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United Kingdom
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East Midlands
Leicestershire
Melton

Gaddesby

Attractions and Places To See around Gaddesby - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Gaddesby include a blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. This Leicestershire village, located northeast of Leicester, offers a tranquil setting for exploring its heritage and scenic surroundings. The area features rolling hills, lush farmland, and picturesque woodlands, alongside significant historical sites.

Best attractions and places to see around Gaddesby

  • The most popular attractions is John Merrick's Lake, an other natural feature that is part of the Reedbed Nature Reserve. It is located on the "Red Route" of hard-surfaced paths, which are wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
  • Another must-see spot is Burrough Hill Country Park, a historical site and viewpoint. This well-preserved Iron Age hill fort provides diverse wildlife habitats and various areas for visitors to explore.
  • Visitors also love Burrough Road Climb, a viewpoint offering scenic ridge views. This is one of the longer climbs in Leicestershire, known for its gentle gradient.
  • Gaddesby is known for its lakes, historical sites, and scenic climbs. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural reserves to ancient landmarks.
  • The attractions around Gaddesby are appreciated by the komoot community, with 31 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

John Merrick's Lake

Highlight • Natural

John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park.

John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.

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Racehub Lake

Highlight • Lake

Fantastic bike shop and cafe in the middle of the Leicestershire countryside. The cafe serves a selection of coffees, shakes and cold drinks along with sports nutrition and plenty of delicious cakes. Bike shop sells mainly Giant/Liv bikes and components but also plenty of fun socks along with their own Racehub branded kit. The workshop is very knowledgeable and happy to help. There is also open water swimming available in the lake a few times a week. It is a lovely lake to swim in, nice and clean with clearly marked laps and not too deep so gets nice and warm on a hot day.
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Cossington Meadow, overseen by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, was once a gravel quarry during the 1980s and 90s.

As part of the Leicestershire Round development, the pits were filled with inert waste, some areas were covered with soil and seeded with grass, and deep holes were intentionally left to create lakes.

Interpretation boards across the site provide information about the diverse plant and animal life that has established itself in the reserve.

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Burrough Hill Country Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Situated between Burrough on the Hill and Somerby, south of Melton Mowbray, Burrough Hill Country Park is a significant and well-preserved Iron Age hill fort.

Besides its historical importance, the park provides diverse wildlife habitats and various areas for visitors.

Once known for foxhunting and as the reputed birthplace of Stilton cheese, the area has transformed into a mix of arable, dairy, beef, and sheep farming today.

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All Saints' Church, Hoby

Highlight • Religious Site

Perched on a slight hill, Hoby All Saints church overlooks Wreake Valley. It includes a west tower with a 13th-century base and added spire, north and south aisles, nave, and chancel. Dating mainly to the 13th century, the church underwent Victorian restoration in the chancel.

The tower holds five bells, including the Tenor bell, known as 'Great Tom.' Legend has it that in the late 17th century, two individuals found their way to safety guided by Great Tom's sound during fog.

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Tips from the Community

Grace Mulligan
November 8, 2024, John Merrick's Lake

John Merrick's Lake is one of numerous lakes within the Reedbed Nature Reserve. The reserve is a great place for birdwatching, with wildlife all around you.

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Situated between Burrough on the Hill and Somerby, south of Melton Mowbray, Burrough Hill Country Park is a significant and well-preserved Iron Age hill fort. Besides its historical importance, the park provides diverse wildlife habitats and various areas for visitors. Once known for foxhunting and as the reputed birthplace of Stilton cheese, the area has transformed into a mix of arable, dairy, beef, and sheep farming today.

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Cossington Meadow, overseen by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, was once a gravel quarry during the 1980s and 90s. As part of the Leicestershire Round development, the pits were filled with inert waste, some areas were covered with soil and seeded with grass, and deep holes were intentionally left to create lakes. Interpretation boards across the site provide information about the diverse plant and animal life that has established itself in the reserve.

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Perched on a slight hill, Hoby All Saints church overlooks Wreake Valley. It includes a west tower with a 13th-century base and added spire, north and south aisles, nave, and chancel. Dating mainly to the 13th century, the church underwent Victorian restoration in the chancel. The tower holds five bells, including the Tenor bell, known as 'Great Tom.' Legend has it that in the late 17th century, two individuals found their way to safety guided by Great Tom's sound during fog.

