Leicestershire

Bradgate Country Park

Newton Linford, Leics

Phone:

Description:Medieval Deer Park

Website:map and general details

Found in category: Leicestershire Tourist Attractions

Bradgate park is an historic Mediaeval deer park in the heart of the ancient Charnwood Forest. It retains much of its original landscape with small woods, grassy slopes and rocky outcrops.
Bradgate Park is Leicestershire's largest country park and was originally created as a deer park in the ancient Charnwood Forest. Red and fallow deer can still be seen feeding among the bracken.
Grassy paths provide a variety of walks with views over nearby Cropston Reservoir and the city of Leicester.
An important part of the history of the Park are the ruins of Bradgate House, home to Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen for nine days before being beheaded in 1554. Another prominant landmark is the Old John Tower, a folly built on a hilltop in 1786.
The park includes a visitor centre, which contains displays on its history, geology, flora and fauna.