Accessibility

It is the aim of the Bradgate Park Trust that all members of the community should be able to enjoy Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood.  Whilst recognising that the physical nature of the Park and woodlands, means that not all areas will be accessible to everyone, the Trust aims to extend access so far as is reasonably possible.

We hope that the following information will be of assistance in planning your visit:

Parking:

There are tarmac car parks at Newtown Linford (LE6 0HB), Hallgates (LE7 7HQ) and Hunts Hill (LE6 0AH) for Bradgate Park visitors. The car park at Newtown Linford has an area reserved for Blue Badge holders and there are designated ‘Disabled’ spaces at Hallgates. Please note car parking charges still apply. 

*Please note that Hunts Hill car park is on situated on hill side.

Swithland Wood car parks are stone surfaced and therefore not completely level.

Drive-through Scheme: Currently suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis

Vehicles are not normally permitted to enter Bradgate Park. However, the Trust operates a concessionary scheme for visitors who are Blue Badge holders, who may drive through the Park between April till October.

Start date - Tuesday 21 April, 2020.

Participants are required to pre-book a ‘time slot’.  This can be done over the phone at the Visitor Centre 0116 236 2713 x 25.  

Parking fees apply which can be paid at the entry gate.

Drive through take place on Tuesday and Thursdays 11:30 - 13:30

No Drive Through during school holidays.

Mini buses need to book in advance and the parking fee is £10, payment can be made over the phone at time of booking.

For all bookings contact the Visitor Centre  0116 236 2713 Ext 25  Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm

Access for the less mobile:

There is a level tarmac carriageway that runs between Newtown Linford and Hallgates car parks (approx. 2 miles) via the ruins of Bradgate House and the Deer Barn Buildings (Tearoom and Visitor Centre). The carriageway is predominantly traffic-free (apart from Estate vehicles and occasional deliveries) and is very suitable for users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are seats placed at regular intervals along the carriageway as well as at other convenient points within the Park, including at or near to the tops of hills.

Swithland Wood has a stone track through the centre of the woodland. It is a more natural path and is more challenging for wheelchair access.

Off Road Mobility Scooter: Hire currently suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis

We have a ‘Tramper’ off-road mobility scooter available to borrow and this can be booked by contacting the Estate Office and booked in advance. Please note this is not available at short-notice and is for use at Bradgate Park only. 

We do ask for a small donation of £3.00 to go towards the maintenance of the Tramper which can be made at the time of collection to the Park Warden.

When booked out the Tramper will be taken to the designated collection point by Park Wardens. There is an induction for first-time users.  

The Tramper is not booked out on Bank Holidays or weekends.  

During the winter season (November till March) the tramper needs to be returned by 3:00pm due to the earlier closing times.

Refreshments:

There are Tearooms situated in the centre of the Park (Deer Barn) and off the Newtown Linford car park (Conservatory). Both are situated at ground floor level with either level or ramped access. Both tearooms cater for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Toilet Facilities:

There are public toilets at Bradgate Park situated at all three main car parks and also at the Deer Barn buildings. All have wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities. 

At our Newtown Linford toilet block there is a ‘Changing Places’ (www.euansguide.com) facility which requires a RADAR key to gain access. 

Visitors without a RADAR key can borrow the Park's key which is kept at the Conservatory Tearoom, which is a short distance further along the pathway.

The toilets at Newtown Linford and the Deer Barn building have baby-changing facilities.

Visitor Centre:

The Bradgate Park Visitor Centre exhibition is wholly at ground floor level. A portable induction loop is available at the reception desk. The exhibition has been laid out to allow easy access for wheelchair users.

Hearing Loops

Portable hearing loops are installed in the Visitor Centre, Deer Barn Tearoom and Conservatory Tearoom.