. Other notable sites include the historic Bull Ring / Top Town village centre, Baxter Hall (an old Workman's Hall), and the Old Grammar School.
Yes, a prominent natural area is Bagworth Heath Woods, which features woodland, grassland, heathland, lakes, and ponds. It's a great spot for observing wildfowl and aquatic plants, and it also has a pit wheel as a reminder of its past as a colliery site. The Ashby Canal also borders the conservation area of Stoke Golding to the north and west, offering pleasant waterside views.
Families can enjoy a visit to Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre or Shenton Station – Battlefield Line Railway, where you can experience heritage steam, diesel, and railcar services. Bagworth Heath Woods is also family-friendly with its easy-to-follow paths and diverse natural environment.
For diving enthusiasts, the Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is a large flooded quarry that serves as the UK National Dive Centre. It offers a heated training pool and an "underwater adventure park" for divers of all levels.
Absolutely. Stoke Golding is surrounded by countryside and offers various routes for outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and MTB trails. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Stoke Golding, Gravel biking around Stoke Golding, and MTB Trails around Stoke Golding guides.
Stoke Golding holds significant historical importance related to the Battle of Bosworth. Crown Hill in the village is famously known as the site of Henry VII's impromptu coronation after his victory in 1485, marking it as the "Birthplace of the Tudor Dynasty." Legend also suggests villagers climbed the battlements of St. Margaret of Antioch Church to witness the battle.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. They enjoy the unique experience of the heritage railway at Shackerstone Railway Station, the tranquil beauty and wildlife at Bagworth Heath Woods, and the distinctive diving opportunities at Stoney Cove National Dive Centre. The historical significance of the village itself is also a major draw.
Beyond the main highlights, Stoke Golding offers some unique historical insights. The Royal Observer Corps underground monitoring post is a listed site providing a glimpse into Cold War history. Additionally, the Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture, carved from a felled tree, commemorates the area's quarrying heritage and is a local point of interest.
For those interested in exploring the village's history on foot, the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council provides a heritage trail. You can find more details and a downloadable guide at hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk.
In natural areas like Bagworth Heath Woods, you can expect to see various wildfowl and aquatic plants around the lakes and ponds. The area's diverse habitats of woodland, grassland, and heathland also support a range of local flora and fauna.
Yes, some attractions offer facilities. For instance, Shackerstone Railway Station & Battlefield Line Heritage Centre has a Victorian tea room and a souvenir shop. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre also features a pub/cafe on site, making it a convenient stop for refreshments.


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