Higham on the Hill

Higham on the Hill is a linear village on a ridge. Its winding Main Street, the building history of its churches and the opportunities for walks along the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal give the village historical and scenic points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, these themes may shape your travel plans.

Village Layout and Conservation Area

Main Street has several gentle bends and curves. Prominent buildings and the new road layout emphasise its course and create a sequence of connected spaces. The shape of the street itself is therefore part of the village’s character. Higham-on-the-Hill Conservation Area was designated in April 1995. The churchyard of St Peter also contributes to its character: it is a green space within the conservation area. The street and churchyard thus represent different aspects of the village layout.

Churches Shaped by Building Phases and Materials

The Church of St Peter is a Grade II* listed building. The west tower dates from the 12th century, the nave was built in 1790, the south aisle was added in 1854, and the chancel dates from 1870. These dates refer to different parts of the building and reveal several phases of construction. Its building history cannot therefore be reduced to a single year of construction, but can be traced through its individual parts.

St Peter is scheduled to be open daily during the summer months; visits at other times are by arrangement. Check before travelling whether a visit is possible.

The Methodist Church offers a different architectural point of reference. It dates from the mid-19th century and is built of red brick; its plinth is made of purple brick, and the roof is covered with plain tiles. While the Church of St Peter can be understood through the dates of its different building parts, the Methodist Church is described chiefly in terms of its building materials and roof covering. This brings two different architectural perspectives into view.

History from Roman Times to Geoffrey Fisher

The Hinckley & Bosworth Rural Heritage Trail describes Higham on the Hill as a settlement that has existed since Roman times. Geoffrey Fisher provides a specific biographical connection: Higham on the Hill was his birthplace in 1887. Fisher later became the 99th Archbishop of Canterbury and held the position from 1945 to 1961. These details place two different historical timescales side by side: a settlement history reaching back to Roman times and the dated milestones of a later biography.

Canal and Green Spaces

The Ashby Canal runs through the eastern part of the parish. The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal also runs through the parish of Higham on the Hill; its towpath is used for walking. This provides a specific recreational connection with the canal alongside the village’s historical character. An ivy bee was photographed in the parish beside the Ashby Canal, adding a nature observation to this landscape connection.

King George V Playing Field is a formal park with facilities for children, outdoor sports and young people, as described in a 2016 community study. These facilities may have changed. Check which amenities are currently available before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Bottesford, Old Dalby, Quorn, Market Bosworth, Stathern, Rothley, Great Glen, North Kilworth.

For the broader travel overview: Leicestershire.