Bottesford

Settlement in Leicestershire Melton

England

Bottesford

Path to Normanton Spring is beginning to turn into summer and the cow parsley beside this public footpath is in flower and looking resplendent. The large field of broad beans seems also to be doing well. — Path to Normanton Credit: Stephen McKay

Bottesford is a charming village located in the county of Leicestershire, England. Situated on the border between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, it is part of the Vale of Belvoir, a picturesque and rural area. With a population of around 3,000 residents, Bottesford offers a close-knit community atmosphere.

The village is known for its rich history, dating back to the Roman era, with evidence of settlements found in the vicinity. It was primarily an agricultural settlement, and its name reflects this, as "Bottesford" translates to "ford where cattle cross."

Today, Bottesford retains its rural character, with beautiful countryside surroundings and several historical landmarks. One notable attraction is the All Saints' Church, a medieval building with a striking spire that dominates the village skyline. The church is well-preserved and features intricate architectural details, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts.

The village also boasts a range of amenities, including local shops, pubs, and restaurants. It has a primary school and a community center that hosts various events and activities for residents. Additionally, Bottesford benefits from good transport links, with nearby train stations providing easy access to Nottingham, Leicester, and Grantham.

The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Grantham Canal offers scenic walks along its towpaths, while the Belvoir Castle estate, a short distance away, provides extensive parkland for exploration.

In conclusion, Bottesford is a charming village in Leicestershire, boasting a rich history, a close-knit community, and beautiful rural surroundings.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bottesford Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.941618/-0.805848 or Grid Reference SK8038. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path to Normanton

Spring is beginning to turn into summer and the cow parsley beside this public footpath is in flower and looking resplendent. The large field of broad beans seems also to be doing well.

Stephen McKay

Broad beans

This is a small part of a large crop of broad beans in the fields north of Beacon Hill. The white, pink and black flowers are distinctive.

Stephen McKay

Pillbox at Normanton

World War II type FW3/22.

Jonathan Thacker

St Mary's Parish Church, Bottesford

St Mary's Parish Church, Grade I listed, 13thC origins with tower and crocketed spire originally 15thC but completely rebuilt 1876

thejackrustles

OS Cut Mark - Bottesford, St Mary's Church

Link

thejackrustles

Location of Cut Mark - Bottesford, St Mary's Church

thejackrustles

Bottesford, Beacon Hill Beacon

thejackrustles

Bottesford Trig Point Flush Bracket S1751

thejackrustles

Bottesford Station

Seen here from the footbridge between the staggered platforms, Bottesford is an intermediate stop on the line between Grantham and Nottingham. It was opened in 1850 and became part of the Great Northern Railway's network in the East Midlands. Until 1953, in addition to trains heading for Nottingham, this platform was used by trains to Leicester via Melton Mowbray, although in the years before withdrawal the service was extremely sparse. Perhaps surprisingly, the station was not listed for closure in the Beeching report although it has been unstaffed for many years and passenger facilities are nowadays limited to a waiting shelter.

Stephen McKay

Bottesford Level Crossing

Situated just to the west of Bottesford station, this crossing provides access to a bridleway leading up Beacon Hill. The railway between Grantham and Nottingham is busy and vehicles are required to contact the signaller by telephone before proceeding. In the background is the spire of St Mary's Church.

Stephen McKay

Bridleway to Beacon Hill

Leicestershire County Council has chosen to be very precise here about the distance to the end of the bridleway.

Stephen McKay

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a high point (60.8m, 200ft) to the north-east of Bottesford. It is easily reachable from the village by means of a bridleway and the millennium beacon at the top was erected in 1999 'by kind permission of the Goodson family of Easthorpe'. Just beyond the beacon is a trig point beside the wooden bench.

Stephen McKay

Bridleway down from Beacon Hill

The bridleway leads down from the top of Beacon Hill towards Bottesford village where the spire of St Mary's church is a prominent feature.

Stephen McKay

Millennium beacon on Beacon Hill

According to a plaque on the beacon post it was erected 'by kind permission of the Goodson family of Easthorpe to whom the parish council is very grateful'.

Stephen McKay

Beacon Hill

The triangulation pillar here is at a height of 60.8m (200ft). A bench provides respite for weary walkers who have trudged up the bridleway from Bottesford.

Stephen McKay

Bottesford from Beacon Hill

In the foreground are the roofs of a new housing development. Dominating the scene is the 210 ft (64m) high spire of St Mary's church - one of the tallest on any village church in England. Spread out beyond is the Vale of Belvoir.

Stephen McKay

Track north of Beacon Hill

Public rights of way cross this track here at right angles, but, as the sign explains, the track itself is not designated as a public right of way. Nevertheless, the landowner has given permission for the public to walk the route.

Stephen McKay