The park contains some of the oldest fossils in the UK, discovered within the Charnian supergroup rocks.
Lady Jane Grey, the 'Nine Days' Queen,' was born at Bradgate House in 1537.
The park's deer population has remained largely undisturbed since at least the 16th century.
The Old John folly was built in 1784 by the 5th Earl of Stamford as a celebratory beacon.
The park was enclosed as a deer park in the 13th century, long before the mansion was built.
The ruins of the mansion were never fully restored after a fire in the 18th century.
The River Lin was diverted in the 1850s to create the Cropston Reservoir adjacent to the park.
Bradgate Park is an 830-acre medieval deer park in Leicestershire that features the ruins of a 16th-century mansion, the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. The landscape is dominated by exposed Pre-Cambrian rock formations that are estimated to be over 500 million years old. The River Lin flows through the park, feeding a shallow reservoir near the western edge. Large herds of red and fallow deer have grazed the grounds for centuries. The site includes Old John, a prominent 18th-century folly tower perched on the park's highest hill. A dedicated visitor center provides historical context about the Grey family and the park's geological significance. Much of the park remains a natural habitat for ancient oak trees, some of which are hundreds of years old.
The viewpoint near the Old John tower looking out over the Leicestershire countryside.
Keep a respectful distance from the deer, especially during the autumn rutting season and spring calving.
Wear waterproof footwear as the terrain can be muddy and uneven across the parkland.
Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife or viewing the landscape from Old John.
Attempting to pet or feed the red and fallow deer, as they are wild animals.
Car parks have seasonal operating patterns; certain areas may restrict access during extreme weather to preserve the landscape.
Dogs must be kept on short leads throughout the park to protect the deer; do not feed the wildlife.
