Broughton Astley – History, Trails and Leisure

Broughton Astley combines architectural and commemorative history with trails through the surrounding countryside. The Church of St Mary and the War Memorial offer historical points of interest; at the same time, footpaths and bridleways lead into the surrounding area, and Frolesworth Road Recreation Ground adds to the leisure options. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you might consider whether cultural sites or exercise and sport will play a greater role in your travel plans.

Churches, Remembrance and Local History

The Church of St Mary was built largely in the early 14th century. The chancel is older, while the tower spire belongs to the Perpendicular period. These details point to several historical reference points within a single building.

The Broughton Astley War Memorial was erected in 1921 and later augmented with an inscription for the Second World War. It commemorates 33 parishioners who lost their lives in the First World War and stands in a landscaped garden. Its construction, later addition and commemoration of those who fell in the First World War are distinct parts of its history.

Quaker Cottage, a whitewashed timber-framed house dating from the mid-17th century, was acquired by the Society of Friends in 1681 as a meeting house. The house and its grounds served as a meeting house and burial ground until 1907. Its construction, acquisition and end of use give the site a longer history than a single date alone would suggest.

The cast-iron Broughton Astley Milepost, also dating from the early 19th century, points to the history of the roads. Its distance markers show six miles to Hinckley and eight miles to Leicester. Since both distances are given in miles, they can be compared directly.

Trails and Cycle Route

Broughton Astley has an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways leading into the surrounding countryside. The public rights of way network also includes connections to the River Soar. Alongside the historical points of interest, this offers guidance for stays that include walks through the countryside.

For cycling, the Broughton Loop via Fleckney and Kilby Cycle Route is a named point of reference. It starts at the traffic-light-controlled junction of the B581, Broughton Road and Cosby Road. The stated starting point offers a specific reference for planning this cycle route.

Leisure and Practical Information

Frolesworth Road Recreation Ground has a playground with play equipment for children and young people of all ages, a skatepark, a multi-use games area, two football pitches and a cricket pitch. The facilities therefore include play areas, a range of sports facilities and options for different leisure interests. Broughton Astley Leisure Centre opened in December 2019.

Bell-ringing practice at the Church of St Mary takes place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm. As schedules can change, check before visiting to make sure the session is still taking place.

Two bus routes are named as useful for getting around: route 84 connects Broughton Astley with Leicester, Blaby, Whetstone, Cosby, Dunton Bassett and Lutterworth. The X84 connects the village with Rugby, Magna Park, Lutterworth, Croft, Huncote, Narborough, Fosse Park and Leicester. Check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Medbourne, Measham, Harby, Goadby Marwood, Quorn, Castle Donington, Markfield, Croxton Kerrial

For the regional travel overview: Leicestershire.