Attractions and Places To See around Stonebow Village - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Stonebow Village, a civil parish in Charnwood, Leicestershire, England, offers a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. The area is primarily centered around the expansive Garendon Park, which contains numerous listed buildings and a scheduled monument. Visitors can explore historical sites and enjoy natural landscapes, including the highest point in the parish, Bellevue Hill. The region provides opportunities to discover heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Stonebow Village
- The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit, a natural monument that is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.
- Another must-see spot is Ruins of Bradgate House, a historical site. This Tudor mansion was once home to Lady Jane Grey and is now an abandoned ruin, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Visitors also love Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, a man-made monument. This iconic folly stands atop the highest hill in Bradgate Park, providing prominent views across Leicester and Leicestershire.
- Stonebow Village is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient abbeys to scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Stonebow Village are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and more than 150 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Old John Tower, Bradgate Park
Highlight • Monument
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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Beacon Hill Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
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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Ruins of Bradgate House
Highlight • Historical Site
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Mount St Bernard Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Not just for the faithful!
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Bradgate Park Deer Park
Highlight • Lake
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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
What historical landmarks can I explore in Stonebow Village?
Stonebow Village is rich in history, primarily centered around Garendon Park. You can discover the impressive Triumphal Arch, a Grade I listed building inspired by Ancient Roman architecture, and the Temple of Venus. The remains of the Cistercian Garendon Abbey, founded in 1133, are also a scheduled monument within the park. Don't miss the picturesque Stonebow Bridge, a medieval bridge crossing the Black Brook.
Where can I find scenic views around Stonebow Village?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Bellevue Hill, the highest point in the parish at 68 meters (223 feet). Nearby, Beacon Hill Summit offers spectacular vistas of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another iconic viewpoint is Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, providing prominent views across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking near Stonebow Village?
Yes, the area offers various walking opportunities. You can explore the pathways around Garendon Park, including those along the Black Brook. For more structured routes, consider the hiking routes around Stonebow Village, which include easy loops like 'Butthole Lane loop from Shepshed' and 'The Obelisk loop from Loughborough University'.
What natural features are prominent in the Stonebow Village area?
Beyond the historical sites, Stonebow Village boasts natural beauty. Bellevue Hill provides elevated views, while the Black Brook winds through the landscape, crossed by the historic Stonebow Bridge. The wider area includes the scenic Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley, visible from viewpoints like Beacon Hill.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Stonebow Village?
While Garendon Park's historical sites are interesting for all ages, nearby attractions like Beacon Hill Summit and Bradgate Park Deer Park are highly rated as family-friendly. Bradgate Park, in particular, offers open spaces for children to explore and the chance to see deer.
Can I spot wildlife in Stonebow Village?
The natural areas around Stonebow Village, particularly within Garendon Park and the nearby Bradgate Park, offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. Bradgate Park is well-known for its deer population. Exploring the woodlands and pathways along the Black Brook may also reveal local birdlife and other small animals.
What kind of outdoor activities are available besides hiking?
In addition to hiking, the region around Stonebow Village is suitable for road cycling. You can find various road cycling routes, including moderate options like the 'Gallery 119 – View of the Waterway at Sunset loop from Loughborough' or the 'Swithland Reservoir loop'.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The easy hikes guide for Stonebow Village lists routes such as the 'Butthole Lane loop from Shepshed' and 'The Obelisk loop from Loughborough University', both of which are classified as easy and suitable for beginners.
What is the significance of Garendon Park?
Garendon Park is a historically significant area that once housed Garendon Hall. It features numerous listed buildings and a scheduled monument, including the Triumphal Arch, Temple of Venus, an Obelisk, and the remains of the Cistercian Garendon Abbey. It also contains several lodges like Red Arch Lodge, White Lodge, and Nook Lodge, showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Where can I find refreshments after a walk?
If you're exploring areas like Beacon Hill, there's a cafe available that offers cakes and an ice-cream van, as mentioned by visitors. For other areas, it's advisable to check local listings for cafes and pubs in nearby villages or Loughborough.
Are there any ancient ruins or religious sites to visit?
Absolutely. Within Garendon Park, you can find the scheduled monument of the remains of the Cistercian Garendon Abbey, founded in 1133. Additionally, Mount St Bernard Abbey, a Trappist monastery, is a short distance away and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and impressive architecture.
What are some unique or lesser-known places to visit in the area?
Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the various lodges within Garendon Park, such as Red Arch Lodge with its ornate, turreted design, or Nook Lodge, built in the Tudor Gothic style. The historic Stonebow Bridge itself is a charming, picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll and photography.
Most popular attractions around Stonebow Village
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