Beacon Hill Country Park is a 135-hectare public park and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located in the Charnwood Forest near Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire. This guide provides essential information on opening hours, parking charges, transport, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit to one of the highest points in the county.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily: 7:00 am to dusk |
| Ticket prices | Admission is free; parking charges apply |
| Address | Beacon Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, LE12 8SP |
| Nearest transport | Bus 154 to Woodhouse Eaves (800m walk) |
| Parking | Two pay-and-display car parks (Upper and Lower) |
| Typical time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Beacon Hill Country Park opening hours
Beacon Hill Country Park opening hours begin at 7:00 am daily throughout the year. The park typically closes at dusk, meaning closing times vary by season; visitors should check the signage at the car park entrance for the specific closing time on the day of their visit.
The Beacon Hill Café, located near the lower car park, generally operates from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, though hours may extend during summer months.
Beacon Hill Country Park ticket prices
There are no Beacon Hill Country Park ticket prices for entry, as admission to the park is free for all visitors. However, all visitors arriving by motor vehicle are required to pay for parking.
Parking fees are structured by duration: up to 1 hour is £2.00, 1–2 hours is £3.50, 2–3 hours is £4.50, and over 3 hours is £5.00. Payment can be made at the on-site machines via cash or card, or through the PayByPhone mobile application. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to Beacon Hill Country Park
The primary method of reaching Beacon Hill Country Park is by private vehicle via the A6 or M1 (Junction 22 or 23). The park is situated between Woodhouse Eaves and Loughborough.
Public transport options are limited. The Centrebus 154 service stops in the centre of Woodhouse Eaves, from which it is approximately an 800-metre uphill walk to the lower entrance of the park. The nearest railway stations are Loughborough and Quorn & Woodhouse (Great Central Railway).
Parking at Beacon Hill Country Park
Parking at Beacon Hill Country Park is divided into two distinct locations. The Upper Car Park (off Beacon Road) provides the most direct access to the summit and the trig point, while the Lower Car Park (off Breakback Road) is situated near the café, children’s play area, and the Native Tree Collection.
Both car parks use a pay-and-display system. Visitors should note that the car parks can become full during weekends and bank holidays by mid-morning. Blue Badge holders are subject to the standard parking charges unless they hold a specific Leicestershire County Council seasonal permit.
How long to spend at Beacon Hill Country Park
Most visitors find that 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient for a standard visit. This duration allows for a walk from the lower car park to the summit, time to view the rock formations, and a return trip via the woodland trails. Families using the play areas or the café may spend closer to 3 hours on-site.
Accessibility at Beacon Hill Country Park
Accessibility at Beacon Hill Country Park is supported by a network of surfaced multi-use tracks suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, the park is situated on a hill, and some gradients are steep, particularly the main path leading to the summit from the lower car park.
Accessible toilets are available at both the Upper and Lower car park blocks. Designated disabled parking bays are located close to the entrance of each site to minimise travel distance to the main paths.
Inside / what to see at Beacon Hill Country Park
The central feature is the summit of Beacon Hill, which reaches 245 metres above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can see the Soar Valley, Charnwood Forest, and on clear days, landmarks as far as the Peak District.
The park is known for its Precambrian rock outcrops, which are approximately 700 million years old. A notable formation near the summit is the “Old Man of the Beacon,” a crag that resembles a human profile.
A collection of chainsaw sculptures is located throughout the park. These include large timber carvings of characters such as the Wizard, the Green Man, and the Axe Man, primarily positioned along the tracks between the two car parks.
Livestock are frequently used for habitat management. Visitors may encounter English Longhorn cattle, sheep, and alpacas grazing in the fenced heathland areas. These animals help maintain the SSSI status by preventing scrub overgrowth.
The Native Tree Collection near the lower car park contains examples of all 28 tree species native to the British Isles. This area includes a level, surfaced path and a wooden labyrinth made of rhododendron stems.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Visit on weekdays or before 10:00 am on weekends to secure a parking space. |
| Crowds | The area around the summit and the lower play area are the most congested zones. |
| Layout | Use the Upper Car Park if your primary goal is the viewpoint to avoid a long uphill walk. |
| Entry Process | Have the PayByPhone app downloaded in advance as mobile signal can be inconsistent near the machines. |
| On-site Logistics | Bring sturdy footwear if planning to leave the surfaced multi-use tracks, as woodland paths become muddy. |
Frequently asked questions about Beacon Hill Country Park
| Question | Answer |
| Is Beacon Hill Country Park suitable for children? | Yes, there is a dedicated natural play area, a wooden maze, and several easy-to-follow trails. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Beacon Hill Country Park? | No, the park is open access and does not require advance booking or tickets. |
| Is Beacon Hill Country Park open on Sundays? | Yes, the park is open every day of the week including Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at Beacon Hill Country Park? | Yes, visitors are free to carry bags; there are no restricted items or locker facilities. |
Things to do near Beacon Hill Country Park
- Bradgate Park: A historic deer park featuring the ruins of Bradgate House and the Old John Tower.
- Swithland Wood: An ancient woodland area adjacent to the park with extensive walking trails.
- Broombriggs Farm: A working farm with a 1.5-mile circular trail that offers insights into local agriculture.
- Great Central Railway: A preserved heritage steam railway with a station nearby at Quorn & Woodhouse.
More Leicestershire travel
Other Leicestershire travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Twycross Zoo visitor guide.
- A practical guide to visiting Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle.
- Belvoir Castle visitor guide.
- Planning a visit to the National Space Center in Leicester.
- Guide to the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester.
