Walks, Talks and Group Visits WALKS Guided tours of the ruins take place daily Monday to Friday (May – October) NEW for 2019 – Queens, Earls and Armies. 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 We also have an exciting range of walks that take place throughout the year, so whether you have an hour or a day we should have something that suits. Bite-sized Bradgate walks These are free introductory walks led by volunteers, there are three subjects, geology, history and wildlife. They provide a brief introduction to the topic and are generally suitable to all levels. The walks last one hour (apart from one of the geology walks that lasts 1.5 hours) Geology- Charnwood Volcanoes Geology- After the Volcanoes History Wildlife The walks are held throughout the year, for a full listing see our events listing by clicking here GUIDED WALKS We offer longer paid walks throughout the year on a variety of topics related to the Park and Swithland Wood. The walks are held throughout the year, for a full listing see our events listing by clicking here TALKS We have a team of dedicated Community Champion volunteers who go out into the community to deliver talks to interested groups. We have three presentations that share many of the stories about the Park. Making the Connections- an overview of the Park including history, wildlife and the charities work The People of Bradgate- the story of the family that has influenced the Park and surrounding area, the Greys. Managing the Wildlife of Bradgate Park- an introduction to the habitats, wildlife and the team of rangers and volunteers who look after the Park To book a talk for your group, please contact the Estate Office at [email protected] or telephone 0116 236 2713. GROUP VISITS If you are planning a group visit to Bradgate Park with a school, please see our Learning and Schools Section. Self organised Groups who do not require a guide are welcome to visit Bradgate Park. However, we ask that you advise the Estate Office of your intended visit, so that our staff are aware of your group’s presence and can be on hand to provide any advice or assistance you may require. GUIDED TOURS FOR GROUPS Guided tours are a marvellous way to both enjoy and gain a greater appreciation of Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood. Tours (must be pre-booked) can be arranged for any club or group (not schools). Maximum of 30 people per Group (no minimum number). For larger parties more than one tour can be provided at an additional cost. The topics the Guided Tours can cover include:- Ruins of Bradgate House A Tour around the Ruins explaining The History of Bradgate House, the Grey family who built it and who owned the Park for many centuries, and the story of Lady Jane Grey (the Nine Day Queen of England) who was born at Bradgate and spent much of her short life here. History of Bradgate Park A Tour through part of the Park exploring Bradgate's rich heritage and some of the characters from its 15,000 years of human history. A great introduction to the Park and its stories. Natural History of Bradgate Park A Tour through part of the Park looking at its rich and varied flora and fauna and the natural history of the area. The tour can include the Red and Fallow Deer Herds, the Park’s ancient oaks, the River Lin, the fascinating geology and lots more. Bradgate Park A combined Tour touching on the history and natural history of the Park (including, if desired, a brief look at the Ruins of Bradgate House) – the ideal introduction to Bradgate Park. Visitor Centre Whilst entry to the Visitor Centre is free, for groups who require guides and support we do ask you book a bespoke visit with our Visitor Experience team. This means your participants will have the best experience. Twilight and evening visits can be booked in advance through the Centre and are ined with tours around aspects of the Park's heritage. Tours usually take about one hour. If a longer Tour is required, this can be provided subject to an additional charge. Tours are usually available, at any reasonable time, all year round(excluding Weekends and Bank Holiday periods). TOUR CHARGES £55.00 (including VAT) per Group of up to 30 Adults Download the Walks and Activities Programme for 2019 by clicking the image below.