1. St Johns Tower
Once used by Lord Stamdford and his guests to watch his horses gallop around the racecourse, the Folly gave an ideal vantage point to watch fox hunting over his Estate. Come 1792, an archway was attached to the Tower and the legend of Old John Tower’s ‘beer tankard’ outline was born and now it stands as one of Leicestershire’s most famous landmarks. You will find the Tower in Bradgate Park where The Ruins of Bradgate House still stand alongside a gorgeous Deer Herd.
Price:
Free entry.
Opening Times:
Access on foot is permitted to all parts of the Park & Wood during daylight hours.
Address:
Bradgate Park
Newton Linford
Leicestershire
LE6 0HE
Contact:
01162362713
Estate-office@bradgatepark.org
2. Ashby De La Zouch Castle
A trip to Ashby Castle makes for a great family day out in Leicestershire. Originally a 12th-century manor, eventually in the 15th century it reached Castle status. With a colourful history, there is plenty to learn during your visit like the method behind the castle within a castle added by Edward IV’s Chamberlain Lord Hastings. Despite suffering massive damage during the Civil War, you can still climb the tower today and get some great views from the top! Discover the underground passage from the kitchen to the tower, most likely created by said War which you can still explore today.
Prices:
Adult £5.60, Child (5-15) £3.40, Concession £5.00, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £14.60
Opening Times:
October 2017 – 29th March 2018 (Further times to be added)
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
Address:
South Street
Ashby de la Zouch
Leicestershire
LE65 1BR
Contact:
01530 413343
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ashby-de-la-zouch-castle/
3. Bosworth Battlefield
This is known to be one of the Midlands premier historical sites, Bosworth Battlefield witnessed the death of a king and saw the end of the 30 year power struggle for the throne of England. There are lots of guided walks that you can join on to thoroughly explore the Battlefield so do check the ‘What’s On’ section before you visit to make the most out of your trip. If you’re visiting with the family, there are also lots of lovely activities, most of which are seasonal for everyone to enjoy. Yearly temporary exhibitions are set in place, 2018 will see an exhibition on market Bosworth in WWI alongside the work of ‘The Bosworth Tommies’. Admission to the Temporary Gallery is free.
Prices:
See HERE.
Address:
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park
Leicestershire
Sutton Cheney
Nuneaton
CV13 0AD
Contact:
01455 290429
http://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/
4. Rockingham Castle
Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham was a royal fortress for 450 years. This sums up panoramic views with the ability to see five counties! You will find magnificently furnished rooms as well as 18 acres of stunning gardens including a beautiful Room Garden, created by Chelsea Gold Medal Winer, Robert Myers. You can tour the castle in your own time but you will find guides throughout who will be happy to answer any questions and offer more information. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, at Rockingham Castle you can also enjoy the Land Rover Experience and explore the grounds a slightly different, unique way.
Prices & Opening Times:
The Castle is closed for Winter but will re-open again in the new year.
Address:
Rockingham Castle
Rockingham
LE16 8TH
Contact:
01536 770240
estateoffice@rockinghamcastle.com
http://www.rockinghamcastle.com/
5. BoilerHouse at Foxton Locks
The BoilerHouse is Foxton Locks exciting new space. Originally, the building was home to the boiler and mechanical workings that powered the Caissons up and down the Inclined Plane, and now after extensive refurbishment, it shows not only how it all worked, but also brings to life what it was like to live and work on the canals and locks of the Victorian waterways. You will find fascinating exhibitions highlighting how tough it was to make a living in the harsh 19th-century canal life. The centrepiece of BoilerHouse an interactive game where the whole family can stoke the boiler to create the right conditions for the Inclined Plane to successfully operate.
Prices:
Adults £3.00, Children Free with a paying adult
Opening Times:
Seasonal – See HERE.
Address:
The BoilerHouse
Middle Lock
Gumley Road
Foxton
Leicestershire
LE16 7RA
Contact:
01162792657
Online contact form HERE.
