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Old John is a 'folly' in Bradgate Park, built for no reason other than to look good in the landscape. The story goes that it is a memorial to an old family servant, built in the shape of his favourite beer tankard. Believe that if you like!Bradgate Park is simply stunning......and area of almost-wildness in the heart of the rolling East Midlands. A walk up to Old John gives fantastic views over the surrounding countryside.
Bradgate Park originally belonged to Bradgate House, the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey who was beheaded in Tudor times. You can still see the ruins of the house, and visit sometimes (opening hours vary). A small river babbles through the park, rocky and shallow and ideal for paddling and catching tiddlers.........Deer, tame enough to pose for photos, wander freely.The exposed rocks are some of the oldest in the country, ideal for childish scrambling and exploration.Acres of rough grass and bracken to run and explore and hide in...... hills for rolling down, or flying kites....ancient trees of all types.....See my travelogue for more info and photos.
A long overdue visit for us, and an enjoyable aftenoon for our friends Kiyo and Kana - visiting from Inuyama, Japan.The railway runs from Loughborough to Leicester North, jouney time around 30 mins through some scenic countryside and a chance to see several old engines under repair on the way.It's open most weekends, check website for full details and is usually steam hauled although there are sometimes vintage diesel engines running as well.Cost was pretty reasonable too - this was a good afternoon out - a trip to a bygone age - sadly I could remember riding on similar trains as a child!
One of the most famous places in leicestershire is the Village of Melton Mowbray (where the pork pies come from). A small village which unfortunately due to time and development is rapidly being spoiled by the influx of new housing and shopping centres.Not far away from Melton is the smallest county in Britain. Rutland this was uurped into leicestershire in the late 1990's but such a fuss as made that they re-designated it as a county in it's own right. Send Photo to a Friend Making a pork pie The making of a pork pieThe people of melton Mowbray are proud of their pork pies and even have instruction days for visitors to try their hand at said delicacy The village although getting bigger every day with new house owners still retains some of the olde world Charm as can be seen in this photograph of Ann of Cleeves Street (she was one of Henry VIIIs wives )
We went to Leicestershire over the weekend and whilst there visited Bosworth Field the scene of the battle for the crown of England in 1485.The battle was between the forces of Richard the third and Henry Tudor - and was the turning point in British History- the Death of King Richard and the birth of the Tudor Dynasty ,The Exhibition is titled Two kings.One Day.You can visit the interactive exhibition in the "war room" and witnes "the horrors of medieval warfare"'you can also visit the BFI laboratory and see what it is like to be an archaeologist.Listen to the witness stories (3 fictional ,1 factual)Outside is the Ambion Parva village with it's sights and sounds and re enactment. visit the Tent to hear how to use many of the weapons ( pike, sword and bow)visit the house (15th century) and talk to the apothacary and the holy relic salesman (he is good).then go out onto the walkway around...
We only had an hour or so to spare to look around the castle, which really was not enough, this is one that we must return to one day.Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle was a 12th century stone fortified manor house, founded by Alain de Parrhoet, la Zouch. In 1474, William, Lord Hastings was granted a licence to crenellate and he founded an impressive stone keep and courtyard fortress. To the original hall, kitchen and solar block, he added a dominating four storey machicolated square keep, with a seven storey rectangular extension, a chapel and a surrounding curtain wall. The remaining narrow entrance of this late-medieval keep, was protected by a portcullis and running from the basement to the kitchen is a rare underground passage. In the 16th century, the Wilderness castle garden was given an enclosing brick wall, flanked by a pair of two storey angle towers.In the care of English...
Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a small market town in the North West of Leicestershire. It lies within the National Forest, has a population of 12,758 (2001 census), and is known to locals as "Ashby".We visited principally to see the castle, but it seemed like a nice place to spend a few hours.
Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland for one thousand years. Currently the family home of the 11th Duke, Duchess and their young family. The name Belvoir means 'beautiful view' and dates from Norman times. Located in Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle sits on top of a hill with a commanding view of the Vale of Belvoir.
Home to the Duks and Duchess of Rutland. This castle is located on a hill and has amazing views over the Vale of Belvoir (pronounced "beaver").The website is very informative so take a look for more detailed info. It is probably best to phone them regarding when they are open as it's a bit complicated and they close on some Saturdays for weddings to take place.Briefly.....March and October - Castle open Sundays only. Gardens open Saturdays and SundaysEaster to September - Open from Friday 25th March (Good Friday). Closed Mondays & Fridays. Open Bank Holiday MondaysThe castle is open 11am-5pm (last admission 4pm)Admission charges - CASTLE, ROSE GARDEN, STATUE GARDEN AND DUCHESS'S GARDENSAdults £10.00Students/Senior Citizens £9.00Children (5-16) £5.00Family (2A 3C) £26.00FREE GUIDED TOURS TAKE PLACE ON WEEKDAYS AT 12 NOON AND 2.30PM
Bradgate Park is a public park west of Leicester. It has covers a space of around 3 square kilometers with heath, bracken rocky outcrops, small woods, and the river Lin. In 1928 it was bought from the Greys of Groby by Charles Bennion who gave it to the people of Leicestershire. The park is famous for its red and especially fallow deer, during October and November many more deer can be seen, since this is the rutting season. Get up early, or visit the park late in the evening to see them at their best. Rival males will fight fiercly, and often clash antlers, if you are lucky you may witness this dramatic feat. The park also includes the ruins of Bradgate House, the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, and Old John Tower.
Marriott Leicester Leicester
1 Review and 303 Opinions not great if you want to be close to the city centre otherwise its a great place and very close to...
The Belmont Hotel Leicester Leicester
1 Review and 270 Opinions The Belmont is an older property very convenient to the train station and the University of...
Hilton Leicester Leicester
1 Review and 302 Opinions We've stayed here a couple of times on business trips and it really is more a business than a...
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