Best attractions and places to see around Kirby Bellars, a village in Leicestershire, England, offers a blend of historical significance and rural landscapes. Situated on the River Wreake, the area features ancient sites like Kirby Bellars Priory and earthworks, alongside rolling farmland and small woodlands. Visitors can explore historical landmarks and enjoy leisurely walks through the countryside. This region provides opportunities to experience both cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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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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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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Bit of a challenging climb, measured up to 13% in places. Was even more challenging upon my first approached due to the cold, wind and sideways rain. Once you’re over the steepest part it’s not too bad. feels quite rewarding!
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On the wonderfully named "Sludge Hall Hill", you will gain around 50m of elevation over an average gradient of around 7%. (Sludge Hall itself, despite the name is a rather lovely, private country house).
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Use this at least once a week. One of the few level crossings in these parts where you aren't obliged to wait minutes before a train passes. The tarmac either side is lovely and smooth; at least until they 'improve' it with chippings.
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Freshly laid tarmac and the chances of pinch punctures has reduced 👍
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Kirby Bellars is rich in history. You can visit the remains of the Augustinian Kirby Bellars Priory and its earthworks, a Scheduled Monument. The Parish Church of Saint Peter, a Grade I listed building, dates back to the 13th century. Additionally, the earthwork remains of Kirby Bellars Hall, a probable fortified manor house, are also present.
The village is situated on the River Wreake, offering pleasant paths for walks. The surrounding landscape features rolling farmland and small woodlands, providing habitats for various wildlife. While not a public attraction, Priory Lakes is a significant wetland area nearby.
Yes, the countryside around Kirby Bellars is ideal for leisurely walks. You can find numerous hiking routes that explore the rolling farmland and small woodlands. For specific routes, explore the hiking guide for Kirby Bellars, which includes easy options like the 'Wildlife Viewing Area loop from Kirby Bellars'.
Beyond walking, you can enjoy running and cycling. The area offers various routes for these activities, from moderate running trails like 'All Saints' Church, Hoby – The Bell Inn, Frisby loop' to challenging cycling routes such as 'Sandy Lane – Launde Abbey loop'. You can find detailed routes in the running and cycling guides for the region.
Families can enjoy Burrough Hill Country Park, a historical site with diverse wildlife habitats and areas for visitors. Another option is Racehub Lake, which offers open water swimming a few times a week in a clean, warm lake, alongside a cafe and bike shop.
The Whissendine Level Crossing is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a smooth tarmac surface on either side. For other accessible options, it's best to check specific trail conditions.
The Racehub Lake features a fantastic bike shop and cafe, serving coffee, shakes, and delicious cakes. In the village itself, The Flying Childers pub is named after an undefeated 18th-century racehorse and offers refreshments.
The terrain around Kirby Bellars is generally characterized by rolling farmland, small woodlands, and gentle slopes, making it suitable for leisurely walks rather than strenuous hikes.
Visitors appreciate the historical significance of sites like Burrough Hill Country Park and the scenic, gentle climbs such as Burrough Road Climb, which offers great ridge views. The unique combination of a bike shop, cafe, and open water swimming at Racehub Lake is also a popular highlight.
Beyond the main historical sites, Racehub Lake offers a unique combination of a bike shop, cafe, and open water swimming. For cyclists, Sludge Hall Hill, despite its name, is a rewarding, challenging climb with an average gradient of around 7%.
Kirby Bellars is home to the Quorn Hunt Kennels, reputedly the most famous fox hunt in the UK, which moved its headquarters to the parish in 1991. The village also has The Flying Childers pub, a local landmark with historical ties to horse racing.


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