Things to do with the kids in Leicestershire
1. National Space Centre
Wow the kids with the Uk’s premier attraction dedicated to space! There are so many galleries to explore like the Rocket Tower, Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, Space Oddities, Orbiting Earth and Tranquillity Base… to name a few! Check the ‘What’s On’ section to see what you can catch during your visit, there are even a few after-hours exhibitions to catch. Why not stop in at the Cargo Bay Shop before you go and find a souvenir to remember your trip! And if you’re feeling a little peckish, the Boosters Café offers plenty of freshly made snacks as well as hot food like nachos and gourmet hot dogs.
Prices:
Order online prior to visit. Adults £14.00, Child 5-16 £11.00, Concessions £11.00, Under 5’s Free
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Address:
National Space Centre
Exploration Drive
Leicester
LE4 5NS
Contact:
01162610261
2. Twinlakes Park
Here you will find the very best in family entertainment! Jam-packed with rides, attractions, animals and even a waterpark, there is so much fun to be had! There’s plenty of indoor rides too which means this really is an all year round, all weather place of fun. Aside from all this, you can also enjoy ‘Drive-In Movies’, fireworks and lots of seasonal fun like ‘Breakfast with Santa’..The kids will never want to leave! There’s also a variety of indoor and outdoor catering outlets so you certainly don’t need to worry about going hungry during your visit.
Prices:
Peak
Adult £19.99, Under 95cm Free, Toddler 95-108cm £9.99, 108cm+ £19.99, Senior £10.99, Wheelchair user £10.99
Off-Peak
Adult £11.99, Under 95cm Free, Toddler 95-108cm £5.99, 108cm+ £11.99, Senior £8.49, Wheelchair user £10.99
Opening Times:
Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Address:
Melton Spiney Road
Thorpe Arnold
Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire
LE14 4SB
Contact:
01664 567777
3. Wistow Maze
The whole family will love getting lost in this huge 8-acre maize maze with a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst 3 miles of pathways, with high-level bridges and towers…What an adventure you will have! Cleverly re-designed each year, using GPS satellite technology this maze includes an activity fun yard with mini mazes and games for all the family. You will find the maze opposite the Wistow Rural Centre with a café, garden centre, model village, art gallery and numerous shops so you really don’t need to venture too far for a really great day for all.
Prices & Opening Times:
2018 details TBA – A new maze design open mid-June.
Address:
Kibworth Rd
Leicester
LE8 0QF
Contact:
07884 403889
http://www.wistow.com/wistow-maze/
4. Twycross Zoo
Become part of their world right on the Leicestershire / Warwickshire border at Twycross Zoo. This is an award-winning conservation charity, with an award-winning schools programme and fun for all the family guaranteed. You will find parrots with prairie dogs and tortoises to tarantulas…The Zoo cares for around 500 animals, 150 of which are bigger animals including many endangered species too so not only is it is great for educational fun, but you can also bear witness to the Conservation Breeding Programmes currently being carried out to ensure the safety and future for species on the brink of extinction.
Prices:
Adults £19.45, Children 3-16 £14.45, Infant Free, Concession £17, Special needs Adult £16.45, Special needs Child £12.45
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
10am – 6pm
Address:
Burton Road
Atherstone
Warwickshire
CV9 3PX
Contact:
08444741777
5. Stonehurst Family Farm
First established in 1951, this is a lovely farm park in Mountsorrel to be enjoyed for the whole family. Stonehurst is still a working farm where you can meet and greet lots of friendly animals, collect freshly laid hens eggs, swing in the straw barn, and enjoy tractor rides, pony rides and much, much more! There are also two super playgrounds, a wonderful tea shop, farm shop and even a fantastic motor museum (To keep dad happy too!).
Prices:
Adult £6.95, Child 2-16 £5.95, Under 2’s Free, Concession £5.95, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) £22.00
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm
Closed Dec 25th – Jan 2nd
Address:
Bond Lane
Mountsorrel
Leicestershire
LE12 7AA
Contact:
01509 413216