Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bradgate Park is one of Leicestershire's most cherished natural spaces, encompassing 850 acres of open parkland and ancient woodland. The park forms the largest free public space in the county and is best known for its rugged granite outcrops, including the striking Old John Tower, a folly built in the late 18th century on the highest point in the park. Bradgate’s landscape features rolling hills, large herds of red and fallow deer, and remnants of medieval deer park boundaries. Adjoining to the west, Swithland Wood is a designated Local Nature Reserve covering approximately 200 acres of ancient woodland, rich in biodiversity, including bluebells, native oak, and wild service trees.
The combined area offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including walking, wildlife observation, and photography. Bradgate Park's well-maintained trail network caters to casual walkers and more adventurous hikers eager to explore the varied terrain. Swithland Wood contains quieter woodland paths ideal for peaceful walks and springtime flower displays. The park has a long history, having been a medieval hunting ground owned by the Grey family, with Lady Jane Grey, the ‘Nine Days Queen,’ born at Bradgate House within the park until it fell to ruins in the 17th century. Visitor amenities include car parks, a visitor center with educational exhibits, and picnic areas. The combination of dramatic natural features, wildlife, and historic landmarks makes Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking accessible nature and cultural heritage.
