Queen Adelaide's Oak, an old oak tree in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire

Where to go · Leicestershire

Forest bathing at Bradgate Park

A medieval deer park in Charnwood Forest, with red and fallow deer and the ruins of Lady Jane Grey's childhood home.

Bradgate Park is around 850 acres of medieval deer park in Charnwood Forest, north west of Leicester, between Newtown Linford, Anstey, Cropston and Swithland. Around 550 red and fallow deer roam it, and the ruins of Bradgate House, the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, sit in the middle. The Bradgate Park Trust also points to the oldest fossils in the UK in its rocks.

The park is busy, especially along the main drive from Newtown Linford, so walk away from it to find the quieter corners. Arrive near opening for the calmest hour. All the car parks charge, including for blue badge holders, and toilets are at the main car parks and in the centre of the park. The public footpath across the park stays open even when the park is closed. For closed woodland, pair a visit with Swithland Wood next door.

Practical

Managed by
Bradgate Park Trust
Parking
Pay car parks at Newtown Linford, Hallgates and Hunt's Hill; blue badge holders also pay
Facilities
Toilets at the main car parks and Deer Barn; two tearooms; free visitor centre
Opening and entry
Open every day from 8am to sunset; free entry, parking charge
Official page
bradgatepark.org

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

A guide within 15 miles of Bradgate Park

More woodlands in Leicestershire

All venues in Leicestershire
Woodland path at Beacon Hill Country Park, LeicestershireBeacon Hill Country ParkCharnwood hilltop woods on ancient volcanic rock, with bluebells and autumn colourFootbridge among the trees in Burbage Wood near Hinckley, LeicestershireBurbage Common and WoodsCoppiced woods and hay meadow on the edge of Hinckley, with a free car parkTrees and path in Martinshaw Wood near Ratby, LeicestershireMartinshaw WoodLarge ancient wood near Ratby, part of an old deer park, with 36 tree species

Photos: Beacon Hill Country Park, Mat Fascione (CC BY-SA 2.0); Burbage Common and Woods, Tim Glover (CC BY-SA 2.0); Martinshaw Wood, Jim Barton (CC BY-SA 2.0).