Attractions and Places To See around Wanlip - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Wanlip include a blend of natural beauty and historical sites within Leicestershire. The area features nature reserves, river floodplains, and ancient historical remnants. Visitors can explore significant natural features and cultural landmarks. This region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Wanlip
- The most popular attractions is Beacon Hill Summit, a natural monument that is the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It offers spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.
- Another must-see spot is Ruins of Bradgate House, a historical site. This Tudor mansion, built in the early 1500s, was once home to Lady Jane Grey and was abandoned in the 1730s.
- Visitors also love Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, a man-made monument. This folly stands at the highest point in Bradgate Park, built in 1784, and provides extensive views of the surrounding area.
- Wanlip is known for its natural features, historical sites, and outdoor activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from nature reserves to ancient landmarks.
- The attractions around Wanlip are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 150 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Old John Tower, Bradgate Park
Highlight • Monument
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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Beacon Hill Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
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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Ruins of Bradgate House
Highlight • Historical Site
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Bradgate Park Deer Park
Highlight • Lake
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Swithland Reservoir
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
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 natural attractions can I explore around Wanlip?
Wanlip offers several natural highlights. You can visit Wanlip Meadows, a nature reserve known for birdwatching, especially wildfowl and wading birds. It's part of the River Soar floodplain and is adjacent to Watermead Country Park, which provides further opportunities for walking and enjoying transformed gravel extraction sites. The River Soar itself offers scenic backdrops for walks.
Are there historical sites to visit near Wanlip?
Yes, Wanlip has historical intrigue. The ancient Wanlip Church (St. Mary's), dating back to 1393, is a significant landmark. While Wanlip Hall was demolished, its history as the ancestral home of the Palmer family is notable, and an old ice house from the hall still remains in the village. Further afield, you can explore the Ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor mansion once home to Lady Jane Grey.
What are some popular viewpoints in the area?
For spectacular views, head to Beacon Hill Summit, the second highest peak in Leicestershire, offering panoramic vistas of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another excellent viewpoint is Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, a folly built in 1784 that provides extensive views of the surrounding area.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Wanlip?
Many attractions in the wider area are family-friendly. Wanlip Meadows and Watermead Country Park are great for walks and nature observation. Beacon Hill Summit and Bradgate Park Deer Park are popular choices for families, offering space to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The Ruins of Bradgate House also provide an interesting historical context for older children.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Wanlip is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and easy hikes. For example, there are easy hiking loops in Watermead Country Park. For more options, explore the MTB Trails around Wanlip, Gravel biking around Wanlip, and Easy hikes around Wanlip guides.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Wanlip?
You can enjoy walks in Wanlip Meadows and the adjacent Watermead Country Park. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Watermead Country Park loop, which is approximately 6.8 km long. More detailed hiking routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Wanlip guide.
Are there any reservoirs or bodies of water to visit?
Yes, Swithland Reservoir is nearby. It's a large reservoir, about a mile long, offering scenic views. The Great Central Railway divides the reservoir, and you might even catch sight of vintage steam trains on the viaduct from certain spots. While there's no access to the reservoir margins, you can view both sections from roads at the north and south ends.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Wanlip?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning views from Beacon Hill Summit and Old John Tower. The historical significance of sites like the Ruins of Bradgate House and the natural beauty of Wanlip Meadows and Bradgate Park Deer Park are also highly appreciated. The accessibility of these natural spaces for walks and outdoor activities is a common highlight.
Can I see wildlife, especially birds, in the Wanlip area?
Absolutely. Wanlip Meadows is a designated nature reserve and a prime spot for birdwatching. As part of the River Soar floodplain, it attracts various bird species, including wildfowl like teal and geese in winter, and wading birds such as green sandpiper and redshank during migration seasons. The area also supports reptiles, amphibians, and a growing list of dragonflies and butterflies.
Is there a deer park nearby?
Yes, the Bradgate Park Deer Park is a notable attraction where you can observe deer. It's a popular spot, so arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days, to enjoy the park and its wildlife.
What is the best time to visit Wanlip for outdoor activities?
The natural features of Wanlip Meadows are particularly vibrant in winter and spring for birdwatching. However, the area's parks and trails are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for walking and cycling, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter walks can also be rewarding for observing specific bird species.
Are there any historical remnants of Wanlip Hall?
While Wanlip Hall itself was demolished in 1938, its history as the ancestral home of the Palmer family for centuries is a significant part of Wanlip's heritage. An old ice house, which was part of the original hall estate, still remains in the village, offering a tangible link to its past.
Most popular attractions around Wanlip
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