The Visitor Centre opened Summer 2016, following a redevelopment made possible as part of the Rotary Club of Leicester's centenary and grants from a number of local trusts and foundations. The official opening was performed by Sir David Attenborough, a life-long visitor to Bradgate Park.

Inside the Visitor Centre

Inside the Visitor Centre

There is no entry charge and the family friendly displays and information tell the stories of the Park, its origins, its history, its geology and the wildlife that live in and visit the Park. There are opportunities to have a close-up encounter with wildlife, hear from Lady Jane Grey about her story and learn how a nearby volcano  created the Bradgate Park landscape. The displays include artefacts, as well as plenty of background to the heritage of the Park and the people that have played a part in the history of the Estate. 

It opens daily at 10.30 with seasonal closing times (please visit the opening hours page for details). CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR OPENING TIMES. The Visitor Centre is supported by many knowledgeable Visitor Experience Volunteers who will answer questions, guide you around the Centre and help you get the most out of your visit to the Park.

Tours
From mid May to October (Monday to Friday) our volunteer guides will be taking free tours around the Ruins and talking about the many colourful characters who have visited or lived at Bradgate over the years. The starting point for the tour is by the Ruin's south entrance near the tarmac carriageway at 11:30am & 2:30pm. The tour should last around an hour.

Free Guided tours of the ruins take place daily Monday to Friday (May – October) 

Please note the Ruins are open to visitors on Bank Holidays and tours will not take place then. 

**NEW for 2019 – Queens, Earls and Armies.

Queens, Earls and Armies Free Walks

This tour will take you on a journey through time where you will hear about the colourful characters of the Park and learn about the part they played in the building and destruction of the Old Bradgate House.  From Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Jane through to the Earl of Stamford and armies of WWII.

Tours depart from the MEETING POINT sign, located by the carriageway in front of the Old Bradgate House ruins.

11:30 & 14:30

Duration approx. 1 hour

Dogs on leads welcome

The Old Bradgate House ruins are open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday
April – October 10:00 – 17:00

The Visitor Centre is also a hub for information about the Park's activities and events. It is also an outlet for car park season tickets, venison sales and Memorial Wood Oak Leaves. 

Located at the centre of the Park at the Deer Barn, the Visitor Centre can can be found by following the carriageway through the Park from either the Newtown Linford or the Cropston car parks. There is a Meeting Room available for hire above the Visitor Centre, please contact us for details. 
Please note the Visitor Centre is closed Christmas and Boxing Day. Please check with the Estate Office and Bradgate Park noticeboards for additional closures around Christmas and the New Year holidays.