Beacon Hill Country Park
Situated in Charnwood Forest in north-west Leicestershire, Beacon Hill Country Park has over 135 hectares (335 acres) of mixed woodland, grassland, wildflower meadows and adjoining farmland.
At 248m (814 feet), Beacon Hill is the second highest point in Leicestershire and the site of a Bronze Age hill fort.Visitors can explore an extensive network of paths, enjoy picnics and barbeques, and discover the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside that can be seen from the summit.
The National Forest Wood Fair 2013 will take place on Monday 26th August. For more information see our Events Page
Bioblitz 2013
Beacon Hill Country Park will be co-hosting the 2013 Woodhouse Eaves Bioblitz. For more information see our Bioblitz page.
Visitor Information
- Two car parks; both use an automated pay on entry access system.
- Car park charge is £2.50 per car and the machines only accept coins, but do not give out change or issue tickets.
- Upper Car Park, Beacon Road, LE12 8SP (Grid Ref: SK 51034 14457)
- Lower Car Park, Breakback Road, LE12 8TA (Grid Ref: SK 52214 14836)
- Car Park Season Ticket Information
- Bus Routes: Centrebus 54 (Monday – Friday), Thurmaston Bus 123 (Saturday). Contact Traveline for more information.
Opening Times
Both car parks have automatic exit gates that will allow cars to leave the car park at any time. However, we do not allow overnight parking.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May-Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7am - 4pm | 7am - 5pm | 7am - 6pm | 7am - 7pm | 7am - 8pm | 7am - 7pm | 7am - 6pm | 7am - 5pm | 7am - 4pm |
What to See and Do
- A wooden boardwalk winding through the twisted rhododendron labyrinth with its hidden sculptures creates an enchanted experience.
- Sit on the log train, or find your way through a hazel maze in the Natural Play Area, which was created from timber grown at Beacon Hill.
- Large wooden sculptures inspired by the park's environment and history. For more information see our Sculptures Page.
- Various livestock, including Highland and English Longhorn cattle, rare breed sheep, and alpacas.
- A 4.8km multiuse track circles the park, suitable for pedestrians, horse riders and mountain bikers.
- The park's extensive network of surfaced paths. Permissive paths on adjoining farmland link with public footpaths which lead into the wider countryside, and make the area great for walking.
Conservation Volunteering
The Country Park Service has a number of different volunteer groups that work at various Country Parks throughout the year. The Beacon Hill Volunteer Group get together on the second and third Sundays of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check our FAQs Page to find answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Photo Gallery
Check out our photos of the country park in our Photo Gallery. We'd love to see your photos from around the park too. Email them to us, or why not share them on Facebook, and we may use them on the web pages!
Contact Details
Tel: 0116 305 5000 (8.30am - 5pm Mon - Thu, 8.30am - 4.30pm Fri). Outside of these times, emergencies only please.
Email: countryparks@leics.gov.uk Emails are only checked during the week. You will not receive a response to your email at weekends or Bank Holidays.
Email: countryparks@leics.gov.uk Emails are only checked during the week. You will not receive a response to your email at weekends or Bank Holidays.
Other Local Sites
Broombriggs Farm and Windmill Hill, just across Beacon Road - permissive paths and bridleways across farmland.
Jubilee Wood, Woodhouse Lane, near Nanpanton.
Sheet Hedges Wood, on the Groby to Newtown Linford road.
Page Last Updated: 8 April 2013
