Discover Broughton Astley

Broughton Astley combines discoveries of local history with paths through the surrounding countryside and various opportunities for active days out.

Experience history at notable buildings

The Church of St Mary is one of Broughton Astley's defining historic buildings. It was largely built in the early 14th century; the chancel is older, while the tower spire dates from the Perpendicular period. Bell-ringing practice at St Mary's Church, which takes place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., offers another special experience. This means a visit to the village can also be combined with a direct insight into a local tradition.

Quaker Cottage tells the story of another religious and social past. The whitewashed timber-framed house dates from the mid-17th century and was acquired by the Society of Friends as a meeting house in 1681. Quaker Cottage and its associated grounds served as a meeting house and burial ground until 1907. Those who want to consider historic buildings not only by their appearance but also by their use will find a particularly multifaceted point of interest here.

The Broughton Astley War Memorial is also part of the village's history. It was erected in 1921 and later supplemented with an addition for the Second World War. The memorial commemorates 33 members of the community who died in the First World War and stands in a landscaped garden. The Broughton Astley Milepost, by contrast, is a cast-iron structure from the early 19th century. Its markings of six miles to Hinckley and eight miles to Leicester make it an evocative historic guidepost.

Walks, cycle rides and leisure activities for children

Broughton Astley has an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways for walks and trips into the countryside. The public paths also include connections to the River Soar. Depending on the kind of day out you want, you can therefore choose between quiet outdoor exercise and a stronger focus on cultural history, without limiting your trip to just one activity.

Cyclists will find a specific touring option in the Broughton Loop via Fleckney and Kilby Cycle Route. The route begins at the signal-controlled junction of the B581, Broughton Road and Cosby Road. The Frolesworth Road Recreation Ground offers families several different areas: a playground with equipment for children and young people of all ages, a skate park, a multi-use games area, two football pitches and a cricket pitch. The Broughton Astley Leisure Centre opened in December 2019 and adds another leisure venue to the selection.

The right base for your stay

When choosing accommodation, you can consider which focus should shape your days: historic buildings and memorials, paths to the River Soar, a cycle ride or shared time in the recreational areas. For trips without your own vehicle, bus routes 84 and X84 connect Broughton Astley with Leicester, Lutterworth and other places including Blaby, Whetstone, Cosby, Dunton Bassett, Rugby, Magna Park, Croft, Huncote, Narborough and Fosse Park. These connections provide a practical guide for planning your destinations, without every journey having to follow the same itinerary.

Another cultural and historical option is Sutton in the Elms, home to the oldest Baptist church in Leicestershire, founded around 1646. The Baptist chapel was registered as a meeting house in 1758. The range therefore extends from medieval church architecture through Quaker history and memorial culture to Baptist traditions. You can then discover further places through this selection: Great Glen, Goadby Marwood, Sapcote, Hathern, Kegworth, Hinckley, Knipton and Moira.

For the wider travel overview: Leicestershire.