Dale Spinney

Downs, Moorland in Leicestershire Charnwood

England

Dale Spinney

Old John Tower The picture was taken just after dawn, close to the longest day.  The tower was built in 1784 to commemorate an unlikely accident.

The 21st birthday of the Earl of Stamford was being celebrated on the site of a windmill that had stood at the top of the hill.  Bizarrely, a bonfire was lit around a wooden flagpole and the miller, Old John, was told to mind the fire.  Inevitably the flagpole burnt through and fell on Old John, killing him in the process.
Old John Tower Credit: Bob Tinley

Dale Spinney is a picturesque area located in Leicestershire, England. Nestled between the Downs and Moorland, this small village offers an enchanting and tranquil retreat for both locals and visitors alike.

Surrounded by natural beauty, Dale Spinney is characterized by rolling hills, lush green fields, and meandering streams. The landscape is dotted with charming cottages and historic buildings, evoking a sense of old-world charm. The village itself is small but vibrant, with a close-knit community that takes pride in its rich heritage.

One of the notable features of Dale Spinney is its extensive network of walking trails, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the surrounding countryside. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the meadows or a more challenging hike up the nearby hills, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to its natural attractions, Dale Spinney also offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of both residents and visitors. There are a handful of quaint shops, cafes, and pubs where one can sample local produce and cuisine. The village also boasts a small primary school, a community center, and a church, further enhancing its sense of community.

With its idyllic setting and warm community spirit, Dale Spinney is a hidden gem in Leicestershire. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life or a base for exploring the surrounding countryside, this charming village is sure to captivate all who visit.

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Dale Spinney Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.694086/-1.207461 or Grid Reference SK5311. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old John Tower The picture was taken just after dawn, close to the longest day.  The tower was built in 1784 to commemorate an unlikely accident.

