Visiting Visitor Guidance Accessibility 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 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). 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 situated on the hill side of the Park, with steep slopes. Swithland Wood car parks are stone surfaced and therefore not completely level. Drive through scheme Visitor vehicles are not normally permitted to enter Bradgate Park. However, the Trust operates a concessionary scheme for visitors who are Blue Badge holders and for those unable to walk far. These scheme allows such visitors to drive through the park, entering from our Hallgates Car Park (LE7 7HQ). In 2022, we will be holding Drive Through Days during May, June, September, October and November between 1pm - 4pm Dates are as follows: December 2022 Thursday 8th December NOTE: Booking is not required, the maximum time in the park for each car is 90 minutes. All cars will need to leave by 4pm We ask for a donation of £3, which can be given at the entry gate. Mini buses need to book in advance and the parking fee is £12. Payment can be made over the phone at time of booking. Cars/mini buses will be permitted to drive from Hallgates car park to Memorial Wood & Deer Barn Café and then return back to Hallgates car park. Please call the Estate office 0116 236 2713 for more details. 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 (Cafe 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 We have a ‘Tramper’ off-road mobility scooter available to borrow and this can be booked by contacting the Estate Office [0116 236 2713] and booked in advance. Please note this is not available at short-notice and is for use at Bradgate Park only. We can offer this service for collection at Newtown Linford car park at 10.30am or 2pm weekdays and 10.30am on Saturday. The Tramper is not available Saturday afternoon, all day Sunday or Bank Holidays. We do ask for a small donation [given on collection of the Tramper 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 Newtown Linford car park by Park Wardens. There is an induction for first-time users. During the winter season (November till March) the tramper needs to be returned by 3:00pm due to the earlier closing times. Coach Parties Coach Drive Through - Vehicles are not normally permitted to drive into Bradgate Park. A special exception can usually be made available to enable a coach carrying a group of disabled or elderly people to drive along the carriageway through the centre of Bradgate Park. Only Mini Coaches, Ambulances for the Disabled are permitted. Continental-type or double-decker & large coaches are not permitted. Please note: if we are not aware of your visit, regrettably we will have no alternative but to turn you away from Newtown Linford and re direct you to Hunts Hill car park. Charges: Mini Coach: £45 Ambulance for the Disabled: £35 To enquire about booking a coach trip, please telephone the Bradgate Park Estate Office in 0116 236 2713. Refreshments There is a Cafe situated in the centre of the Park (Deer Barn) that is at ground floor level with a level access. Our cafe caters for vegetarian, vegan 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. The toilets at Newtown Linford and the Deer Barn building have baby-changing facilities. The Bradgate Park Visitor Centre 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. Access Statement For more information and to view our Access Statement please click HERE