94% (1.6K) • 1,000 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Charnwood Forest
River Dove Camp
1. River Dove Camp
100%
(106)
Ashbourne, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A perfectly simple, riverside Hipcamp on the edge of the Peak District
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Burrs Manor Wild Camping
2. Burrs Manor Wild Camping
86%
(155)
Buxton, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
White Peak Camping
3. White Peak Camping
99%
(465)
Buxton, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Crowdecote Campsite
4. Crowdecote Campsite
Buxton, England · 1 unit
A small Adult Only Campsite with 5 Hardstanding Winter Pitches
The Site offers pitches with or without Electric Hookups
The Toilet Block has both Male and Female sections, each consisting of 2 Toilets, 2 Washbasins and 1 Shower (Free-to-use)
The pub is a 200m walk from the Site entrance
Firepits are permitted provided they are raised off the ground sufficiently to protect the grass.
The site is Dog friendly.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
£18
/ night
Camping at The Hollies
5. Camping at The Hollies
95%
(232)
Buxton, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping at the foot of the Roaches in the Peak District National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
6. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
Rutland, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Chrome Hill Campers
7. Chrome Hill Campers
98%
(22)
England · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Derbyshire.
The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
from
£25
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
8. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
Warwickshire, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
9. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
91%
(93)
Wardlow, England · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell.
The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving.
All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away.
And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all.
Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Fire and Stars Woodland Camping
10. Fire and Stars Woodland Camping
100%
(49)
Ibstock, England · 5 units
Wild camping in the woods with campfires, starry skies and a pub just across the road
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£49
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
11. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
Adderbury, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm
12. Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm
96%
(85)
Sibbertoft, England · 70 units
A secluded lakeside campsite to fall in love with
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Secret Wood Glamping
13. Secret Wood Glamping
95%
(21)
Derbyshire S18 7 Wf, England · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
The White Lodge
14. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
Cannock Chase, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
15. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
Buckingham, England · 11 units
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
Intake Farm
16. Intake Farm
98%
(64)
Alton, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Peak District Edge Farm Camping
17. Peak District Edge Farm Camping
England · 5 units
Off-Grid Farm Camping on the Edge of the Peak District
Our peaceful 9-acre camping field is set on a working farm, surrounded by fields and woodland, with lovely countryside views over the village of Holmesfield. Located right on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire, this is an ideal base for walkers, hikers, and nature lovers, with public footpaths leading directly from the farm.
We are just a short drive from Chatsworth House and the market town of Bakewell, and within walking distance of a welcoming village pub serving good food. The pub is dog friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on site.
This is a simple, back-to-basics, off-grid camping experience, perfect for families, groups of friends, and those looking for peaceful countryside camping.
Facilities include:
Eco toilet
Small shared camp kitchen with gas stove and sink
Basic cutlery, plates, cups, knives and forks provided
No electricity on site
Important information:
No tents provided
Please take all rubbish home
Access is via a stony farm track which can be bumpy and muddy
In wet weather, vehicles may not be able to access the track
Alternative parking is available, with a 5-minute walk to the campsite
This is relaxed farm camping in a quiet rural setting—ideal for exploring the Peak District, enjoying local walks, and unwinding in nature.
Check-in is between 1:00pm and 6:00pm.
We will meet you on arrival to check you in and show you to the camping field. Please ensure you arrive within these times so we can welcome you properly.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Tackeroo Campsite
18. Tackeroo Campsite
96%
(69)
Staffordshire, England · 49 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Basic pitches (without toilet facilities) in Forestry Commission-owned woods beside a renowned mountain biking trail
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
£17
/ night
Damside Campsite
19. Damside Campsite
96%
(14)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District
Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour
Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground
Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here.
Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals.
This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes).
If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch.
Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Greystones Nawab Camping
20. Greystones Nawab Camping
10%
(5)
Monyash, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH BEFORE BOOKING TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRIC HOOK-UPS. The tent and motor home pitches are dispersed so the pitch number may not be the same as your allocated pitch (but these are all the same).
Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway near to Buxton in the Peak District. Enjoy the beautiful countryside, which is well known for great walks, cycling and which is full of pretty little English villages to visit.
There is a local pub a stone's throw away, and a donkey sanctuary next door. There are also many more pubs in the area serving delicious meals. Historic towns such as Bakewell, Matlock, and Tideswell are also close by.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
£15
/ night
94% (1.6K) • 1,000 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Charnwood Forest
River Dove Camp
1. River Dove Camp
100%
(106)
Ashbourne, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A perfectly simple, riverside Hipcamp on the edge of the Peak District
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Burrs Manor Wild Camping
2. Burrs Manor Wild Camping
86%
(155)
Buxton, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
White Peak Camping
3. White Peak Camping
99%
(465)
Buxton, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Crowdecote Campsite
4. Crowdecote Campsite
Buxton, England · 1 unit
A small Adult Only Campsite with 5 Hardstanding Winter Pitches
The Site offers pitches with or without Electric Hookups
The Toilet Block has both Male and Female sections, each consisting of 2 Toilets, 2 Washbasins and 1 Shower (Free-to-use)
The pub is a 200m walk from the Site entrance
Firepits are permitted provided they are raised off the ground sufficiently to protect the grass.
The site is Dog friendly.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
£18
/ night
Camping at The Hollies
5. Camping at The Hollies
95%
(232)
Buxton, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping at the foot of the Roaches in the Peak District National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
6. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
Rutland, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Chrome Hill Campers
7. Chrome Hill Campers
98%
(22)
England · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Derbyshire.
The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
from
£25
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
8. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
Warwickshire, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
9. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
91%
(93)
Wardlow, England · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell.
The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving.
All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away.
And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all.
Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Fire and Stars Woodland Camping
10. Fire and Stars Woodland Camping
100%
(49)
Ibstock, England · 5 units
Wild camping in the woods with campfires, starry skies and a pub just across the road
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£49
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
11. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
Adderbury, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm
12. Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm
96%
(85)
Sibbertoft, England · 70 units
A secluded lakeside campsite to fall in love with
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Secret Wood Glamping
13. Secret Wood Glamping
95%
(21)
Derbyshire S18 7 Wf, England · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
The White Lodge
14. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
Cannock Chase, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
15. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
Buckingham, England · 11 units
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
Intake Farm
16. Intake Farm
98%
(64)
Alton, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Peak District Edge Farm Camping
17. Peak District Edge Farm Camping
England · 5 units
Off-Grid Farm Camping on the Edge of the Peak District
Our peaceful 9-acre camping field is set on a working farm, surrounded by fields and woodland, with lovely countryside views over the village of Holmesfield. Located right on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire, this is an ideal base for walkers, hikers, and nature lovers, with public footpaths leading directly from the farm.
We are just a short drive from Chatsworth House and the market town of Bakewell, and within walking distance of a welcoming village pub serving good food. The pub is dog friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on site.
This is a simple, back-to-basics, off-grid camping experience, perfect for families, groups of friends, and those looking for peaceful countryside camping.
Facilities include:
Eco toilet
Small shared camp kitchen with gas stove and sink
Basic cutlery, plates, cups, knives and forks provided
No electricity on site
Important information:
No tents provided
Please take all rubbish home
Access is via a stony farm track which can be bumpy and muddy
In wet weather, vehicles may not be able to access the track
Alternative parking is available, with a 5-minute walk to the campsite
This is relaxed farm camping in a quiet rural setting—ideal for exploring the Peak District, enjoying local walks, and unwinding in nature.
Check-in is between 1:00pm and 6:00pm.
