Best attractions and places to see around Broughton Astley, a large village in Leicestershire, England, offers a combination of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural points of interest. The area is characterized by its local heritage and green spaces, providing a base for walking and cycling. Numerous footpaths and bridleways traverse the local countryside, including sections near the old Fosse Way.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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Top tip only park your bike on the left, (looking from the road) there is a sign to remind you when you arrive. Great service, nice little upstairs room when the weather isn’t so good, or sit outside side on warm sunny days, good value for money with the coffee and cake.
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The tree that was felled had been the village Christmas tree with lights etc for years, and this seemed a good way to commemorate both it and the mining in the area. Lots of quiet lanes round about and the old Fosse Way can be found nearby.
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Peatling Magna, formerly known as "Great Petlyng" and later as "Great Peatling," is a village in the Harborough district of south Leicestershire. The village's notable landmark is the Church of All Saints, primarily built during the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring fine examples of carved woodwork from different periods. In 1265, Peatling Magna gained national attention when, after the Battle of Evesham, the villagers refused to cooperate with the victorious royal forces, citing concerns for the welfare of the realm. This led to a court appearance recorded in the Plea Rolls of 1266, highlighting the village's resistance and reflecting communal ideas at the smallest village level in 13th-century England.
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After the tree was felled at Stoney Stanton, the parish council decided to do something with the remaining trunk. After consulting with residents in the area, it was decided that a sculpture of a quarryman would be made out of the trunk.
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This striking mural, on Aylestone Road, marks the entrance to Aylestone Meadows close to Mill Lock. It features the wildlife that can be seen on the meadows, such as longhorn cattle, hares, mallards and dragonflies. Local landmark the Pack Horse Bridge is also depicted. The mural was designed and created by local artist Leigh Drummond, aka Mono, working with artists’ collective Graffwerk.
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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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Broughton Astley is an excellent base for exploring the local countryside with numerous footpaths and bridleways. You can find sections near the old Fosse Way and along a tributary of the River Soar. While not directly in the village, the nearby Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is a large flooded quarry, offering a unique natural feature for diving enthusiasts and a spot to observe peregrine falcons.
Yes, the area boasts several historical points of interest. The Church of All Saints, Peatling Magna, dating primarily from the 14th and 15th centuries, is noted for its fine carved woodwork. Within Broughton Astley itself, you can find the Grade II listed Memorial Cross at the Memorial Garden and the stone frame of an old windmill on a hillside near the village center.
The region is ideal for walking and cycling. You can find various routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and general cycling. For example, explore routes like the 'Dunton Bassett Village – Wheelbarrow Pond loop' or the 'King's Lock Tearoom – Great Central Way loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Broughton Astley, Gravel biking around Broughton Astley, and Cycling around Broughton Astley guides.
Many of the local attractions are suitable for families. The Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture is an interesting monument for all ages, commemorating local history. The Aylestone Meadows Wildlife Mural, though slightly outside the village, depicts local wildlife and is a visually engaging spot for families. Additionally, the numerous footpaths offer opportunities for family walks.
The Stoney Stanton Quarryman Sculpture is a unique monument carved from a felled tree trunk, commemorating the village's mining heritage. Another notable piece is the Aylestone Meadows Wildlife Mural, which showcases local wildlife and landmarks like the Pack Horse Bridge.
Yes, for a convenient stop, you can visit Gilmorton Post Office, General Store and Delicatessen, which offers a cafe with good coffee, cakes, and pasties. The Stoney Cove National Dive Centre also has a pub/cafe on site, making it a good place to take a break.
Broughton Astley's countryside is enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and cycling, with lush green landscapes. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and even winter walks can be rewarding, though conditions may vary. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Absolutely. The Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is a major attraction for divers. It's a large flooded quarry that hosts the UK National Dive Centre, featuring a heated pool for training and an extensive underwater adventure park.
The Aylestone Meadows Wildlife Mural is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering an inclusive option for visitors. While many footpaths traverse the countryside, specific accessibility details for all routes should be checked locally.
This historical site, primarily built during the 14th and 15th centuries, is renowned for its fine examples of carved woodwork from different periods. It also has historical significance, notably for the villagers' resistance during the Battle of Evesham in 1265, as recorded in the Plea Rolls of 1266.
The Broughton Astley Heritage Society actively collects and preserves local artifacts and documents, serving as an educational resource. They hold regular meetings with talks often connected to local history, providing a deeper insight into the area's natural, built, and historical heritage.
Beyond the main attractions, the local countryside around Broughton Astley is full of hidden gems. Exploring the various footpaths and bridleways, especially those near the old Fosse Way or along the River Soar tributary, can lead to discovering tranquil spots and local wildlife. The remains of the historical mill in Sutton also offer a glimpse into the past.


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