Burrough on the Hill, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2QZ
Burrough Hill Iron Age Hillfort
Prehistoric
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2A prehistoric hillfort crowns a steep-sided promontory at 210 metres, its grassy interior and ramparts looking out across the farmland and villages of eastern Leicestershire.
Burrough Hill brings a substantial prehistoric earthwork and broad countryside views together in a compact visit. Its steep promontory, visible ramparts and excavated main entrance give the landscape a clear story to follow, rather than leaving it as just a viewpoint.
Dramatic · Big-sky · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapBurrough on the Hill, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2QZ
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The experience
Start at the Somerby Road car park and follow the farm track towards the hillfort. Take time at the eastern ramparts and main entrance, then explore the grassy interior and look out over the surrounding countryside. The route can be muddy, and paths are uneven in places.
Things to do
Walk up to the hillfort
Follow the farm track from the car park towards the hillfort earthworks. The supplied self-guided walk describes a 1.2-mile circular route; ground can be muddy and the gradient is moderate.
About 1 hour for the documented walk
Study the eastern ramparts and entrance
The eastern defences are larger because this side was less naturally protected; the main entrance is incorporated into the ramparts.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Escape: Ramparts and summit views
- 01
Start from the country park car park off Somerby Road.
- 02
Follow the farm track towards the hillfort earthworks.
- 03
Pause at the eastern ramparts and main entrance, then take in the views from the grassy hilltop.
- 04
Return the same way, allowing for uneven or muddy ground.
Half day · Allow 2–3 hours
Make a Half Day of It: Walk the hillfort circuit
- 01
Begin at the Somerby Road car park and follow the farm track to the hillfort.
- 02
Use the self-guided circular walk to explore the earthworks and their archaeological story.
- 03
Spend time at the eastern ramparts, main entrance and ditch, then walk the hilltop for its countryside views.
- 04
Return to the car park; check seasonal closing times and allow for muddy or uneven sections.
Verified history
Burrough Hill is a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort on a steep-sided promontory. The Leicestershire Country Parks account describes the site at 210 metres and notes its prominent position in the landscape. The University of Leicester Archaeological Services self-guided walk explains that the eastern ramparts are larger because that side was less naturally defended, and that excavation showed stone for the ramparts was quarried from the ditch in front of them. The walk also records antiquarian interest from at least the 16th century and William Stukeley’s landscape drawing of the hillfort in 1722. The present country park is part of a 25-hectare site leased from the Ernest Cook Trust since 1970.
Hidden details
The less naturally defended side — The eastern side needed stronger defences because its natural slopes offered less protection. Notice how the ramparts and main entrance are concentrated here.
Stone taken from the ditch — The self-guided walk reports that excavation showed stone for the ramparts had been quarried from the large ditch in front of the hillfort.
A landmark drawn in 1722 — William Stukeley included the hillfort in one of his landscape drawings in 1722, evidence that the earthworks had attracted antiquarian attention centuries ago.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for the views. Check the car park’s seasonal closing time before setting out.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal wildlife or landscape peak. Seasonal car park closing times vary, so check them before visiting.
The route can be muddy and some paths are uneven. Wear suitable footwear and check conditions before setting out.
The route
- surface
- Farm track and pasture; can be muddy. Some paths around the site are uneven.
- distance
- 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
- duration
- About 1 hour
- difficulty
- Moderate
- waymarking
- The self-guided walk describes a signposted farm track from the car park to the hillfort.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Country park car park off Somerby Road, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QZ
- parking start
- Car park off Somerby Road. The supplied walk source lists a £2.50 parking charge; the country park lists current tariff bands and seasonal closing times on its site.
- shorter alternative
- Walk from the car park to the hillfort and return by the same track rather than completing the circular route.
- Eastern ramparts and main entrance
- Grassy hilltop and countryside views
- Archaeological features explained by the self-guided walk
What to look for
- 01
Look for the larger eastern ramparts, which incorporate the main entrance
- 02
the ditch from which stone for the ramparts was quarried
- 03
and the steep natural slopes that helped defend the promontory.
The story
Prehistoric archaeology; Iron Age hillfort
Best time to go
No specific best season is established by the supplied sources. Check current conditions; some paths can be uneven and the walk may be muddy.
The park is open daily, but the car park has seasonal closing times. Choose a clear day for the wide views; check the current closing time and ground conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Leicestershire Country Parks describes the site as a country park open every day. The car park opens from 7am, with closing times varying by month; parking is charged. Some paths are uneven.
Parking
Country park car park off Somerby Road, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QZ. Charges listed by the park: £2.50 up to 1 hour, £4 up to 2 hours, £5 up to 3 hours and £5.50 over 3 hours. Check current tariffs and seasonal closing times before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed by Leicestershire Country Parks. Check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs welcome, according to Leicestershire Country Parks. Follow site guidance and close gates because this is a working farm.
Accessibility
The country park lists accessible paths and a wheelchair-accessible car park. Some paths are uneven; the supplied sources do not establish that the hillfort route is fully wheelchair accessible.
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Burrough Hill Iron Age Hillfort
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
