Bradgate Park in Leicester

Bradgate Park, located in Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, Leicester, LE6 0HE, United Kingdom, is one of Leicestershire’s most fascinating historical landmarks.

History is integral to all communities and cultures. Similarly, preserving historical artefacts and monuments can be an important means of informing and transmitting local history to future generations. Bradgate Park offers visitors the region’s unique history.

Let’s look at the history of Bradgate Park in Leicestershire, what it offers visitors, when and how you can visit, and what other people had to say about their experience at this quintessential Leicestershire monument.

Bradgate Park dates back to 1928. The park was part of the estate of the Earl of Stamford, but upon his death, it was bequeathed to his niece. The niece sold it to Charles Bennion, who transferred the land to the city to be used as a public spot with its immense historical locations and natural beauty.

Bradgate Park has existed in some capacity since well before 1000 A.D. By 1241, it had become a deer hunting ground, with deer and wildlife still a prominent part of the park to this day. Over time, the park had many structures and buildings built on it, representing different eras in British architectural design. One of the most notable is the folly called “Old John“. The story is the folly was built in honour of a groundskeeper named John, who died tragically during a bonfire. Old John has since become one of the most popular spots to visit when making a trip to Bradgate Park.

Bradgate Park also has a few nearby shops and café venues for you to choose from. The first you’ll encounter is the Conservatory Tearoom. The Conservatory Tearoom offers tea, baked goods, and lunch meals, including local venison. They also have an ice cream cart located at Hallgates and Hunts Hill car parks. Likewise, a souvenir shop is open with plenty of fun and exciting merchandise. Plus, there are some small cafes and pubs within Newtown Linford, which are worth a visit.

One of the best things about Bradgate Park is it’s completely free to visit. Wonderful Leicestershire Park opens at 8:00 AM every morning and closes at 8:30 PM. They are also open all year long, including holidays. The car park closes strictly at 8:30 PM, and toilets close earlier (with no defined closing time). Their closing times are subject to change, so be sure to call or check out their site before you plan a visit or trip to this magnificent park in Leicestershire.

The reviews for Bradgate Park are mixed. Most patrons love the park itself, and the shops and cafes were all well-received. The major problem seemed to stem from the car park. While admission to Bradgate Park itself is free, there is a hefty cost for parking your car. Likewise, it’s very common that you will be fined in error. However, the car park has installed an electric bollard system, so all cars entering will have their vehicle registration record, and payment is required before leaving. Likewise, some complained the toilets weren’t well-kept, but don’t let this put you off.

Here at Dynamics Tech, we love Brdagate Park. We are located less than 2 miles away, so during lunch breaks or on the weekends, you can find our Director Mark Kemp running around Bradgate Park!

Bradgate Park to Dynamics Tech.

Dynamics Tech created this page, a proud advocate of Leicestershire, and a local digital marketing Leicestershire company that works with small-sized business owners to improve their business efficiencies, sales and marketing with technology, support, training, & consultancy solutions, SEO, PPC and web design services. During the first COVID-19 Lockdown, Mark completed a virtual tour project of Bradagate Park using the Z1 360 camera, which we use for 360 photography virtual tour projects.

Other popular local places of interest include: 

• Abbey Park
• University of Leicester Botanic Garden
• The Guildhall
• Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
• Tropical Birdland