Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago. It provides 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside close to Leicester City Centre.

The Park offers a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. The landscape offers some of the finest views and is rich in change throughout the seasons. 

Suppose you do not fancy exploring the hills. In that case, the lower part of the Park is easily accessible, with a tarmac carriageway running through this area, which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Our Visitor Centre is in the heart of the Park, alongside the carriageway at the Deer Barns, where you will also find our Cafe. 

The Centre is free, and the exhibition tells the story of the Bradgate Estate and its fascinating natural and human history.

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Map of Bradgate Park showing car parks, visitor information and access areas.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE MAP.

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The River Lin and Little Matlock 

The River Lin, Leicestershire's shortest river, runs through the Lower Park and is a popular spot to sit and picnic next to, or just sit and watch the deer while children paddle in the shallows. The River, which is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is rich in wildlife. The Victorians created shallow waterfalls to clear the silt from the water, as the river feeds Cropston Reservoir. 

Little Matlock provides an attractive walk to the heart of the Park through the 'Victorian-designed landscape', with exotic plantings such as Monkey Puzzle trees. It was named 'Little Matlock' since it reflects the landscape of the Peak District. 

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Old John Tower and the Yeomanry War Memorial 

Old John Tower is an 18th-century folly that sits on the highest point of the Park and is one of Leicestershire’s most famous landmarks. It is often referred to as the 'Icon of Leicestershire'.

The Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial, which stands on the hill next to Old John Tower, commemorates the men of the Leicestershire Yeomanry who died in the Boer War and the two World Wars.  The Memorial, erected in 1924, is an obelisk containing two bronze tablets. 

The Ruins of Bradgate House

Bradgate House was one of the earliest brick-built country houses in England, and the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for Nine Days in 1553. The Ruins are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England. The Charity is working with local archaeologists and universities to discover more about the rich stories and heritage they tell us.

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The Deer Herd

The first written reference to a deer park at Bradgate dates from 1241. The Park supports both Red and Fallow deer, with a herd size of around 550 animals, of which three-quarters are Fallow deer.

Throughout the year, our team leads guided walks, which help people understand more about these wild animals. This includes summer 'Young Deer' walks and also some in the rutting season in October.  

The Bradgate Park herds are wild deer, and a large area of the Park is kept as a sanctuary for them, with no public access.  As the deer roam free and mix with visitors, we remind everyone to keep their distance from these wild animals and take extra care when visiting with dogs and young children. Keep your distance to 50m, and please do not feed the deer.