Where Heritage meets the Race
As the professional cyclists race towards the finish at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, they pass through some of North Warwickshire’s most historic and scenic villages. Here’s a closer look at the areas on the route that are in North Warwickshire:
Atherstone
Atherstone is a historic market town in North Warwickshire, England, located near the border with Leicestershire and situated along the A5 (Watling Street), a former Roman road. It became a market town in 1246 when monks from Bec Abbey obtained a charter from King Henry III. Atherstone is also famous for its annual medieval Shrove Tuesday Ball Game, a unique and lively tradition played in the streets for over 800 years that continues to draw crowds every year. Another key historical landmark is St. Mary’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century.
Mancetter
Mancetter is a historic village in North Warwickshire that lies along the ancient Roman road Watling Street, where it crosses the River Anker, and has a rich history dating back to Roman Britain. Historically, Mancetter had stone quarries considered among the most extensive in the UK, as well as manganese mines of high quality. Some historians suggest Mancetter may have been the site of the final battle between the Roman army and the forces of Boudica, the famous Iceni queen, although the exact location remains uncertain. Numerous Roman artefacts have been discovered in the area, including coins, bricks, and tools.
Hartshill
Hartshill has roots dating back to at least the Iron Age, with remains of a hill fort nearby. The ruins of a medieval castle still stand near the village centre, adding to its historical character. Hartshill is also the birthplace of Elizabethan poet Michael Drayton, who was born here in 1563, and a local junior school is named in his honour.
Chapel End
Chapel End is a charming village located in Warwickshire, England, near the town of Nuneaton. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic countryside. The village has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, and during the medieval period, it was an important centre for the wool trade. One of its key landmarks is the 12th-century St. Mary's Church, a Grade II listed site.
Ansley
Passing through North Warwickshire, cyclists enter Ansley, a village shaped by its coal mining past. The race route follows quiet country roads that are part of the North Warwickshire Cycle Way, a network of popular cycling paths. Cyclists will pass close to the village’s iconic winding wheel memorial, which honours the miners who once worked in the local Daw Mill Colliery. The surrounding countryside offers a mix of gentle hills and flat stretches, making this part of the route both scenic and challenging. Ansley’s blend of history and nature provides a fitting backdrop as riders push on towards the finish at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park.
Church End
Church End in Warwickshire refers to a few small hamlets or settlements, often with deep historical roots. One notable Church End is located near Nuneaton, while another is associated with Shustoke and Chesterton. The area features the Griffin Pub, situated on a sharp bend, with Shustoke Church located opposite. The village has a strong sense of community, with a pub, post office, and village hall hosting events throughout the year.
Furnace End
Furnace End derives its name from the iron smelting furnaces that once operated in the area, owned by the Jennens family, prominent landowners in nearby Nether Whitacre. The hamlet also has historical ties to milling, with records of a watermill dating back to at least 1517. This mill, constructed from red sandstone and brick, featured a mill race possibly dating to monastic times. The village is surrounded by scenic countryside, offering ample opportunities for walking and cycling. Nearby nature reserves like Kingsbury Water Park and Coleshill Heath provide habitats for diverse wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
Shustoke
As the professional riders make their way through North Warwickshire, they pass through the quiet village of Shustoke, a place full of history. The village dates back over 900 years, and its old church, St Cuthbert’s, has stood since the 1300s. Along the way, cyclists will also pass historic homes and almshouses that have been part of the village for centuries. Just outside Shustoke lies Shustoke Reservoir, a peaceful spot popular with walkers and birdwatchers. For the cyclists, the stretch of road where they pass through Shustoke is fast and flat, a chance to build speed before the tougher hills ahead. It’s a scenic part of the route where history and countryside meet.
Maxstoke
As the riders race through North Warwickshire on their way to Burton Dassett Hills County Park, they pass close to the village of Maxstoke, a place with a rich history. They will ride near Maxstoke Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century building with a long history. The route also goes past Maxstoke Priory and along Green End Road, close to Blabers Hall Wine Estate, which sits at the top of the hills. From there, the course continues down into the village of Fillongley, a beautiful part of the Warwickshire countryside.
Green End
Green End, a peaceful rural hamlet in the parish of Fillongley, lies nestled in the Warwickshire countryside between Meriden, Coleshill, and Atherstone. On Green End Road, you’ll find Blabers Hall Wine Estate, a picturesque vineyard established by Clarke and Adele Adams. The estate's farmhouse, a Grade II listed building, dates back to the mid-1700s and was officially listed in 1988. The vineyard was planted in 2016, with its first harvest in 2018. Today, it produces around 10 distinctive wines, including still whites, rosés, red, and sparkling, all vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, with a focus on sustainability.
Fillongley
The riders competing in the 2025 Men’s Lloyds Tour of Britain will cycle through Fillongley, a village full of history and character nestled in North Warwickshire. The village was once home to two castles: the first, a ringwork built around 1135 at Castle Hills, and the second, a fortified manor house at Castle Yard, constructed in the 13th century. These sites are now scheduled ancient monuments, with only earthworks and partial ruins remaining. As the cyclists race through Fillongley on their way to Burton Dassett Hills, they pass close to several historic sites. While the route doesn't take them directly by Fillongley Castle ruins, St Mary and All Saints Church, Fillongley Mill, or Fillongley Old Hall, these landmarks are within easy reach for spectators wanting to explore the village's heritage. It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy both the excitement of the race and the charm of Fillongley's history.