15 August 2019
Located in the heart of Leicestershire’s National Forest, it’s no surprise that Swing Bridge Wharf boasts a range of fun, family friendly, outdoor activities right on its doorstep. We’ve rounded up the top activities within 15 minutes of the fantastic Swing Bridge Wharf properties in Moira; with historic attractions, sporting activities and adventure playgrounds to choose from, there is something to suit the whole family.
1. Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre
Category: Outdoor, nature, parks, cycling
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: Five minutes in the car
Location: Willesley Woodside Moira, Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2UP
Cost: Free
If you’re looking to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh countryside air then Hicks Lodge is the place to be, with its routes for walking, running, cycling, and even horse riding. Set in the beautiful woodland in the heart of the National Forest, it makes a fun family day out for all ages and abilities.
Visitors can grab some refreshments at the eco-friendly visitor centre, hire a bike, or make the most of its showers and wood-burning stoves after a hard day of physical activity!
2. Ashby Canal
Category: Outdoor, nature, parks, history
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: Immediate access to the Moira section. 11 minutes by car to Snarestone.
Location: Snarestone Wharf, Quarry Lane, Snarestone, Swadlincote DE12 7DD
Cost: Free
All properties at Swing Bridge Wharf have the luxury of being adjacent to the Moira section of the Ashby Canal, with large windows and balconies to make the most of the scenic views. This restored section of the canal is 1.5 miles long with access to the main Ashby Canal just a short drive away at Snarestone. This dead-end waterway is famous for not having any locks due to its flat level, and the tranquil 22-mile canal is perfect for first-time boaters looking for a smooth ride, as well as walkers and cyclists searching for a picturesque waterside route.
3. Charnwood Forest Alpacas
Category: Animals, nature, parks, wildlife
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: 12 minutes in the car
Location: Ashby Road, Scamhazel Farm, Boundary, Ashby-de-la-Zouch DE11 7BA
Cost: Free for the farm yard, activities range in price
If you’re searching for something a bit different, Charnwood Forest Alpacas is packed full of unique activities and experiences, including walks around the picturesque fields with your very own alpaca friend and afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and fizz. Animal lovers can also get up close and personal with new born alpaca babies, explore the farm yard, take part in a horse-riding trek and enjoy fresh farm breakfasts, homemade cakes, cream teas and home cooked food at the Chilli Bean Kitchen.
4. Moira Furnace
Category: Sights, historic, landmarks. history
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: Five minute walk
Location: Moira Furnace, Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT
Cost: Prices vary depending on length of boat trip
Less than a five-minute walk from Swing Bridge Wharf is the historic Moira Furnace Museum. Located alongside a stretch of the stunning Ashby Canal, Moira Furnace is the most well-preserved blast furnace in the country, dating back to 1806. Visitors can take a trip to the museum to find out more about the furnace before enjoying a boat trip along the canal.
5. Conkers
Category: Theme parks, amusement park, adventure
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: Four minutes in the car
Location: 586 Rawdon Rd B Millennium Avenue, Moira, Ashby-de-la-Zouch DE12 6GA
Cost: Tickets vary depending on season, visit the website for more details
Award-winning attraction Conkers is now an established part of the National Forest, featuring a range of indoor and outdoor attractions including a 4D cinema, a high ropes course, climbing wall, 110 metre zip wire and mountain biking as well as a selection of exciting water activities. Suitable for children aged 4-18, the 120 acres of woodland features endless engaging and interactive activities designed to keep families entertained for hours.
6. Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Category: Sights, landmarks, castles, history
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: 10 minutes in the car
Location: Ashby de La Zouch Castle South Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1BR
Cost: Free for members, £3.70 child (5-17 years) £6.20 adult, £16.10 family (2 adults, up to 3 children)
Get a taste for Leicestershire’s colorful history with a visit to Ashby de la Zouch Castle. Originally a manor house in the 12th century, it achieved castle status in the 15th century. Visitors can climb the tower (despite it suffering damage during the Civil War) and enjoy breathtaking views from the top, followed by a visit to the underground hidden passage from the kitchen to the tower. Visitors can also explore the picturesque market town of Ashby de la Zouch which is filled with charming boutiques and independent restaurants.
7. Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre
Category: Outdoor activities, ski and snowboard, sport
Distance to Swing Bridge Wharf: Eight minutes in the car
Location: Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre Sir Herbert Wragg Way, Swadlincote DE11 8LP
Cost: Prices vary depending on activity, visit the website for more details
Are you a lover of adrenaline raising activities? Swadlincote Snowsports Centre offers everything from skiing to snowboarding to toboggan rides and tubing at any time of the year thanks to its dry ski slope. All activities are suitable for children aged four plus, making it perfect for both the experienced and first-time skier.