Fantastic Bradgate Country Park, Walk To Old John Tower via War Memorial Leicestershire

Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago. It provides 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside close to Leicester City Centre. Old John, the 18th Century folly sits on the highest point of the Park and is one of Leicestershire’s most famous landmarks. It is often referred to as the 'Icon of Leicestershire'. The interpretation inside the Tower is dedicated to George Harry the 7th Earl of Stamford, his rather marvellous wife and the racetrack they built on the Park. The Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial, which stands on the hill next to Old John, commemorates the men of the Leicestershire Yeomanry who died in the Boer War and the two World Wars. The Memorial, erected 1924, is an obelisk containing two bronze tablets. The Park offers a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. The landscape offers some of the finest views, and is rich in change throughout the seasons. If you do not fancy exploring the hills, the lower part of the Park is easily accessible, with a tarmac carriage-way running through this area, that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Our Visitor Centre is in the heart of the Park, alongside the carriage-way at the Deer Barns, where you will also find one of our two Tearooms. The Centre is free and open every day, thanks to support by our Visitor Experience Volunteer Guides. The exhibitions tell the story of the Bradgate Estate and its fascinating natural and human history. The Bradgate Park Estate is located on the edge of Charnwood Forest Newtown Linford car park LE6 0HB – The main car park - entrance within the village, off Bradgate Road, alongside the Church. Toilets and Changing Places facility. Best for the Conservatory Tearoom, the River Lin, Little Matlock and the Ruins. Can get very busy at peak times as this is the Main entrance and leads to most picturesque areas of Park. If you are looking for peace and quiet on a busy day or just a different walk, you may like to try one of our other car parks. We open overflow car parks when busy as needed, when conditions allow (as these are grassed and on slopes). Hunts Hill (Old John) car park LE6 0AH (off Sharpley Hill/Warren Hill and opposite turn into Benscliffe Road) – The closest car park to Old John and the War Memorial. This is the best car park for exploring the Upper Park and getting some peace and quiet. Toilets a short walk away (not wheelchair accessible). Hallgates (Cropston) car park LE7 7HQ – the shortest walk to the Deer Barn Tearoom and Visitor Centre. Short walk across fields to Swithland Wood. Toilets (including wheelchair accessible). We have an overflow grassed area we open as needed on busy days for extra parking. YouTube channel    / @crisislevon2852   Created by Levon Peacock