Beneath the Bracken: The Archaeology of Bradgate Park 2026

Beneath the Bracken: The Archaeology of Bradgate Park

Step back through 15,000 years of history with an exclusive archaeological walking tour of Bradgate Park. Over five years, researchers from the University of Leicester uncovered remarkable evidence of human activity across this ancient landscape. Now, one of the project’s directors — Professor Richard Thomas — will guide you through the discoveries that reshaped our understanding of the park’s past.

This immersive tour will take you to key excavation sites, including:

• An Ice Age hunting camp, revealing the lives of some of the park’s earliest visitors
• An Iron Age enclosure, offering insights into prehistoric communities
• The medieval deer park and hunting lodge, central to Bradgate’s long aristocratic history
• Bradgate House (and the hidden house beneath it), and associated outbuildings

Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, captivated by Bradgate’s heritage, or simply eager to see the Park with a fresh perspective, this tour offers a rare chance to explore its secrets with someone who helped uncover them.

Price 

£7.50 per person. This walk is suitable for ages 12+.

Please note: parking charges apply.

When 

6pm - 8pm, Friday 17th July 2026

The walk is approx. 2 hours long.

Meeting point 

Please meet at Newtown Linford Car Park LE6 0HB. Your walk leader will meet you beside the black iron gates.

Please aim to arrive approx. 10 minutes before the start of the walk.

Suitability

This is a moderate walk is suitable for children aged 12+. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

Accessibility

This walk will include uneven terrain and grass tracks. Sessions will go ahead unless extreme weather is forecast. Please contact the Estate Office on 0116 236 2713 if you have any queries relating to accessibility.

Parking

Please park at Newtown Linford car park. Parking is not included in your ticket. Please click here for parking tariffs.

Please note:

• This is an outdoor walk which will go ahead in all weather conditions, except in the case of extreme weather that threatens the safety of our staff and visitors.
• We are unable to make refunds for this event, except in the circumstance of the event being cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. 

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