It was chilly February when we went to Bradgate park in Leicestershire. It was en route to a bed and breakfast at Market Bosworth that we`d booked for our anniversary. I saw it on the map, and the photos on the internet looked interesting. Plenty of deer that appeared to come close to humans! So we made a pack up as the day was set to be fairly warm and sunny and I hoped we could feed a few birds whilst we were there. In no time at all we got there, and parked in the large car park with all the visiting families, in the half term school holidays. The entrance was quite grand, with some information boards and a café next to a river and lots of snowdrops. The trees were everywhere, and we decided to go on the paved route(suitable for wheelchairs etc) as it had all encompassing views of the river Lin on the right side(with ducks and swans etc.). Huge ancient trees, gnarled oaks and a puzzle tree, all at least 500 years old, and rocks and hilly terrain were on the left side. The water was so blue that day and absolutely beautiful, as every now and then a mini waterfall appeared, dropping down to the next level. The green areas at the sides of the water had wild grasses, trees and countryside views. A few picnic benches appeared and we seized our chance and ate the picnic with a few cheeky ravens. The children were wading in the River Lin in wellys, and a naughty dog too, who should have been on a lead. Further on we came to see the Old John Tower, an old folly right at the top of the park. Where if you walk up to it, you can see for miles. We didn’t go as far as that, instead we went up to the deer meadow and took photos of the deer. Sadly they weren’t coming near, possibly because of all the families out that day. We looked at the ruins of Bradgate house where lady Jane grey lived in 1553. In April onwards part of it is open, to have a look around. But the exhibition area is always open and another café and toilets. Its a good walk, we took over two hours and didn’t cover all of it. They say it always looks different depending on the time of year. I cant wait to go again in September, its a very special park. There is adjoining Swithland wood too, all 830 acres to explore.