We will meet you on arrival to check you in and show you to the camping field. Please ensure you arrive within these times so we can welcome you properly.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Tackeroo Campsite
18. Tackeroo Campsite
96%
(69)
Staffordshire, England · 49 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Basic pitches (without toilet facilities) in Forestry Commission-owned woods beside a renowned mountain biking trail
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
£17
/ night
Damside Campsite
19. Damside Campsite
96%
(14)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District
Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour
Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground
Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here.
Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals.
This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes).
If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch.
Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Greystones Nawab Camping
20. Greystones Nawab Camping
10%
(5)
Monyash, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH BEFORE BOOKING TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRIC HOOK-UPS. The tent and motor home pitches are dispersed so the pitch number may not be the same as your allocated pitch (but these are all the same).
Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway near to Buxton in the Peak District. Enjoy the beautiful countryside, which is well known for great walks, cycling and which is full of pretty little English villages to visit.
There is a local pub a stone's throw away, and a donkey sanctuary next door. There are also many more pubs in the area serving delicious meals. Historic towns such as Bakewell, Matlock, and Tideswell are also close by.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
£15
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Chris
February 2026
5 m Class B
I would very much recommend staying here, the owners welcomed me and went through all of the Where's and how's as we as giving me info on the surrounding area. Lovely views and near to a lot of the places you will want to visit.
See more
N
Nicholas
February 2026
Tent
Group trip
Brilliant location, lovely view everything we needed 👍
See more
J
Jessica
February 2026
4 m Class B
With pets
Would definitely stay again. Quiet and great walks
See more
E
Emma
January 2026
Tent
We booked super last minute with a tentbox - had a great peaceful night - surprise snow in the morning too! Didn’t get to explore the site much due to it being a quick stop over but it looked nice, lots of people cycling and running - the only thing that would of made it better would of been a toilet - but if you’re in a camper this is a great spot!
See more
H
Hetty
January 2026
U
Ujjwal
December 2025
Tent
The owner was very polite and welcoming… he showed me around … the campsite is good if you want to spend 1 or 2 nights close to nature… there is play area for kids as well …my overall experience was good … defined recommend it is your first camping trip like me…
See more
S
Samuel
December 2025
Tent
With pets
Camping on Charlotte’s land was perfect. Exactly as described, excellent views and Charlotte was very accommodating. Will be staying here again.
See more
A
Andrea
November 2025
Tent
Easy to get on the pitches by ourselves and had the whole site for us, not surprising as it’s late November! Very quiet and loved it! We will be back again for the 3rd time
See more
a
antje
November 2025
4 m Class B
⸻
White Peak Camping is such a beautiful and peaceful spot — absolutely loved our stay. The campsite is perfectly situated with easy access to stunning walks all around. The toilets were decent and clean, and the little phone-charging points are such a thoughtful touch if you need them. We also really appreciated the free fire pits, which made the evenings super cosy.
The owner, Janice, was great and very communicative, and her son Matt even came to check on us to make sure we didn’t get stuck with our van after the storm the night before. Really lovely people.
One thing to note is that they place strong emphasis on keeping noise down — no loud music at all — which we actually loved, because it made the whole place incredibly quiet, calm, and relaxing.
Highly recommend White Peak Camping if you’re looking for a beautiful, peaceful countryside escape. Thanks, Antje and Jay
See more
L
Luke
November 2025
4 m Class B
Really good location, short walk to a nice pub near a river. A quiet campsite with beautiful views!
See moreG
Graeme
November 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
We said we'd be back again and we were. Still great! Lovely location, great views, clean loos. Great if you just want the basics. Thanks again!
