
Donisthorpe Woodland Park
A revitalized colliery site offering serene woodland walks and canal-side trails, perfect for nature lovers and dog walkers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom

Donisthorpe Woodland Park
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A revitalized colliery site offering serene woodland walks and canal-side trails, perfect for nature lovers and dog walkers.
"Great place to wander around with our dog. Plenty of choice of paths along the canal or our favourite through the woods."

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
This park is a dream for dogs! Plenty of space to run and explore. Keep them on a lead if needed.
☕ Coffee & Cake Stop
Grab a coffee and a bite at Moira Furnace cafe. Great for a post-walk treat.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Woodland Trails
Throughout the park
Explore lush woodlands, perfect for dog runs and wildlife spotting. A favorite for many visitors.

Ashby Canal Path
Adjacent to the park
Enjoy scenic walks or cycles along the tranquil Ashby Canal, offering a different perspective.

Moira Furnace
Park entrance
A historic landmark offering coffee, cake, and a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Paths
Colliery to Countryside Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
This park is a dream for dogs! Plenty of space to run and explore. Keep them on a lead if needed.
☕ Coffee & Cake Stop
Grab a coffee and a bite at Moira Furnace cafe. Great for a post-walk treat.
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
Many paths are suitable for wheelchairs and all abilities. Enjoy the nature comfortably.
🚲 Cycling Routes
Great for cycling too! Explore the canal path and heritage trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
This park is a dream for dogs! Plenty of space to run and explore. Keep them on a lead if needed.
☕ Coffee & Cake Stop
Grab a coffee and a bite at Moira Furnace cafe. Great for a post-walk treat.
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
Many paths are suitable for wheelchairs and all abilities. Enjoy the nature comfortably.
🚲 Cycling Routes
Great for cycling too! Explore the canal path and heritage trails.
⚠️ Watch for Glass
Occasionally, broken glass can be found. Be mindful, especially with children and pets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Donisthorpe Woodland Park as a wonderful, dog-friendly destination with diverse walking and cycling paths along the canal and through woodlands. The park's transformation from a colliery to a natural haven is appreciated, with many enjoying the wildlife and accessible routes. Occasional issues with broken glass are noted but don't detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
"Great place to wander around with our dog. Plenty of choice of paths along the canal or our favourite through the woods. Can stop for coffee and cake by the Furnace or a beer at the pavilion. Easy parking."
Tim
"Parked at Moira Furnace and cycled along the Ashby canal , around Donisthorpe Wood and onto Ashby Heritage Trail to Measham . Great paths for walking and cycling"
Allison
"Great place to walk the dog. Cafe at moira furnace. Dog friendly. Good bagels"
Linda Buckingham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Donisthorpe Woodland Park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at Moira Furnace. It's also a popular spot for cycling along the Ashby Canal and can be reached via local bus routes.
Yes, there is easy parking available, particularly at the Moira Furnace end of the park, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! The Ashby Canal path and the Ashby Heritage Trail offer excellent cycling routes that connect to the park.
While not always advertised, some local groups organize walks. For instance, 'activemumsclub' hosts regular walks, so check local community pages.
The park has a good network of paths. For a varied experience, combine the woodland trails with the canal path. Maps are usually available at the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Donisthorpe Woodland Park is free to enter and explore, making it an accessible natural attraction for everyone.
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty throughout the day.
There's no need to book tickets as entry is free. You can visit spontaneously whenever you wish.
Keep an eye on local community boards and the Moira Furnace Museum website for any upcoming events or organized walks.
Yes, you can enjoy a short walk along the canal or a brief wander through the woods for a quick dose of nature.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors often spot various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. The woodlands are particularly rich in biodiversity.
Yes, there's a cafe at Moira Furnace offering coffee, cake, and bagels, and toilet facilities are usually available there.
Definitely! The park offers beautiful scenery, from wildflowers in spring to autumn foliage, and the canal provides picturesque shots.
Picnicking is a great idea! There are many lovely spots throughout the park, especially along the canal, to enjoy your meal.
Visit Moira Furnace to learn about the area's industrial past as a colliery. The park itself is a testament to its transformation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Moira Furnace cafe is a convenient option for coffee, cake, and bagels right by the park.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended and a popular activity for visitors.
The cafe at Moira Furnace is generally dog-friendly, making it a pleasant stop for you and your canine companion.
You can find coffee, cake, and good bagels at the Moira Furnace cafe.
While the park focuses on natural beauty, nearby towns like Ashby-de-la-Zouch offer a wider range of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ashby Canal path offers serene water reflections, while the woodlands provide opportunities for capturing light filtering through trees and wildlife. Moira Furnace itself is also photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Spring brings wildflowers, and autumn provides stunning foliage colors.
Yes, the park is home to various wildlife. Be patient and respectful, and you might capture some great shots of birds and small mammals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing wildlife.
A versatile lens is useful for capturing both landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the canal views, and a telephoto can be helpful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Moira Furnace offers a chance to learn about local history, and the canal path provides a safe and scenic route for a family bike ride. It's a great place for a relaxed day out, offering plenty of space for children to run around and burn off energy in a safe, natural environment.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring waste bags and be mindful of other park users. The cafe at Moira Furnace is generally dog-friendly, so you can both enjoy a refreshment break.
🚴 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Visitors often highlight the choice between the open canal-side paths and the more enclosed, shaded woodland routes. The park's transformation from its industrial past is a fascinating aspect, with remnants and stories subtly woven into the landscape. It’s a place where you can easily spend a few hours exploring, whether you're on foot, bike, or simply enjoying a peaceful wander with your dog.
Wildlife and Nature
During spring, the park is adorned with wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the landscape. This natural beauty is a stark contrast to its history as a colliery, showcasing a successful ecological regeneration. The presence of wildlife makes every visit an opportunity for discovery, adding an element of excitement, especially for families and nature enthusiasts.
History and Transformation
Visitors can learn about this history at Moira Furnace, a local landmark that offers insights into the region's industrial heritage. The juxtaposition of the park's natural beauty with its industrial past provides a unique and thought-provoking experience for visitors, highlighting the resilience and renewal of nature.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit