Attractions and Places To See around Charley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Charley include a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites within the Charnwood Forest area. The region features prominent viewpoints and significant historical ruins, offering diverse exploration opportunities. Visitors can discover a range of attractions, from expansive deer parks to ancient abbeys. Charley provides accessible locations for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Charley
- The most popular attractions is Deer Park at Calke Abbey…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Deer Park at Calke Abbey
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Old John Tower, Bradgate Park
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Beacon Hill Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
Situated just 2 miles from …
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Ruins of Bradgate House
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Mount St Bernard Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Not just for the faithful!
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Tips from the Community
beacon hill country park great views at the top looking over Loughborough, cafe ,park for children, horse riding ,maze,
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Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond. Situated just 2 miles from the M1 motorway and a stone's throw away from Loughborough, the peak offers superb accessibility for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort.
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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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Such a calm place to visit. The monks here brew their own ale which is delicious!
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Mount St Bernard Abbey is a Roman Catholic, Trappist monastery near Coalville, Leicestershire, England, founded in 1835 in the parish of Whitwick and now in that of Charley. The abbey was the first permanent monastery to be founded in England since the Reformation and is the sole Trappist house in England. The monks brew the only Trappist beer in Britain.
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The present "Gill-style" sculptures surmounting the calvary rock are the work of Father Vincent Eley, 1965, and represent the crucified Jesus, mounted on a cross of concrete, with images of Our Lady and St John on either side. The Calvary at Mount St Bernard has the distinction of being only the second in England since the Reformation. The first had been established on a rocky outcrop on De Lisle's Grace Dieu estate off Thurlough Road, near Thringstone, about a mile away.
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Old John is the highest hill in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. It gives its name to the folly that stands at its top. The hill stands at 696 foot (212 m) high, and is a prominent landmark across Leicester and Leicestershire. 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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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions in Charley?
Yes, Charley offers several family-friendly attractions. Beacon Hill Summit is a great choice, providing 360-degree views and a cafe. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is also family-friendly, offering opportunities for easy walks and wildlife spotting. Additionally, the Ruins of Bradgate House are suitable for families interested in history.
Where can I go for wildlife spotting around Charley?
The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is an excellent location for wildlife spotting, particularly for deer. The park's natural landscape, including meadows and a lake, provides a habitat for various species, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
Are there easy hiking trails near Charley's attractions?
Yes, the Deer Park at Calke Abbey is situated on the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail, offering easy hiking opportunities. For more options, you can explore the 'Hiking around Charley' guide, which includes routes like the 'National Forest Way: Beacon Hill Loop' which is rated as easy. Find more hiking routes here: Hiking around Charley.
Can I find dog-friendly walks near Charley?
Many outdoor areas around Charley are suitable for dog walking. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is generally dog-friendly, offering expansive grounds for walks. It's always advisable to check specific park rules regarding leash requirements and restricted areas before your visit.
What historical sites can I visit around Charley?
Charley is rich in historical sites. You can explore the Ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor mansion once home to Lady Jane Grey. Another significant historical and religious site is Mount St Bernard Abbey, the first permanent monastery founded in England since the Reformation.
Are there cafes or refreshment options near Charley's attractions?
Yes, visitors can find refreshment options at some of the main attractions. Beacon Hill Summit has a cafe, and there's also a cafe available within the grounds of Calke Abbey, near the Deer Park.
What are the best viewpoints in the Charley area?
For spectacular views, head to Beacon Hill Summit, which offers 360-degree panoramas across Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another excellent viewpoint is Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, situated on the highest hill in the park, providing extensive views of the surrounding area and even Leicester city centre on a clear day.
Are there circular walks available near Charley's attractions?
Yes, there are several circular walks that incorporate Charley's attractions. For example, the 'National Forest Way: Beacon Hill Loop' is an easy circular hiking route. You can find more circular routes and other hiking options in the 'Hiking around Charley' guide: Hiking around Charley.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous running trails, such as 'The Labyrinth loop from Woodhouse', and road cycling routes like 'View of Bardon Hill – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop from Bardon'. Explore more options in the dedicated guides: Running Trails around Charley and Road Cycling Routes around Charley.
Are there more challenging walks around Charley?
For those seeking more challenging walks, the region offers routes with greater distances and varied terrain. The 'Hiking around Charley' guide includes options like the 'Beacon Hill Summit – Ruins of Bradgate House loop from Nanpantan', which is rated as difficult. You can find more challenging routes here: Hiking around Charley.
What do visitors enjoy most about Charley's attractions?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and historical significance of the area. The 360-degree views from Beacon Hill Summit and the peaceful atmosphere of Mount St Bernard Abbey are frequently highlighted. The opportunities for easy walks and wildlife spotting at the Deer Park at Calke Abbey are also very popular.
Are there any hidden gems or less crowded spots to discover?
While popular spots can get busy, exploring the wider Charnwood Forest area often reveals quieter trails and less-frequented viewpoints. For a serene experience, the grounds of Mount St Bernard Abbey offer a peaceful retreat with stunning architecture away from the more bustling tourist sites.
Most popular attractions around Charley
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