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Adie
December 15, 2022, John Merrick's Lake

John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. The red route paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible. They're also shared with cyclists. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.

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Adie
December 15, 2022, John Merrick's Lake

John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.

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John
May 16, 2022, Racehub Lake

Brilliant OW swimming

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John
May 12, 2022, Racehub Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Gaddesby?

Gaddesby is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the East Midlands, featuring rolling hills, lush farmland, and picturesque woodlands. You can visit John Merrick's Lake, part of the Reedbed Nature Reserve, which is excellent for birdwatching. The River Wreake also flows to the north and west of the village.

Are there any historical sites to visit in Gaddesby and the surrounding area?

Yes, Gaddesby has a rich history. The 13th-century Church of St. Luke is a Grade I listed building known for its medieval architecture and 14th-century stonework. Nearby, Burrough Hill Country Park features a significant and well-preserved Iron Age hill fort. The village also boasts Gaddesby Hall, an impressive Georgian mansion, and the traditional Cheney Arms pub, originally a dower house from 1740.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Gaddesby?

Absolutely. John Merrick's Lake is part of the "Red Route" of hard-surfaced paths, making it accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and great for birdwatching. Burrough Hill Country Park is also family-friendly, offering diverse wildlife habitats and areas to explore. Additionally, Racehub Lake has a cafe and open water swimming, which can be enjoyable for families.

What outdoor activities can I do near Gaddesby's attractions?

The area around Gaddesby offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on various routes, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, as detailed in the Cycling around Gaddesby guide. There are also numerous mountain biking trails available, which you can find in the MTB Trails around Gaddesby guide. For walkers, the Easy hikes around Gaddesby guide provides several routes, including those around lakes and through the countryside.

Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs near Gaddesby?

Yes, John Merrick's Lake is located on the "Red Route" within Watermead Country Park, which consists of hard-surfaced paths specifically designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. These paths are also shared with cyclists.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Gaddesby?

For scenic views, you can visit Burrough Hill Country Park, which offers expansive vistas from its Iron Age hill fort. Another great spot is Burrough Road Climb, known for its scenic ridge views after a gentle ascent. For a more challenging climb with rewarding views, consider Sludge Hall Hill.

What is the best time of year to visit Gaddesby for outdoor activities?

Gaddesby's rural setting with rolling hills and woodlands makes it enjoyable throughout the warmer months for walking and cycling. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the countryside and lakes. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be serene, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

Are there any unique local landmarks or stories in Gaddesby?

Beyond its main historical sites, Gaddesby has charming architectural heritage, including many listed and older properties. A unique local feature is "The Blue Stone" at the corner of Chapel Lane and Cross Street, a large boulder where John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is reputed to have preached. An old windmill also stands just outside the village.

Where can I find refreshments or facilities near the attractions?

The village of Gaddesby itself hosts The Cheney Arms, a traditional English pub. Near Racehub Lake, there's a bike shop and cafe that serves coffee, shakes, and delicious cakes, making it a good stop for refreshments. Burrough Hill Country Park also has facilities available for visitors.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gaddesby?

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The accessibility of places like John Merrick's Lake for families and those with pushchairs or wheelchairs is highly valued. The challenging yet rewarding climbs like Sludge Hall Hill and the scenic views from Burrough Road Climb are also popular among the komoot community.

Can I find easy walking routes near Gaddesby?

Yes, there are several easy walking routes available. You can explore options like the Wildlife Viewing Area loop from Kirby Bellars, The Bell Inn loop from Frisby on the Wreake, or the Footbridge Over the Ford loop directly from Gaddesby. More details on these and other easy hikes can be found in the Easy hikes around Gaddesby guide.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Knossington And Cold OvertonSomerbyHoby With RotherbyClawson, Hose And HarbyEatonWymondhamStathernWaltham On The Wolds And Thorpe ArnoldRedmileBurton And DalbyCroxton KerrialTwyford And ThorpeFrisby On The WreakeScalfordGrimstonSproxtonFreebyBelvoirAsfordbyKirby BellarsBottesfordBroughton And Old DalbyAb KettlebyGarthorpeBuckminster

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