Attractions and Places To See around Outwoods - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Outwoods include a 110-acre ancient woodland in Leicestershire, England, known for its natural beauty and geological significance. This area, part of the historic Charnwood Forest, features rocks formed 700 million years ago, making it one of Britain's oldest exposed rock sites. The Outwoods offers diverse walking trails and recreational opportunities, overlooking Loughborough and the Soar Valley. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique wildlife and geology.
Best attractions and places to see around Outwoods
- The most popular attractions is Ferry Bridge, a bridge and historical site that spans the River Trent. This Victorian footbridge replaced a 13th-century ferry service and is noted as a semi-suspension bridge, a unique design for its time in Europe.
- Another must-see spot is Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage, a man-made structure and settlement. This location offers accessible, relatively flat routes for walking along the canal, serving as a juncture for various pathways and canal routes within the National Forest.
- Visitors also love Fauld Explosion Crater Memorial, a historical site and natural monument. This memorial marks the site of a significant explosion at an RAF underground munitions facility in 1944, resulting in a massive crater.
- Outwoods is known for its historical sites, natural attractions, and walking trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient woodlands to significant man-made structures.
- The attractions around Outwoods are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 8 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Ferry Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton.
The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.
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Mickleover Greenway (National Cycle Network Route 54)
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Large number of benches along the way for resting.
As an old railway line, gradient is very gradual. Very suitable place for family cycle rides as completely motor traffic free. Free parking available at the Mickleover (north) end.
Cafes near southern end (Don Amotts caravan centre) and pub near northern end (Great Northern)
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Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage
Highlight • Structure
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Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
A loop around the nature reserve is about 1.5 - 2 miles and there are suggested routes on a board at the entrance.
Car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road.
Note: most of the paths do not allow dogs.
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Fauld Explosion Crater Memorial
Highlight • Historical Site
The site is still considered dangerous with possible unexploded ordnance, so please obey the signs and stay on the path.
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Tips from the Community
At 11:11 am on 27 November 1944 a huge explosion occurred at the RAF Fauld underground munitions facility. The accident caused over 3,500 tonnes of bomb and ammunition to explode, which resulted in this massive crater. The site is still considered dangerous with possible unexploded ordnance, so please obey the signs and stay on the path.
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Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent. Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton. The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.
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The Ferry Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the River Trent. It was opened in 1889 and replaced a small ferry service that had run since the 13th century. It's a semi-suspension bridge and was the only one of this design to be built in Europe.
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Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.
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A pleasant nature reserve worth checking out if in the area. Despite the noises from the nearby A50, it is still a calming place with hardly any visitors, and full of wildlife. A loop around the nature reserve is about 1.5 - 2 miles and there are suggested routes on a board at the entrance. Car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road. Note: most of the paths do not allow dogs.
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Very refreshing walk, trough forest, some hills, city, and some fields. Also when you reach the woods you can alter some routes to left or right and you will still be on path.
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Old railway line (Great Northern line) converted into a multi-user path. Runs through gentle and scenic Derbyshire countryside well away from roads. Sustrans NCN route 54. Large number of benches along the way for resting. As an old railway line, gradient is very gradual. Very suitable place for family cycle rides as completely motor traffic free. Free parking available at the Mickleover (north) end. Cafes near southern end (Don Amotts caravan centre) and pub near northern end (Great Northern)
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Canal walking generally assures you of good access on a relatively flat route. This point is at the juncture of a few pathways and canal routes in the National Forest. Worth a walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in and around Outwoods?
The Outwoods is a 110-acre ancient woodland, part of the historic Charnwood Forest, known for its geological significance with rocks formed 700 million years ago. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique wildlife and geology. You can also find the Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve nearby, offering a calming place with wildlife, lakes, and forest trails.
Are there family-friendly activities and attractions near Outwoods?
Yes, The Outwoods itself features a natural play area for children and easy-access walking paths suitable for families. Nearby, the Ferry Bridge and Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage are both family-friendly and offer accessible routes for walks. The Mickleover Greenway is also an excellent traffic-free path for family cycling.
What historical sites can I visit in the Outwoods area?
The Outwoods is geologically significant, with rocks dating back 700 million years and discoveries like the 560-million-year-old *Charnia* fossil. For more recent history, you can visit the Ferry Bridge, a Victorian semi-suspension bridge that replaced a 13th-century ferry service. The Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage also offers a glimpse into historical waterways. Additionally, the Fauld Explosion Crater Memorial marks the site of a significant RAF munitions explosion from 1944.
What types of walking trails are available at The Outwoods?
The Outwoods offers a network of diverse walking trails suitable for all abilities, including easy-access paths. These trails are perfect for gentle strolls, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the serene environment of the ancient woodland. You can also find opportunities for orienteering within the woodland.
Is The Outwoods dog-friendly?
Yes, The Outwoods is a popular spot for dog walking, with options for dogs to roam off-lead if they have good recall. Please be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
What is the best time of year to visit The Outwoods?
The Outwoods offers seasonal beauty throughout the year. In springtime, visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of bluebells carpeting the woodland floor, alongside other woodland flora like wood anemone and ramsons. The autumn months also bring spectacular colors to the trees, making it a beautiful time for a visit.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near The Outwoods?
Yes, Olivia's Coffee and Bakery is located on-site at The Outwoods, providing refreshments for visitors. The café also offers information about the *Charnia* fossil discovery, adding a historical touch to your visit.
What outdoor activities can I do near the Outwoods attractions?
Beyond walking in The Outwoods, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, ranging from easy to moderate, such as the 'Ford at Rolleston on Dove – Toot Hill Bowl Barrow loop'. For runners, there are several running trails, including an 'easy Running loop from Horninglow and Eton'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find routes like the 'Robin Wood – Shell Brook Trail loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes on the respective guide pages for cycling, running, and mountain biking around Outwoods.
Where can I learn more about the geological significance of The Outwoods?
The Outwoods is internationally important for the study of early life forms due to its 700 million-year-old rocks and discoveries like the *Charnia* fossil. You can view fossils found in The Outwoods at Leicester Museum and Charnwood Museum in Loughborough for a deeper dive into the area's ancient past. Olivia's Coffee and Bakery on-site also provides information about the *Charnia* fossil discovery.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers at The Outwoods?
Yes, The Outwoods provides easy-access paths, including one that leads to a bird feeding station, making it suitable for visitors with wheelchairs or strollers. Additionally, nearby attractions like the Ferry Bridge and the Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage also offer wheelchair-accessible routes.
What wildlife can I expect to see at The Outwoods?
As an ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), The Outwoods boasts a rich variety of plants, insects, and birds. You can spot various woodland flora, especially bluebells in spring, and observe birds at the dedicated bird feeding station. The nearby Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is also known for its abundant wildlife.
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