🦌 A Family Day Out at Bradgate Park: Wild Deer, Historic Ruins & Scenic Walks in Leicestershire
🏰 Why Bradgate Park is a Hidden Gem for UK Families
🦌 Wild Deer Watching: Nature at Its Best
Bradgate Park is best known for its freely roaming red and fallow deer. Kids love spotting these gentle animals wandering through open fields and forest edges. It’s a rare chance to get close to wildlife in a natural setting — but do remind little ones to keep a respectful distance!
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- Bench near water – Bradgate Park
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- Dog – Bradgate Park
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- Swans Family in Bradgate Park
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- Swan and other birds in Bradgate Park
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- Old tree in Sun set – Bradgate Park
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- View from Old John Hill – Bradgate Park
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- Old Tree – Bradgate Park
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- Shallow Stream – River Lyn – Bradgate Park
🏯 Explore the Ruins of Bradgate House
Right in the middle of the park lies the haunting ruins of Bradgate House, one of England’s first brick-built country homes. It was once home to Lady Jane Grey and is now a protected historical site. The area around the ruins is great for a family picnic, with views of open fields, deer, and winding paths.
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- The ruins – Bradgate House, Birthplace of Lady Jane Grey – Bradgate Park
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- The ruins – Bradgate House, Birthplace of Lady Jane Grey – Bradgate Park
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- The ruins – Bradgate House, Birthplace of Lady Jane Grey – Bradgate Park
🫖 Climb to Old John Tower – The Famous “Teapot” Hill
If your kids have energy to burn, take the climb up to Old John Tower, Bradgate’s most famous landmark. This quirky 18th-century folly looks like a teapot from a distance and offers breathtaking views of Leicester on clear days. Right next to it is the Yeomanry War Memorial, commemorating local soldiers from the Boer War and World Wars.
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- Bradgate Park – Old John
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- Old John – Bradgate Park
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- Old John Hill – Bradgate Park
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- Old John Tower – Bradgate Park
🌳 River Lin & Little Matlock: Shallow Waters and Shaded Walks
The River Lin — Leicestershire’s shortest river — gently winds through the park and offers a perfect spot for a relaxing riverside break. The shallow waters are safe for kids to splash in or look for tiny fish, making it a family favourite on sunny days. The grassy banks along the river are ideal for a picnic. Nearby, the Little Matlock area provides a shaded, tree-lined path that’s great for peaceful strolls or pushing a buggy.
🧭 Final Tips for Visiting Bradgate Park with Kids
✅ Free entry – only parking charges apply
✅ Perfect for buggy walks, nature hunts, and history-loving parents
✅ Bring wellies or walking shoes — it can get muddy!
❗ Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads near deer
Visit the official website for opening times, parking charges, and event updates:
🔗 https://www.bradgatepark.org
🚂 Getting There: Parking & Public Transport
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- Parking Charges – Bradgate Park Car Park
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- Pay Station – Bradgate Park Car Park
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- ANPR Parking – How to pay -Bradgate Park Car Park
By Car:
There are three main car parks:
Newtown Linford (LE6 0HB): Best for flat scenic walks and deer watching.
Hunt’s Hill (LE6 0AH): Best for quick access to Old John. Steep hills.
Hallgates (LE7 7HQ): Near Cropston Reservoir and Swithland Woods.
By Bus:
Take the 125 bus from Leicester’s St Margaret’s Bus Station to Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford. Be sure to check the latest timetable on Diamond Buses.
