Attractions and Places To See around Whitwick - Top 20

Whitwick offers a rich history. You can visit the 13th-century Whitwick Parish Church (St. John the Baptist), which features original south doorway and a 14th-century font. While no remains are visible today, Whitwick Castle (Castle Hill) is the village's only scheduled monument. Further afield, explore the ruins of Bradgate House, the former home of Lady Jane Grey, or the peaceful Mount St Bernard Abbey, the only Trappist monastery in England.

Absolutely. Beacon Hill Summit is a tremendous viewpoint and the second-highest peak in Leicestershire, offering spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another iconic spot is Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, which provides expansive views across the surrounding area and even Leicester city centre on a clear day.

The area around Whitwick is excellent for hiking. You can explore trails through woodlands and past historical sites. Popular easy routes include the Grace Dieu Viaduct – Grace Dieu Priory Ruins loop or the View of Whitwick Monastery – Mount St Bernard Abbey loop. For more options, check out the easy hikes around Whitwick guide.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is great for walking and wildlife spotting. Beacon Hill Summit offers accessible paths and a labyrinth, while Bradgate Park, home to Bradgate House ruins and Old John Tower, provides plenty of space for exploration and picnics.

Discover Holly Hayes Wood, a semi-ancient woodland on the western edge of Charnwood Forest, traversed by the Ivanhoe Way footpath and home to diverse wildlife. The wider Charnwood Forest itself is characterized by ancient volcanic rock formations and extensive woodlands, offering many opportunities for exploration beyond the main attractions.

Whitwick and its surroundings offer various cycling routes. You can find gravel biking trails, such as the Lount Woods Trail or Shell Brook Trail, which start from nearby Staunton Harold. For mountain biking, explore routes like the Snipston Country Park and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood loop. More details can be found in the gravel biking guide and MTB trails guide for the area.

The area is enjoyable year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially in Charnwood Forest. Winter walks can be invigorating, but be prepared for colder, potentially wet conditions.

Yes, Whitwick village holds some unique architectural gems. The porch entrance to the Whitwick Co-op store in the Market Place features two large timber cruck trusses, evidence of an early 17th-century building. The Old Vicarage in Silver Street is the oldest dwelling in the village and the only thatched-roof property, with remnants from the 14th and 17th centuries.

The Whitwick Historical Group maintains a substantial collection of resources, including documents, maps, artifacts, and over 7,000 photographs. They offer guided historical walks, talks, and 'Open Afternoons' at the Old Station. You can find more information about their work and the history of Whitwick on their website: whitwickhistoricalgroup.co.uk.

Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views from spots like Beacon Hill Summit and Old John Tower. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Mount St Bernard Abbey and the opportunities for walking and wildlife spotting in areas like the Deer Park at Calke Abbey are also highly appreciated.

Many of the natural areas around Whitwick are dog-friendly. Bradgate Park, which includes Old John Tower and the Ruins of Bradgate House, is a popular choice for dog walkers, though some areas may require dogs to be on a lead. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is also noted as dog-friendly.