Wymeswold Village Pound

Three weathered stone walls standing in the middle of Wymeswold village mark one of Britain's most complete medieval animal pounds. This rectangular stone enclosure, probably dating from the 14th or 15th century, once served as the village lock-up for stray livestock - sheep, cattle and pigs that wandered onto common land would be herded here until their owners paid a fine to retrieve them.

Today the pound sits rather forlornly beside the village road, surrounded by a low metal fence. You can walk around the perimeter in about five minutes, though there's little interpretation to explain its significance. History enthusiasts will appreciate this rare survival of medieval village life, but casual visitors might find themselves wondering what all the fuss is about.

Families staying at nearby sites like High Meadows Farm or Midshires Way Campsite could easily combine a visit with a walk through this proper English village near Loughborough. The pound itself won't detain you long, but Wymeswold has a decent pub and some attractive older houses that make the detour worthwhile. Best approached as part of a broader exploration of the area rather than a destination in its own right.