The 21st birthday of the Earl of Stamford was being celebrated on the site of a windmill that had stood at the top of the hill.  Bizarrely, a bonfire was lit around a wooden flagpole and the miller, Old John, was told to mind the fire.  Inevitably the flagpole burnt through and fell on Old John, killing him in the process.
Old John Tower
The picture was taken just after dawn, close to the longest day. The tower was built in 1784 to commemorate an unlikely accident. The 21st birthday of the Earl of Stamford was being celebrated on the site of a windmill that had stood at the top of the hill. Bizarrely, a bonfire was lit around a wooden flagpole and the miller, Old John, was told to mind the fire. Inevitably the flagpole burnt through and fell on Old John, killing him in the process.
Bradgate Park Bradgate Park is a popular spot for a Sunday afternoon stroll for the population of Leicester, but if you get there at dawn you can get quite close to the local residents.
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park is a popular spot for a Sunday afternoon stroll for the population of Leicester, but if you get there at dawn you can get quite close to the local residents.
Bradgate Park Bradgate Park is an ancient deer park and provides a very popular spot for a stroll for the inhabitants of nearby Leicester.
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park is an ancient deer park and provides a very popular spot for a stroll for the inhabitants of nearby Leicester.
Boathouse and Cropston Reservoir The paths in Bradgate park lead round this reservoir.
Boathouse and Cropston Reservoir
The paths in Bradgate park lead round this reservoir.
Station Road, Cropston, near Leicester Station Road meets Reservoir Road, Cropston Road and Causeway Lane at this crossroad in the centre of the old village.
Station Road, Cropston, near Leicester
Station Road meets Reservoir Road, Cropston Road and Causeway Lane at this crossroad in the centre of the old village.
Cropston House Farm This farm is on the southern edge of the village
Cropston House Farm
This farm is on the southern edge of the village
Cropston Road, Cropston near Leicester Cropston has grown into a substantial village. These houses are on Waterfield Road.
Cropston Road, Cropston near Leicester
Cropston has grown into a substantial village. These houses are on Waterfield Road.
Cropston Reservoir, near Leicester To the east of Bradgate Park, this Severn Trent reservoir was constructed in 1866 to supply water to Leicester. It is important for wildlife and has an Education Centre. Taken from Reservoir Road on the embankment.
Cropston Reservoir, near Leicester
To the east of Bradgate Park, this Severn Trent reservoir was constructed in 1866 to supply water to Leicester. It is important for wildlife and has an Education Centre. Taken from Reservoir Road on the embankment.
Cropston Reservoir, near Leicester This semi-circular weir in the south east corner is the emergency overflow for the reservoir. It appears that it hasn't been needed for a long time. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/93663">SK5511 : Reservoir Spillway, Cropston</a>.
Cropston Reservoir, near Leicester
This semi-circular weir in the south east corner is the emergency overflow for the reservoir. It appears that it hasn't been needed for a long time. See SK5511 : Reservoir Spillway, Cropston.
Reservoir Spillway, Cropston This flood overflow doesn't look as if it has been used for several years although the OS map marks it as water. It runs along side the water treatment works between Reservoir Road (which goes along the dam) and Bradgate Road, before joining the stream that feeds Swithland reservoir in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SK5613">SK5613</a>. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/93659">SK5510 : Cropston Reservoir, near Leicester</a>
Reservoir Spillway, Cropston
This flood overflow doesn't look as if it has been used for several years although the OS map marks it as water. It runs along side the water treatment works between Reservoir Road (which goes along the dam) and Bradgate Road, before joining the stream that feeds Swithland reservoir in SK5613. See SK5510 : Cropston Reservoir, near Leicester
Waterworks Waterworks building on the edge of Bradgate Country Park.
Waterworks
Waterworks building on the edge of Bradgate Country Park.
The Chapel at Bradgate House Bradgate House, now a ruin, was the birthplace of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for just nine days in 1553.
The Chapel at Bradgate House
Bradgate House, now a ruin, was the birthplace of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for just nine days in 1553.
Disused slate quarry in Swithland Wood
Disused slate quarry in Swithland Wood
Leicester Lane near Bradgate Park The wood on the horizon is in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SK5511">SK5511</a>
Leicester Lane near Bradgate Park
The wood on the horizon is in SK5511
Bridleway off Leicester Lane Looking towards Swithland <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SK5512">SK5512</a>
Bridleway off Leicester Lane
Looking towards Swithland SK5512
Farm Entrance off Leicester Lane near Swithland This bridleway goes from Swithland to Cropston Reservoir.
Farm Entrance off Leicester Lane near Swithland
This bridleway goes from Swithland to Cropston Reservoir.
Swithland Wood, Leicestershire Looking north east from the Roecliffe Road car park, this bridleway goes to Swithland through <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SK5412">SK5412</a>.
Swithland Wood, Leicestershire
Looking north east from the Roecliffe Road car park, this bridleway goes to Swithland through SK5412.
Countryside at Swithland Wood Looking towards Cropston. The reservoir <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SK5411">SK5411</a> is behind the trees in the centre of the picture. The wall is made of local Mountsorrel granite.
Countryside at Swithland Wood
Looking towards Cropston. The reservoir SK5411 is behind the trees in the centre of the picture. The wall is made of local Mountsorrel granite.
Show me another place!

Dale Spinney is located at Grid Ref: SK5311 (Lat: 52.694086, Lng: -1.207461)

Administrative County: Leicestershire

District: Charnwood

Police Authority: Leicestershire

What 3 Words

///door.healers.guard. Near Anstey, Leicestershire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.694086,-1.207461
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.6939063/-1.2126089
Stag
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 52.6915721/-1.2013169
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.6915993/-1.2013614
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 52.6965238/-1.208812
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 52.6969629/-1.2107994
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 52.6902268/-1.2102674
Dale Spinny
Natural: wood
Lat/Long: 52.6932652/-1.2085606
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 52.6977671/-1.2089074
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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