Top 4 Natural Monuments around Carlton
Best natural monuments around Carlton include a landscape characterized by ancient volcanic activity and diverse woodlands. The area features significant geological sites, offering insights into its natural history. Visitors can explore a variety of natural settings, from high points with expansive views to serene forest environments. This region provides opportunities to experience its unique natural heritage through its natural monuments.
Best natural monuments around Carlton
- The most popular natural monuments is Bardon Hill Trig Point, a volcano that marks…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Bardon Hill Trig Point
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Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood
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Richard III's Well
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Billa Barra Hill Local Nature Reserve
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A local legend records that it was from the spring which Richard drank before the battle. This might suggest that the well was already noted and perhaps a holy well? Another legend records that on a hawthorn tree near the spring King Richard’s crown was found which would be very coincidental if the former legend was correct. This seems likely to be a piece of folklore later adapted to support the well rather than vica versa.
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Following the planting of 300,000 native broadleaf trees from 2012-2015, QEDJW is now flourishing into a beautiful young woodland made up of oak, field maple, silver birch, beech and hornbeam, to name just a few. Bluebell and wood anemone light up the forest floor in the ancient woodland areas in springtime, and at the lake you’ll find vegetation including bull rush and yellow iris.
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Bardon Hill is the highest point in Leicestershire (278m) and reputedly on a clear day the Malvern and Shropshire Hills (approx. 50–60 miles), summits in Derbyshire (approx. 30–40 miles) and Lincoln Cathedral (almost 50 miles away) can be seen. Excitingly, Bardon Hill is part of the eroded remains of a volcano. At its summit are a trig point and a radio mast.
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Bardon quarry hill the highest trigger point in Leicestershire
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Walk to Bardon hill great for walking on a good weather at top of Bardon hill you can see far Good for mountain biking
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Has own car park and provides a short round walk, though better to use woods where possible to have best experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Carlton?
The area around Carlton is notable for its ancient volcanic activity. You can visit Bardon Hill Trig Point, which is the highest point in Leicestershire and part of an eroded volcano. Another significant site is the View of Bardon Hill Quarry, a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest exposing rocks from a Precambrian volcano.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Carlton area?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is a great family-friendly option. It features a young woodland with native broadleaf trees and a lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Richard III's Well also offers a family-friendly historical natural site, and Billa Barra Hill Local Nature Reserve provides a short, accessible round walk.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments?
From Bardon Hill Trig Point, the highest point in Leicestershire, you can enjoy expansive views. On clear days, it's reputedly possible to see distant hills and landmarks, including the Malvern and Shropshire Hills, summits in Derbyshire, and Lincoln Cathedral. Billa Barra Hill Local Nature Reserve also offers pleasant viewpoints.
What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood?
The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is particularly beautiful in springtime. During this season, bluebells and wood anemones light up the forest floor in the ancient woodland areas, creating a vibrant display.
Are there any historical natural sites around Carlton?
Yes, Richard III's Well is a notable historical natural site. Local legend suggests King Richard III drank from this spring before the Battle of Bosworth, and folklore also mentions his crown being found near a hawthorn tree by the spring.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Carlton's natural monuments?
For a short, pleasant walk, Billa Barra Hill Local Nature Reserve offers a round walk with its own car park. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood also provides trails through young woodland.
What outdoor activities are available near these natural monuments?
Beyond exploring the natural monuments themselves, the wider Carlton area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options, as well as running trails. For detailed routes, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Carlton, Cycling around Carlton, and Running Trails around Carlton guides.
Is there parking available at the natural monuments?
Yes, Billa Barra Hill Local Nature Reserve has its own car park, making it convenient for visitors looking to enjoy a short walk.
What kind of plant life can I see at Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood?
The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is home to 300,000 native broadleaf trees, including oak, field maple, silver birch, beech, and hornbeam. In spring, the ancient woodland areas are vibrant with bluebells and wood anemones. Near the lake, you'll find vegetation such as bull rush and yellow iris.
Can I learn about geology at the natural monuments?
Absolutely. The View of Bardon Hill Quarry is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides a unique opportunity to observe rocks from a Precambrian volcano, offering insights into the region's ancient geological history.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in Carlton?
Visitors appreciate the expansive views from high points like Bardon Hill Trig Point, especially on clear days. The tranquility and natural beauty of places like Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, particularly during the bluebell season, are also highly valued. The geological significance of the Bardon Hill area also draws interest.
Most popular attractions around Carlton
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