Explore the Outdoors in the National Forest

Of course one of the most important things about the National Forest Leicestershire is the natural world. The Forest, which stretches across the Midlands from Leicestershire through Derbyshire and Staffordshire is one of the largest ‘new’ forests in the country, with 10 million trees planted over the last quarter of a century. 

Exploring the landscapes in Leicestershire, with rocky outcrops and geological features which were formed more than half a billion years ago, is one of the joys of the National Forest, and there are loads of great ways to get around.  

Get on your bike and burn off some calories as you explore the cycling routes around Hicks Lodge, a former coal mining site which has been completely transformed by new planting, landscaping and trail creation. If you’re not too comfortable on two wheels, the trails are perfect for walking too. Another former mining site which is now a cyclist’s paradise is Snibston Colliery Park. With historic mining equipment and buildings still on display, the spoil heap is now a nature reserve with heritage trail and blue grade mountain bike course. 

Play a round of indoor golf at Sunnyside Garden Centre Adventure golf, where 18 holes of interactive fun await you, suitable for the whole family and ready for you to drop in and play! If you fancy dropping your tackle in the water, then Jake’s Lakes provide you with a fantastic spot for recreational fishing, with plots available for daily hire and a 7 acre lake teeming with carp, breem, tench and silvers. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to explore the region then try an award-winning electric bike and walking holiday with National Forest E-Bike Holidays. They can put together an itinerary for you, helping you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, fantastic attractions and delicious food of the National Forest Leicestershire. And you don’t need to worry about how active you might be, their e-bikes are suitable for people aged 18-80+! 

The history of the area is told at one of the country’s best preserved Industrial Revolution era blast furnaces at Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park. Discover how mining shaped the area before exploring the waterside walks along the Ashby canal. The stunning Staunton Harold Estate is a classically English country house still used by the family with a range of walking and cycling routes open to the public. It is also home to the award-winning Ferrers arts and crafts centre which hosts nationally renowned textiles, metal and ceramics artists, a blacksmith, plus a deli and garden centre selling fantastic local produce. 

Calke Abbey might be just over the border in Derbyshire, but it is the perfect spot to explore from the National Forest Leicestershire. A stunning National Trust baroque style mansion set in 600 acres of parkland, this beautiful property was recently seen in the Peaky Blinders film as the home of Tommy Shelby. And finally explore the beautiful surroundings of Sence Valley Forest Park near Ibstock, a beautiful part of the National Forest where more than 100,000 trees have been planted since the 1990s, transforming this former coal mine into a haven for wildlife, with more than 150 species of birds!