Bradgate Park
I’ve told you something about Bradgate Park before, but it really is one of the most wonderful places in the world. If you haven’t been then it is definitely worth travelling to visit. There are so many good woodlands and walks around here, that actually it’s worth having a holiday or mini-break in the area. If you explain to your human that you’ll be good as gold if they agree to bring you here, then I’m sure they’ll agree.
Bradgate Park was the home of Lady Jane Grey and the parkland surrounding the house was given as a gift to the people of Leicestershire. What a gift! The perimeter is several miles around and you can walk inside the boundary for a large part of that.
Family Friendly
There is a tarmacked path across the park from the Newtown Linford end to Cropston Reservoir. It makes it relatively easy for pushchairs and wheelchairs. However, there is so much open space that even at relatively busy times you can still get away from people. We went at 8am, before most people were around. One of the best things about that was the most of the wildlife was still enjoying the people free atmosphere so we saw quite a lot. I was good. I didn’t try to chase any, although I may have tried to eat some of the deer poo.
House ruins
There are the ruins of the old house, which are great to see and a little further along, going from the entrance we used, there is a café and toilets. There’s a Memorial Wood too, which is worth a visit.
Old John
Even further round is Old John which is one of the most amazing follies you will find anywhere. The best thing up there though is that you can see for miles around. It’s amazing views and even at dog’s eye level you can see it all.
Even more important than any of that are the ancient oaks. If you are a fan of old trees then this really is the place to come. Mum says when she was a child you could still go right up to some very old ones and even go inside. Now some have to be protected from people doing that and others have sadly reached the end of their lives, but are good for stumpies. I couldn’t believe this one that I could sit inside rather than on top of.
It’s not hard to understand why Mum loves this place so much.
Correction
I need to make a correction to yesterday. My paw slipped typing, sorry. The car park at Swithland Wood is £2 not £20 – a little bit different. Oops.
Love
Wilma