6 Parks To Visit In Leicestershire
Central England may be known for many attractions, but it’s likely that Leicestershire parks don’t figure on that list for many people. And that’s a bit of a mistake: this under-the-radar part of the UK has plenty going for it with lakes, country walking trails and places where the kids can have a bit of a run about.
So if you’re looking to go exploring in this part of the world, take a look at our list of the 6 best parks in Leicestershire for fresh air and outdoor fun.
Beacon Hill Country Park
One of the best parks in Leicestershire? With multiple Green Flag awards for its management and conservation, Beacon Hill can most certainly be described as such. This gently undulating expanse has all sorts of terrain for a full day out on the trails.
Spend a day hiking among the sheep, cattle and alpacas grazing these 135 pastoral hectares of heath and woodland, or climb the more rugged heights to see the Old Man of Beacon Hill, an ominous rock formation and one of the park’s main landmarks.
In fact, Beacon Hill has much to do with rock, as the many rugged outcrops dotting its more elevated areas are estimated to be around 700 million years old (putting them among the oldest in the world).
But above all, it’s about the views. Rising to a height of 245 metres, Beacon Hill is the second highest point in Leicestershire and also the site of a Bronze Age fort. Stand on top and take in vistas of the Peak District, Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln Cathedral and Belvoir Castle, one of the area’s most grandiose structures.
And if you savour the view of Belvoir, you’ll find even greater intrigue at six of Leicestershire’s best castles here.
Choose a camping spot near Beacon Hill.
Bradgate Park
A herd mentality only adds to the experience at Bradgate Park. Spending a day roaming with wild deer over this rugged landscape of rocky outcrops and twisted old oak trees really is something. And that’s why locals have been doing it these last 800 years…
Bradgate was the first enclosed deer park in England, dating back to 1841. Add to this its setting in the ancient Charnwood Forest and you’ll see just how steeped in history your surroundings are.
So steeped, in fact, that you can add to your day a guided archaeological tour through 15,000 years of human activity still evident in the area, as this is a place that’s forever spared of modern farming practices.
But should you not quite be up for running with the herds in the hills, Bradgate’s lower end is easily accessible and has plenty of opportunities to picnic and amble your day away. Refreshments are readily available in the tearooms and there is a visitor centre for all points of interest.
Browse campsites near Bradgate Park.
Thornton Reservoir
Those yearning to get waterside will be at home with Thornton Reservoir’s abundant local fauna. Officially designated as a wildlife site in 2005, it could also be unofficially designated as one of Leicestershire’s best locations to soak up scenery while lazing by the water.
The more active-minded might prefer to explore a busy network of footpaths around the reservoir and into neighbouring mature woodland areas; or, with sufficient energy reserved, access the much (much, much) longer Leicester Round. (You can always turn back if you get tired… or continue on to one of our best Leicestershire walks if you’ve got the bug for more rambles.)
And if you’re skilled enough to tie a fly, pack your rod with your camping clobber for some fine fishing at Thornton Reservoir. For angling in the Midlands, this is the place.
Reserve a campsite near the reservoir.
Queen's Park
Less wild times – but no less pleasant – are to be had at Queen’s Park in Charnwood Borough. Opened in 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, it has endured as one of the county’s most popular and adored open spaces.
The Green Flag award people clearly agree, as the park has endured since 2008 with this mark of excellence. And indeed there is much here that is excellent.
Recline with a picnic somewhere among its green open spaces, stroll its many scenic pathways, idle by the bowling green, admire its period bandstand or amble around the aviaries.
Plenty of other activities and facilities are around too, with play and activity areas, a war memorial and museum, and the Queen’s Park Café.
Find a patch near Charnwood Borough.
Abbey Park, Leicester
Ask a local ‘What is the best park in Leicester?’ and you’re likely to get the reply ‘Abbey Park’.
Visit Abbey Park, just north of the city centre, and you’ll see why. Divided by the River Soar, its grounds hold an intriguing mix of Leicester’s medieval and Victorian pasts.
On the western flank of the river are the Abbey Grounds and their 12th-century remains, along with those of the 17th-century mansion Cavendish House. Cross a footbridge and skip forward 600 years to bowling greens, miniature railways, boating lakes, bandstands, gardens, shrubberies, lavender mazes, tennis courts…
It’s not all about history here – there are more modern facilities including changing rooms, a sensory garden and a play area and café.
But whichever era you prefer at Abbey Park, it’s a history that lends itself to repeat visits.
Look up all our best Leicestershire campsites to plan your next trip.
Watermead Country Park
Bird lovers who camp will probably be particularly interested in descending on this park and nature reserve. What was originally opened at Watermead in 2004 as the Reedbed Nature Reserve is also joined by the Birstall Nature Reserve (further south), with both being among the most popular areas in the county for nature studies.
Travelling anglers will be glad to see their kit was not packed in vain, as Watermead has superb opportunities for casting a day or two away around its lakes and ponds. Even if you don’t catch anything, you should hook yourself a good dose of peace and quiet here.
Walk, run and cycle along Watermead’s extensive network of pathways – kids will be particularly attracted to the Jurassic Play Trail around King Lear’s Lake. Model boats welcome too.
Choose somewhere to camp near Watermead Park.
Sence Valley Forest Park
What was once a landscape deeply scarred by decades of opencast coal mining has been, through extensive reforestation, transformed into the soft, luxuriously green landscape that is the Sence Valley Forest Park today. That intriguing history gives all the more reason to visit this pretty country park.
Stroll the valley’s river and three lakesides now to spot swans, coots, ducks and otters that reside here. Explore the forest’s winding trails and you’ll also hear the song of some of the 150 different species of bird that Watermead plays host to.
Pitch a tent somewhere near the Sence Valley.
For alternative activities once you’ve explored the outdoors, check out our list of 12 things to do in Leicestershire.