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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Leicestershire
Charnwood

Hathern

Attractions and Places To See around Hathern - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Hathern include a mix of natural landmarks, historical sites, and scenic waterways. Located in Leicestershire, the area offers diverse landscapes from the elevated views of Charnwood Forest to the tranquil canals and rivers. Visitors can explore significant historical locations and enjoy various outdoor activities. The region provides opportunities for both leisurely exploration and more active pursuits.

Best attractions and places to see around Hathern

  • The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit,…

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Trent Lock

Highlight • Structure

One of Britain's principal canal junctions, Trent Lock's great meeting of waterways is also the border between the historic counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

Here, the River Soar and …

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Beacon Hill Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

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 …

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Mount St Bernard Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

A very peaceful part of the Charnwood Area. Fantastic Architecture, stunning grounds & a real sense of being somewhere special.
Not just for the faithful!

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Swithland Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

Swithland reservoir, built around 1896, is about a mile long by half a mile wide. The Great Central Railway divides the reservoir into two. There is no access to the …

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Cloud Trail

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This is an old converted railway line that runs from a very impressive quarry near Wilson to the Trent and Mersey Canal near Swarkestone.

It's part of National Cycle Route …

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Popular around Hathern

MTB Trails around Hathern

Running Trails around Hathern

Road Cycling Routes around Hathern

Cycling around Hathern

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Henry
May 26, 2025, Cloud Trail

Easy, quiet cycleway along an old rail line.

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Kittenbaird
April 18, 2025, Cloud Trail

Good surface for cycling on Melbourne Canal Path

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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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Richard
December 26, 2024, Beacon Hill Summit

Great walks, beacon hill

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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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Swithland Reservoir, opened in 1896 for Leicester, had a 500 million-gallon capacity but became insufficient. In the early 20th century, a pipeline from Derwent reservoirs in Derbyshire was required. As you pass Buddon Wood, quarried in the early Iron Age for millstones, take a moment to enjoy the scenery, woodland, and water birds. You might also catch sight of steam trains on the viaduct from this spot.

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Swithland Reservoir is a reservoir in the English county of Leicestershire. It is north-east of the village of Swithland from which it takes its name, north-west of Rothley and approximately 133 metres (145 yd) south-west of Mountsorrel Quarry. It is part of the 187.1-hectare (462-acre) Buddon Wood and Swithland Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

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Such a calm place to visit. The monks here brew their own ale which is delicious!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best attractions for families around Hathern?

Several attractions near Hathern are ideal for families. Beacon Hill Summit offers easy access to panoramic views and has a park and cafe. Trent Lock provides a scenic spot with a pub and cafe, perfect for a break by the waterways. The Cloud Trail is an old converted railway line, offering an off-road path suitable for family cycling or walking. Additionally, Mount St Bernard Abbey and Swithland Reservoir are also noted as family-friendly.

Where can I find the best viewpoints around Hathern?

For spectacular views, head to Beacon Hill Summit. It is the second highest peak in Leicestershire, offering 360-degree panoramic vistas of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley, and beyond. Another great spot for scenery is Swithland Reservoir, where you can enjoy views over the water and potentially spot steam trains on the viaduct.

What historical or cultural sites can I visit near Hathern?

The most notable historical site is Mount St Bernard Abbey, a Trappist monastery founded in 1835. It features fantastic architecture, stunning grounds, and is known for being the sole Trappist house in England that brews its own beer. Trent Lock is also historically significant as a principal canal junction and a border point between Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, crucial for transporting goods during the textile industry's height.

Are there good hiking trails near Hathern's attractions?

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities around Hathern. You can find various trails, including easy and moderate options. For example, you can explore routes like the Diamond Wood Active Trail loop or the Burnside Island – Normanton on Soar Weir loop. Discover more hiking routes in the area on the Hiking around Hathern guide.

Can I go cycling near Hathern's attractions?

Absolutely. The Cloud Trail is an excellent option, being an old converted railway line that is part of National Cycle Route 6, offering an off-road experience. For more extensive cycling, you can find various road cycling routes around Hathern, ranging from easy to moderate. Explore options like the St Helena's Church loop or the View of Cropston Reservoir loop on the Road Cycling Routes around Hathern guide.

What are the options for running or jogging around Hathern?

Hathern offers several running trails suitable for jogging. You can find moderate routes such as the Dishley Pool – Loughborough Wharf loop or the Burnside Island – Normanton on Soar Weir loop. These trails provide scenic paths for your run. More details on running routes can be found in the Running Trails around Hathern guide.

Are there any waterways or canals to explore near Hathern?

Yes, Trent Lock is a significant junction where the River Soar and Erewash Canal link to the Trent and Mersey Canal via the River Trent. It's a great place to observe boats and enjoy the canal-side atmosphere. Additionally, Swithland Reservoir offers beautiful water views, though access to the immediate margins is limited.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hathern?

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views from Beacon Hill Summit and the peaceful, unique atmosphere of Mount St Bernard Abbey, including its monastic brewery. The scenic setting and amenities like pubs and cafes at Trent Lock are also highly rated for taking a break during outdoor activities. The off-road nature of the Cloud Trail is also a favorite among cyclists.

Are there easy walks with parking available near Hathern?

Yes, Beacon Hill Summit is known for its superb accessibility and offers parking both at the top and bottom, making it easy to enjoy the views with minimal effort. The Cloud Trail, an old railway line, provides an easy, off-road path suitable for leisurely walks, though specific parking for this trail would depend on the access point.

Are there any unique or lesser-known spots worth visiting near Hathern?

Beyond the main highlights, Mount St Bernard Abbey stands out not just for its history and architecture, but also for its unique monastic brewery, which produces the only Trappist beer in Britain. The Cloud Trail, an old converted railway line, offers a distinct experience for cycling or walking through varied landscapes, including an impressive quarry near Wilson.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Hathern?

The area around Hathern boasts diverse natural landscapes. You can experience the elevated views from Beacon Hill Summit, which is part of the Charnwood Forest. There are also significant waterways like the River Soar and River Trent converging at Trent Lock, and the expansive Swithland Reservoir, offering opportunities to observe water birds and woodland scenery.

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