Group and Family Visits

There are lots of great things to do on a visit to Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood! Whether it be exploring the historic landscapes; having encounters with the natural world or joining one of our many events throughout the year.

For Families

The Trust as an educational heritage charity organises a number of FREE family events throughout the year. This includes our early summer Emergency Services Day (when local emergency services come with vehicles, equipment and information about their work and activities, and enthusiasts and collectors display their lovingly-preserved vintage fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles) or our Living History Weekend with the Sealed Knot and their Civil War battle re-enactments and living history encampments.

Introductory Walks and tours

We also run regular introductory free walks, led by our volunteers, that share information about the wildlife, history and geology of the Park along with Guided Tours of the Ruins. We also open Old John for viewings throughout the year, thanks to support from our Visitor Experience Volunteers.

To find out when a walk or tour is running, please visit our events page.

Our Visitor Centre is free to visit and is also accessible and family-friendly.

Orienteering:

We are able to offer a range of permanent orienteering courses. These provide the opportunity to explore the wider reaches of the 834 acres of Bradgate Park and discover more about the surrounding landscape, whilst keeping fit and enjoying a challenge.  

Orienteering involves completing a designated course looking for letters placed on posts which are described on an instruction sheet and marked on a specially prepared map. It is often described as an athletic treasure hunt and can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.  Initially there is a sense of achievement from just completing the course and it is suggested this aim is kept in mind when embarking on one of the planned courses.

There are two leaflets available for permanent courses within the Park, each costing £1.50.  They are available in the shop and in the Visitor Centre.  There are two levels of difficulty available (level 3 and level 4). Please note that due to copyright, the maps cannot be copied in any way.

There are further permanent courses available, please see the Leicestershire Orienteering club website for further information.

Holiday Activities

During the school holidays, we offer a range of holiday activities, aimed at sharing the stories and enjoyment of the Park.  Ages of children will be highlighted for each activity and an adult must accompany the child(ren) during the session.

For details of future activities, please see our events guide.

Educational and life-long learning programmes at Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.