Burrough on the Hill, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2QZ
Burrough Hill Country Park
Prehistoric
Source image
8.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.1An Iron Age hillfort crowns a steep-sided promontory at 210 metres, its surviving earthworks still commanding wide views across eastern Leicestershire. Excavations have helped reveal how its ramparts and entrance were built.
The hillfort gives this working countryside park a striking sense of place: walk up from the car park and the earthworks rise into view, with the old entrance and ramparts still legible in the landscape. It is a compact, substantial encounter with prehistoric archaeology rather than just a viewpoint.
Atmospheric · Big-sky · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapBurrough on the Hill, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2QZ
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The experience
Walk the farm track from the car park to the hillfort, then explore its grassy interior and surviving ramparts. The compact site rewards a slow circuit: look for the eastern defences and main entrance, and take in the views from the high ground. Allow for uneven or muddy paths and close gates on this working farm.
Things to do
Walk the hillfort circuit
Follow the sourced 1.2-mile circular walk from the car park, around the hillfort earthworks and back. It is described as moderate, with a farm track and pasture; paths may be muddy.
1.2 miles / 1.9 km; duration not stated
Study the eastern ramparts and entrance
The eastern side was the hillfort’s least naturally defended side, so its ramparts were larger and incorporated the main entrance. Excavation found that stone for the ramparts came from the ditch in front of them.
Take in the hilltop views
The park operator describes superb views from the grassy top across arable land and villages. The hillfort crowns a steep-sided promontory reaching 210 metres.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour; the car-park tariff covers up to 1 hour, but walking time is not separately stated.
Quick escape: climb to the hillfort
- 01
Start at the Somerby Road car park.
- 02
Follow the signposted farm track towards the hillfort earthworks.
- 03
Pause at the eastern ramparts and main entrance, then explore the grassy hilltop and its views.
- 04
Return by the same track; allow extra time if paths are muddy or uneven.
Half day · Around half a day including time to explore; the sourced circular walk is 1.2 miles / 1.9 km.
Half day: take the archaeological circuit
- 01
Begin at the Somerby Road car park and follow the signposted farm track to the hillfort.
- 02
Walk the 1.2-mile circular route around the hillfort, using the self-guided walk’s archaeological stops to understand the earthworks.
- 03
Spend time at the eastern ramparts and main entrance, then explore the hilltop and its views.
- 04
Return to the car park. Close gates and be prepared for a moderate route that may be muddy.
Verified history
Burrough Hill is a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort on a high promontory. The archaeological account says its date is uncertain but it was probably established in the 5th century BC. Natural steep slopes were strengthened with stone and earth ramparts, up to 6 metres high in places, enclosing about 5 hectares. The eastern ramparts were larger because that side was less naturally defended and included the main entrance. Excavation showed that stone for the ramparts was quarried from the ditch in front of them. The earthworks were noted by antiquarians from at least the 16th century; William Stukeley included the site in a landscape drawing in 1722. Investigations included excavations between 1935 and 1971 and a University of Leicester programme from 2010 to 2014. The country park has been leased and managed by Leicestershire County Council for public enjoyment since 1970, according to the archaeological walk source.
Folklore & legend
No specific folklore or legend is documented in the supplied sources. The park operator notes that the area was historically pasture and was reputed to be the birthplace of Stilton cheese; this is a reported local claim, not established here as fact.
Hidden details
The hillfort’s main entrance faced its weaker side — The eastern side had less natural protection, so its ramparts were larger and incorporated the principal entrance. Look for this change in scale when approaching the earthworks.
Rampart stone came from the ditch — Excavation showed that stone used in the ramparts was quarried from the large ditch in front of them. The archaeological walk also describes the original frontage as dry-stone construction.
When to go
· No best time is established by the supplied sources. Check the seasonal car-park closing time before visiting.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal highlight or wildlife peak.
Paths can be uneven and muddy. Wear suitable footwear and check conditions before visiting.
What to look for
Look for the substantial eastern ramparts, where the main entrance was located, and the ditch from which stone for the defences was quarried. The hillfort’s grassy interior and steep natural slopes help explain how its position shaped its defences.
The story
Prehistoric archaeology; Iron Age hillfort
Best time to go
The supplied sources do not identify a best season. Check conditions before setting out; paths can be uneven and muddy.
No particular season or time of day is identified in the supplied sources. Check the park’s current seasonal car-park closing time before setting off.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 9am-5pm
- Tuesday: 9am-5pm
- Wednesday: 9am-5pm
- Thursday: 9am-5pm
- Friday: 9am-5pm
- Saturday: 9am-5pm
- Sunday: 9am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Public country park between Burrough on the Hill and Somerby. The official park page says it opens daily; car-park entry begins at 7am, with closing times varying by month. Some paths are uneven and the site is a working farm, so close gates. Check current details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Car park off Somerby Road, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QZ. Officially listed charges: £2.50 up to 1 hour, £4 up to 2 hours, £5 up to 3 hours and £5.50 over 3 hours. Seasonal closing times apply; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed by the park operator. Check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting; no café is verified by the supplied authoritative sources.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs welcome according to the park operator. Keep dogs under control and follow current signs; this is a working farm.
Accessibility
The park operator lists accessible paths, a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance in the supplied source row. Some paths are uneven; check route suitability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Burrough Hill Country Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph7.1Holwell Reserves
Main Street, Holwell, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4SZ
11.7 km away
Source image6.5Cossington Meadows
Syston Road, west of Cossington village, Leicestershire, LE7 4UZ
16.4 km away
