The stone crenellated tower was built around 1784 by the 5th Earl of Stamford, standing nearly 700 feet above sea level, it has fine views of the Soar Valley and parts of Leicester and the Charnwood Forest. The ruins of Bradgate House lie in the centre of the park, the house was occupied by the Grey family for over 200 years and even today a muster of peacocks are kept there. Arts and Entertainment are well represented in Loughborough at the Charnwood Theatre in the Town Hall, which presents a full programme of amateur and professional performances. Loughborough University stages a number of concerts and other arts events during the course of the year. On the fringe of the Charnwood area is the Castle Donnington Race Circuit, venue of major international sporting events.
Golfers have the choice of several courses in the area.
Walkers will find the Charnwood area superb, An abundance of signed footpaths allow access to the many varied forms of scenery ranging from the hilly outcrops and woodlands of the Charnwood Forest to the more gentle and tranquil features of the Soar and Wreake Valleys. Barrow is on the east bank of the Soar, with good mooring and shopping facilities, a pleasant stopping point for boaters. Barrow can trace its roots back to at least Roman times. The much restored Holy Trinity Church is of 14th century origin. Woodhouse Eaves is at the heart of the Charnwood Forest.