The Charnwood area of Leicestershire provides many attractive places to visit as a family. Oscar really enjoys going to Bradgate Park, where there are many deer, lots of rocky outcrops to climb on and obviously the obligatory cafe which serves up delicious cakes and toasties, Oscar’s go-to food!

It is also my happy place so I really enjoy taking the children there and meeting friends. The paths are great for scooters and bikes and Oscar can really get all his energy out. When we first moved back to the Midlands after 10 years living in the south, Oscar was only 2 and I think a snail might have overtaken us on the paths: it was very difficult getting him anywhere. Now however, I can’t catch up with him! He also enjoys climbing on the rocks although I also have to climb as well to keep an eye on him just in case he launches himself off! It is good to go to Bradgate Park with another adult.

In the summer, the little stream is perfect for little explorers in their wellies and there is lots of picnic space and the ice cream cart is of course very popular.

In the centre of the park, you can find the ruins of Bradgate House. The first Bradgate House was built around 1520 by Elizabeth Woodville’s grandson Thomas Grey. (Elizabeth Woodville had married Sir John Grey of Groby and then Edward IV.) The Greys lived in the house for the next 200 years or so and it is believed that Lady Jane Grey was born there, the 9 day Queen of England, who was chosen by Edward VI as his heir. You can often see peacocks in the ruins.

Car parking and accessibility:

There are three main car parks. Newtown Linford, Cropston and Hunts Hill. We mainly use the car park in Newtown Linford because it has good access to a level path and around 30 mins walk to the cafe. There is a barrier to get into the car park and an ANPR system. You pay once you are leaving the park before you get into your car. Weekday parking charge is £3.30 for up to 3 hours and £4.50 for all day. Weekend charges are £4.40 for up to 3 hours and £5.50 for all day. Please note, prices of the car parking could change and it’s always worth checking on the official website: http://bradgatepark.org

There is also an area designated for blue badge holders. Once a month, the trust operates a concessionary scheme for blue badge holders who are unable to walk far. They can drive through the park from Hall Gates car park at the Cropston end of Bradgate Park. All toilets at the car parks have wheelchair accessible facilities and there is a changing places table in the toilets at the cafe.

Visitor Centre:

The visitor centre next to the cafe has some interactive exhibits in it for children and staff to answer questions about the history of the park and the house. Oscar enjoys learning about animals and pressing the information screens (although that’s probably more about the cables and electronics than anything else.) If you have been reading my other articles, you will know all about his obsession with this.

Old John:

Hunts Hill car park, also known locally as Old John, leads up to a stone building (shaped like an upside down beer mug!) You can still park at Newtown Linford to get to Old John but it is a steep climb from the main path. The views are definitely worth it though (just bring loads of snacks.)

Bradgate Park is very popular especially in the summer months when the main car park is busy by 10am. The mornings are a good time to go to find a good parking spot and also get to the cafe for a late morning pick-me up! The ruins are open from Spring to Autumn every weekend. Old John guided tours are on Thursdays. For more details, please check their website.