Top 6 Natural Monuments around Cotes
Best natural monuments around Cotes feature a landscape characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and serene reservoirs. This area offers diverse natural settings, from elevated viewpoints providing expansive vistas to protected forests and historical parklands. It provides opportunities for outdoor exploration amidst varied natural and historical features.
Best natural monuments around Cotes
- The most popular natural monument is Beacon Hill Summit, a natural monument that offers tremendous views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley, and beyond. It is the…
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Beacon Hill Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
Situated just 2 miles from …
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Cropston Reservoir — Northwest Shore
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Memorial Wood
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Blackbrook Reservoir
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Zouch Weir and Wooden Bridge on the River Soar
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Tips from the Community
Come off the road and down the little footpath towards the River Soar and cross the first bridge... before the second bridge is a little island with a couple of picnic tables. A great spot to eat your packed lunch 😋
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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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Memorial Wood is an area of woodland to the side of the accessible carriage way that crosses the Park. It offers a tranquil setting overlooking Cropston Reservoir and is reached by a natural stone path. Rich in native wildlife species, the area is bound by traditional metal deer fencing, has seating and a central sculpture of a stag, set on a natural stone plinth.
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Cropston Reservoir (originally known as Bradgate Reservoir) lies in Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, England. The dam and associated water works are in Cropston, while the bulk of the reservoir is in the neighbouring Newtown Linford parish. It was opened in May 1871 in a corner of Bradgate Park, a large expanse of open land northwest of Leicester. It is part of the 987-acre (399.3 ha) Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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The reservoir has a plant community on its margins which is unique in the Midlands and only found in a few northern sites. Its unusual mix of flora includes Juncus filiformis at its most southern locations, and the lake itself has native white-clawed crayfish, where it is isolated from the invasive American signal crayfish.
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Great walks around beacon hill there's a cafe great cakes ice-cream van, park, labyrinth, at the top awesome views looking Loughborough , parking top and bottom
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments to visit around Cotes?
Visitors frequently enjoy Beacon Hill Summit, which offers tremendous views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Other highly-rated spots include Swithland Wood, known for its rich wildlife, and Bradgate Park, a historic deer park with ancient rocks and a lake.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Cotes region?
Yes, several natural monuments around Cotes are ideal for families. Beacon Hill Summit provides superb accessibility and a cafe, while Bradgate Park offers vast open spaces, deer spotting, and facilities like toilets and an ice cream van. Swithland Wood and Blackbrook Reservoir are also great for family walks and enjoying nature.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the natural monuments around Cotes?
The natural monuments in Cotes are rich in wildlife. At Bradgate Park, you can observe herds of Red and Fallow Deer roaming freely. Swithland Wood is recognized as one of Leicestershire's most wildlife-rich woodlands. Memorial Wood also hosts native wildlife species, and Blackbrook Reservoir is home to a unique plant community and native white-clawed crayfish.
Are there historical or cultural sites within the natural monuments of Cotes?
Yes, Bradgate Park is a significant historical site. It was first enclosed as a deer park in the 12th century and features the evocative ruins of Bradgate House, built around 1500, which was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey. The park also boasts 600-million-year-old Precambrian rocks, making it geologically important. Memorial Wood also features a central sculpture of a stag.
What are the best places for scenic views in the Cotes area?
Beacon Hill Summit is renowned for its spectacular 360-degree views across Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley, and beyond. Memorial Wood also offers tranquil views overlooking Cropston Reservoir.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Cotes?
The Cotes region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, including the 'Cloud Trail – Swarkestone Lock loop' or the 'Swithland Reservoir loop'. For gravel biking, consider routes like 'Beaumanor Hall – Beacon Hill Summit loop'. There are also many running trails, such as 'The Outwoods – Beacon Hill Summit loop'.
Are there accessible natural monuments for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, Bradgate Park is noted for being wheelchair accessible, with a designated route through the park. Memorial Wood is also accessible via a carriage way and natural stone path, offering seating for relaxation.
Where can I find parking and facilities near the natural monuments?
Beacon Hill Summit has parking available at both the top and bottom, along with a cafe and ice-cream van. Bradgate Park offers a large car park, toilets, and a cafe in the middle of the park.
What kind of natural landscapes define the Cotes region?
The Cotes region is characterized by a diverse landscape featuring rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and serene reservoirs. You'll find elevated viewpoints like Beacon Hill Summit, protected forests such as Swithland Wood and Memorial Wood, and tranquil lakes like Blackbrook Reservoir.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the natural monuments?
Yes, near Beacon Hill Summit, you can find a cafe and an ice-cream van. Bradgate Park also has a cafe and an ice cream van available, particularly during summer months.
What makes Swithland Wood a significant natural monument?
Swithland Wood is recognized as one of the most wildlife-rich and attractive woodlands in Leicestershire. It was preserved for public access through an appeal, ensuring its conservation and continued enjoyment for future generations.
Can I cycle through Bradgate Park?
Cycling is permitted on one specific route through Bradgate Park. However, this route can get busy with walkers, so it's advised to take it slow and be mindful of others.
Most popular attractions around Cotes
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