Visiting Getting Here Getting Here The Bradgate Park Estate is located on the edge of Charnwood Forest. It lies 6 miles north-west of Leicester and 7 miles south of Loughborough. Most routes close to Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood are marked with ‘White on brown’ tourism signs. A number of footpaths cross both sites and allow pedestrian access at all times. We provide uncovered bike stands at our car parks and Visitor Centre for pedestrian cycles. Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood are free to enter and are open throughout the year, with car parks and toilets open from 8am until dusk. Car parking charges apply, and it is this income that assists the Bradgate Park Trust (a local charity) in our work to care for these special places and provide the facilities and events we offer visitors. The car parks are closed at dusk and all vehicles must be removed by then. Please note toilets close earlier than car parks. Click here to download a Map of Bradgate Park showing car parks, visitor information and access areas. By Road The main car park for Bradgate Park is within a 10 minute drive of Junction 22 of the M1. Follow the A50 (eastwards) to Markfield and turn left to Newtown Linford. Car park is next to the village church. From Leicester leave by A50 (westwards) and then head for Anstey (via B5327). From here continue on B5327 to Newtown Linford – or to Cropston (B5328) and then B5330 (if heading for Hallgates or Swithland Wood (South) car parks). Swithland Wood (north) car park is situated south of the village of Woodhouse Eaves. From locations lying to the west of M1, take A511 (to J22 of M1) and then proceed on A50 to Markfield (see above). For further details of routes – see Map above. Car Park Postcodes and Details For charges please visit our page listing the charges across our car parks. For satnav: use the following postcodes: Newtown Linford car park LE6 0HB – The main car park - entrance within the village, off Bradgate Road, alongside the Church. Toilets and Changing Places facility. Best for the River Lin, Little Matlock and the Ruins. Can get very busy at peak times as this is the Main entrance and leads to most picturesque areas of Park. If you are looking for peace and quiet on a busy day or just a different walk, you may like to try one of our other car parks. We open overflow car parks when busy as needed, when conditions allow (as these are grassed and on slopes). Hunts Hill (Old John) car park LE6 0AH (off Sharpley Hill/Warren Hill and opposite turn into Benscliffe Road) – The closest car park to Old John and the War Memorial. This is the best car park for exploring the Upper Park and getting some peace and quiet. Toilets are a short walk away (not wheelchair accessible). Hallgates (Cropston) car park LE7 7HQ – The shortest walk to the Deer Barn Cafe and Visitor Centre, & a short walk across fields to Swithland Wood. Toilets (including wheelchair accessible). We have an overflow grassed area we open as needed on busy days for extra parking. Swithland Wood: Its two car parks are situated at the north and south entrances to Swithland Wood. The car parks are closed at dusk and all vehicles should be removed by then. Swithland Wood (south) – (off Roecliffe Road). Wood lies to north of Bradgate Park. (Use Post Code LE12 8TN for SatNav) Swithland Wood (north) – (off Swithland Lane). Nearest car park to village of Woodhouse Eaves (Use Post Code LE12 8SS for SatNav). Click here to download a Map of Bradgate Park showing car parks, visitor information and access areas. By Rail: Regular train services to Leicester and Loughborough. Taxis available at stations. By Air: East Midlands Airport – 15 miles (via M1 to J22). By Bus: The 154 service from Leicester to Loughborough The 154 bus service can be used to visit Swithland Wood or access Bradgate Park at Hallgates, with stops at both Swithland and Cropston. This runs Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays. Click the link for the full timetable. Click here to download a Map of Bradgate Park showing car parks, visitor information and access areas.