Top 7 Natural Monuments around Ashby Woulds

Visitors frequently enjoy the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, known for its walking opportunities and connection to the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail. Another highly rated spot is the Anchor Church Caves, a historical site with interesting rock formations near Ingleby.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is great for walking and has a cafe. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood offers a beautiful young woodland with a lake, perfect for exploring. Additionally, the Old Man of Calke Oak, an ancient tree, is located in a quieter, family-friendly area of Calke Abbey.

The Ashby Woulds area, being part of The National Forest, offers diverse natural features. You'll find extensive woodlands, such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland, and the newly flourishing Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. There are also lakes, meadows, and unique geological formations like the sandstone outcrop housing the Anchor Church Caves.

Absolutely. The Anchor Church Caves are a prime example, being natural caves extended into a dwelling, possibly a hermitage from the 8th/9th century. The Moira Furnace area, while not strictly natural, is a historical industrial site set in a canalside environment, blending heritage with accessible waterways.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Ivanhoe Way to Thornton Reservoir' or 'Hicks Lodge Trail – Conkers Waterside loop' mentioned in the Cycling around Ashby Woulds guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as 'Conkers and Ashby Woulds Trail loop' found in the MTB Trails around Ashby Woulds guide. Many natural monuments, like the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, are excellent for walking.

Yes, walking is a primary activity. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is ideal for walks and connects to the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail. The Ashby Woulds Trail itself is a 3.5-mile multi-use path, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland offers footpaths linking to the Ashby Heritage and National Forest Trails.

The Ashby Woulds area is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly beautiful experiences. In spring, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood sees bluebells and wood anemones light up the forest floor. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to the many woodlands. Summer is great for longer walks and cycling, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp views, though some areas like the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland can be boggy.

Many natural areas and trails in Ashby Woulds are dog-friendly, especially those within The National Forest. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is listed as dog-friendly, offering ample space for walks. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife, and check specific site rules before visiting.

Wildlife can be observed throughout the Ashby Woulds area. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is, as its name suggests, an excellent place to see deer. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, with its diverse native trees and lake, supports various flora and fauna, including bull rush and yellow iris. The Ashby Woulds Trail is also known for its abundant wildlife.

While not widely publicized as individual 'monuments,' the collective natural environment of Ashby Woulds offers many tranquil spots. Donisthorpe Woodland Park, directly linked to the Ashby Woulds Trail, provides a more immersive woodland experience. The ancient Old Man of Calke Oak, estimated to be over 1000 years old, is a true natural landmark situated in one of the quieter areas of Calke Abbey.

Visitors appreciate the diverse outdoor experiences, from tranquil walks in the Deer Park at Calke Abbey to exploring the historical Anchor Church Caves. The extensive network of trails, woodlands, and waterside areas within The National Forest provides accessible nature, opportunities for wildlife observation, and a peaceful escape.

Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey has a cafe on-site. The wider Ashby Woulds area, being part of The National Forest, has various amenities, and you can often find cafes and pubs in nearby villages and towns that are easily accessible from the trails and natural sites.