See more
O
Oliver
October 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
I went in October so it was really nice and quiet. Toilets were clean and it had a phone charging station. Good instructions for arriving
See moreR
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
With kids
I literally never write reviews for anything even when I triple promise I will but this place is just that awesome. It's got all the essentials so makes it comfortable (even on a stormy Oct night first time camping alone with my daughter!) But not too much that you feel like you're cheating- the whole point for me was for it to feel challenging, hey you survived that dear daughter you can do anything (without her dying from exposure). The toilets were nicer and cleaner than all weatherspoons loos, 2 charging ports for phones and a sink, lots of bins for rubbish and a gorgeous site with beautiful views (& a cute little swing). The views of the peak district were just stunning on the way down too. Janice was amazing - she walked down to us in the pouring rain (after a full day's work) to check we had everything! We'll definitely be back again, possibly when it's a bit warmer
See moreD
Draven
October 2025
Tent
Me and my partner came here for a much needed city break by tent and it was honestly amazing! The shower and toilet are seperate facilities and both clean, there is a kitchen too with a gas stove for cooking! The site is near anywhere you'd like to drive or even walk to around the peak district, and in the actual site itself you can see all the altitude and beauty around you. The air is incredibly fresh, and the owners of the campsite are really sweet and helpful. Will definitely come back for our next trip to the peak district this summer, thank you for having us :)
See morem
martyn
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Brilliant base camp site, stayed here for the third time. Plenty of walks near by lovely views. Toilets always kept clean. Will definitely be back again.
See moreM
MICHELLE
October 2025
5 m car
With pets
A lovely rural quiet place to stay. Fantastic views and lovely walks right on the doorstep.
Beautiful rural quiet spot with fabulous views. Great value for money. Would 100% definitely recommend. A nice touch was the picnic benches and a tree swing.
The toilets were extremely clean and fully flushable with running water and hand soap/handtowel.
5* from me!
See moreD
Duncan
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot, I was the only camper. Hiked 10km with my dog, put my tent up, cooked evening meal on my trangia on one of the wooden tables that are there, could have walked say 10 minutes to the pub but couldn’t be arsed, so just sat quietly with the dog enjoying the peace and quiet! Toilets are clean and there’s a cold water sink for washing up which is also v clean. Met the farmer on the way in, very pleasant chap. Great place! Hiked back to my car this morning. Lovely break from work!
See more
G
Gary
October 2025
Tent
Smashing location and a great base for walking to and around Millers Dale. I will return in the future.
See moreM
Mick
October 2025
4 m Class B
Simple back to basics site, toilet and wash facilities good and clean. Great location to wind down from daily stress and a beautiful open sky
See moreI
Isobel
October 2025
Charnwood Forest camping guide
Where to go
Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood
The big go-to outdoor playground for citizens of Leicester, Bradgate Park is a delightful old deer park and a montage of moors, crags, and woods seeming more similar to the Peak District than to the suburb-adjacent country park it is. Come to walk, explore wildlife-reclaimed industrial land, bird-watch in Swithland Woods, and visit the former home of Lady Jane Grey, Britain’s shortest-reigning monarch.
Moira & The National Forest
The area around Moira was heavily scarred by its former coal mining industry, which was why it was chosen as the location for the National Forest. This major reforestation project straddles parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, combining existing old-growth forest with newer plantations, and has rejuvenated the area as an outdoor destination for walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders. Ex-mining village Moira now hosts the National Forest Discovery Centre, some restored mining attractions, and camping options nearby.
Ashby Canal
The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal links Leicestershire’s Moira and Warwickshire’s Bedworth, with the section between Bedworth and Snarestone navigable. Interesting sights along its course include the Battlefield Line heritage railway between Shackerstone and Shenton, plus the Bosworth Field battle site. The canal winds close to several campsites catering to tent campers, caravanners, and glampers.
Grand Union Canal
The UK’s longest canal brushes the northeast of Charnwood Forest at villages like Mountsorrel and nearby Sileby, with its convenient railway station. The 137-mile waterway, connecting Birmingham and London, is full of surprises, showing off a greener, quieter side to the big towns it passes through and crossing some pretty countryside too. Narrowboat, walk, or cycle the towpath, visit idyllic canal-side pubs and camp at unique waterside sites like Broome Island near Quorn—accessible only by boat.
