Bradgate Park - Leicester

Daniel P.

Lovely park, stunning backdrop with plenty of dears, you feel like you could be in the Scottish Highlands at times. Picturesque place which is great for walking, whether it's a ramble up to Old John Tower, a rummage in the woods, or a dip in the stream. Highly recommend for dog walkers and families to get out into the fresh air!!

s. S.

A beautiful park and a great place for hiking, walking, and simply relaxing. It’s always thrilling to see wildlife up close here. Toilet facilities and cafés are available both at the entrance and in the middle of the park, which makes it very convenient.

You can easily spend the whole day enjoying a picnic and connecting with nature and wildlife. There’s plenty of parking available — £5 on weekdays and £6 on weekends for the full day. It’s also good to see that bins are placed throughout the park, helping to keep it clean.

Halal E.

Bradgate Park is truly a gem, an incredible place to unwind, take a long walk, and just breathe. It's the kind of spot where nature does all the talking. The landscape is vast and beautiful, with open spaces, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps you disconnect from everyday life.

It used to be quieter, and while it's more popular now and can get busy, there are still those rare, quieter days when you can enjoy the serenity and really take it all in. If you're lucky enough to visit on one of those days, the peacefulness is something special.

Perfect for a picnic, a long stroll, or even just some time to sit and think. Just a tip bring everything you might need, because you might find yourself staying longer than planned. It’s that kind of place.

Andrew T.

Fantastic parkland with a large expanse of green space, some striking landmarks and remarkable prehistoric rock formations.
Bradgate Park dates back around 800 years, when it began life as a deer park, a role it still fulfills today with a large herd of Fallow and Red deer. It's also home to the impressive ruins of Bradgate House, one of England's oldest brick built houses, and amazing ancient oak trees, many of which date back over 500 years.
The park is maintained to a very high standard and has a number of entrances, each with their own parking area (charged daily at a reasonable rate) and public toilet facilities. Tearooms are located near the reservoir and the Newtown Linford entrance.
The path is crossed by a network of well maintained and clearly signposted paths, ideal for dog walks and popular with families.
The Newtown Linford entrance is best for short, easy walks past the stream to the house, while the Hunts Hill entrance in the upper part of the park is best for more challenging walks to Old John Tower and the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial. These high points offer expansive views over the surrounding countryside and the Leicester skyline, with rugged rocks in the foreground.
We stopped here on the way to the Peak District thinking the park would be a more interesting way to break the journey than a motorway service station, and were very happy to have done so. A real suprise that exceeded all expectations.

Debbi D.

Beautiful deer park. Lots to see today, the ruins were open, a small walled garden was open and we had a lovely talk in the museum about the different antlers. Lovely tea, cakes and sausage rolls in the Deer Barn cafe. Always a joy just to walk through the park, peaceful and lots of beautiful old trees and wildlife

Emy C.

Simply the best country park offering scenic walking trails, informative visitor centre, delightful cafe, historic buildings, ancient trees and lots and lots of roaming deers. Love it!

louise R.

As a child, Bradgate Park was a regular place that I visited. This is the first time in many years that I have been back. It's just as beautiful and scenic as it always was, with the addition a cafe. We parked at Hallgates car park...
The park is filled with history, walks, monuments, a reservoir, deer/stags and wildlife. The views are amazing!
When parking, read the pay and display ticket display information fully, as there is a week day charge and weekend/bank hol charge.

Albina A.

Bradgate Park is an absolutely lovely natural retreat, offering something for everyone. It's truly wonderful to see so many friendly visitors, from families enjoying picnics and couples strolling hand-in-hand, to happy dogs exploring alongside their owners – it's incredibly dog-friendly, which is a huge plus!
A highlight for any visit is the climb up to Old John. The panoramic views from there are simply magnificent and well worth the effort. Getting to the park is easy too, with a good selection of car parks conveniently located around the entire perimeter, making access straightforward no matter which part you wish to explore first. It's truly a great park to visit, ensuring you can spend a full day here without feeling rushed.
Beyond its natural beauty, Bradgate Park is steeped in history, being the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for just nine days. You can almost feel the echoes of the past as you wander through the grounds. The park is also a haven for wildlife; you'll regularly spot magnificent deer roaming freely, and the waters are home to graceful swans and lively ducks, adding to the charm of the landscape.
Keep an eye out for their fantastic events throughout the year, especially the vibrant summer fairs which bring a festive atmosphere. For those with a keen eye, the park also hosts photography competitions, providing a wonderful opportunity to capture its enduring beauty. Whether you're there for a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or simply to enjoy the wildlife, Bradgate Park never disappoints.