This rural parish contains no distinct village and consists of a scattering of houses and farms over part of the Charnwood Forest. The scenery is superb, with hills, valleys, rocky outcrops, some fine old trees and beautiful views. The Parish is internationally known in geological circles for its pre-cambrian rocks and “bomb rocks”
Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, founded a priory of Augustinian friars at Charley during the reign of Henry VIII, and this was joined to Ulverscroft Priory in 1465. Oaks in Charnwood Parish Church stands in an isolated position within the rural parish of Charley. It was consecrated on 18th June 1815 and is decorated with trophies from the Battle of Waterloo fought that same day.