Attractions and Places To See around Thurcaston And Cropston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Thurcaston And Cropston include a variety of natural monuments, historical sites, and man-made landmarks. The region is situated on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest, offering diverse landscapes from elevated viewpoints to reservoir areas. Visitors can explore historical ruins and enjoy expansive views across Leicestershire.
Best attractions and places to see around Thurcaston And Cropston
- The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit, a natural monument that offers tremendous views of Charnwood…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Old John Tower, Bradgate Park
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Beacon Hill Summit
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Situated just 2 miles from …
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Ruins of Bradgate House
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Bradgate Park Deer Park
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Swithland Reservoir
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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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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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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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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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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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A great view over the water and at the passing vintage railway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy walks around Thurcaston and Cropston?
The area offers several easy walking options. For instance, you can find easy routes around Ruins of Bradgate House and Old John Tower, Bradgate Park. Komoot offers easy hikes like the 'Ruins of Bradgate House – Bradgate Park Visitor Centre loop' or 'Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Bradgate Park Visitor Centre loop'. You can explore more options on the easy hikes guide for Thurcaston And Cropston.
Is there parking available for Bradgate Park?
Yes, parking is available at Bradgate Park. For example, near Beacon Hill Summit, there is parking at both the top and bottom of the hill. However, as a very popular attraction, Bradgate Park can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Thurcaston And Cropston?
Absolutely. Several attractions are noted as family-friendly, including Beacon Hill Summit, Ruins of Bradgate House, and Bradgate Park Deer Park. These locations offer diverse experiences suitable for all ages, from exploring historical ruins to enjoying natural landscapes and spotting deer.
What historical sites can I explore in the Thurcaston and Cropston area?
The area is rich in history. You can visit the Ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor mansion once home to Lady Jane Grey, offering a glimpse into 16th-century life. Another significant historical landmark is Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, a prominent folly built in 1784 with historical ties to the Grey family.
What natural features and viewpoints can I experience?
Thurcaston and Cropston boast impressive natural features and viewpoints. Beacon Hill Summit, the second highest peak in Leicestershire, provides tremendous 360-degree views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Old John Tower, Bradgate Park also offers extensive views across Leicester. Additionally, Swithland Reservoir offers scenic views over the water and surrounding woodland.
Are there dog-friendly walks in Bradgate Park?
Bradgate Park is generally dog-friendly, offering vast open spaces and trails for walks. However, visitors should always keep dogs under control, especially around the deer in Bradgate Park Deer Park, and adhere to any posted regulations regarding leashes or restricted areas.
What is the best time to visit Bradgate Park or the Thurcaston and Cropston area?
The Thurcaston and Cropston area, including Bradgate Park, is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for outdoor activities, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter walks can be crisp and scenic, though some paths might be muddy. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Thurcaston and Cropston?
Beyond hiking, the area is excellent for cycling and gravel biking. You can find various routes, such as the 'Cropston Reservoir – Rothley Railway Station loop' for cycling or the 'Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop' for gravel biking. Explore more options on the cycling guide and gravel biking guide for Thurcaston And Cropston.
Are there circular walks available in Bradgate Park?
Yes, Bradgate Park offers several circular walking routes. Many easy hikes listed on Komoot, such as those starting and ending near the Bradgate Park Visitor Centre or incorporating landmarks like Old John Tower and the Ruins of Bradgate House, are designed as loops. You can find detailed circular routes in the easy hikes guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about Thurcaston And Cropston?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views, especially from Beacon Hill Summit and Old John Tower. The historical significance of sites like the Ruins of Bradgate House and the chance to see deer in Bradgate Park Deer Park are also highly appreciated. The diverse landscapes, from forest to reservoir areas, offer a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Can I see wildlife in the area?
Yes, the area is home to various wildlife. Bradgate Park Deer Park is particularly known for its herds of deer. Additionally, areas around Swithland Reservoir offer opportunities to observe woodland and water birds.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the main attractions?
Yes, for example, near Beacon Hill Summit, there is a cafe offering cakes and ice cream. Bradgate Park also has visitor facilities, including a visitor centre where you can find more information and potentially refreshments. Several pubs are located in the surrounding villages of Thurcaston and Cropston, offering places to relax after exploring.
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