周辺のスポット/アトラクション・トップ20

In September 1867, 180 acres of land was purchased for a cost of £24,000. Most of the land required for the reservoir, dam and waterworks belonged to the Bradgate Estate. Lord Stamford insisted that a stone wall be built around the boundary to separate the deer park from the reservoir, instead of the proposed iron railings. This wall, 1,500 yards long was eventually built at a cost of 8s 10d per yard. Joseph Reeves, Head Gamekeeper, outside his house. Some of the Bradgate Estate land was part of the deer park, but most was farmland let out on very long leases. One farmer, Joseph Allen, lost virtually all his farm. Two members of the Matts family had theirs considerably reduced in size. The Gamekeeper’s house and land, together with a nearby bridge, were also in the area to be flooded. The house, together with its stables and outhouses, were demolished and the bricks sold. Part of the footpath between Anstey and Hallgates was submerged, as was the site of the old rabbit warren (or conery).

This is the Great Pit in Swithland Wood, a site shaped by centuries of slate quarrying, with origins tracing back to Roman times. The quarry was first officially recorded in the 1300s, with activity continuing until the 19th century. Due to the presence of deep water and sheer vertical walls, the quarry is extremely hazardous and completely closed to public access.

Ellis tea rooms

Was pretty mucky and slippy on a gravel bike in June, although it's been a wet year

Swithland Reservoir, opened in 1896 for Leicester, had a 500 million-gallon capacity but became insufficient. In the early 20th century, a pipeline from Derwent reservoirs in Derbyshire was required. As you pass Buddon Wood, quarried in the early Iron Age for millstones, take a moment to enjoy the scenery, woodland, and water birds. You might also catch sight of steam trains on the viaduct from this spot.

Swithland Reservoir is a reservoir in the English county of Leicestershire. It is north-east of the village of Swithland from which it takes its name, north-west of Rothley and approximately 133 metres (145 yd) south-west of Mountsorrel Quarry. It is part of the 187.1-hectare (462-acre) Buddon Wood and Swithland Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Swithland Wood is a small remnant of the original Charnwood Forest managed by part of the Bradgate Estate. As a small chunk of ancient woodland, Swithland consists of mature oak, birch, alder and lime with supports a rich variety of butterflies, moths and birds. This chunk of woodland is the type that would of previously covered all of the British mainland whilst groups of hunter gatherers moved through the landscape.

A great view over the water and at the passing vintage railway.

Toilets available at Bradgate Park car park ( Cropston )

Arrive early at Bradgate Park to enjoy it at its best. It's a lovely ride, but as a very popular attraction, the park can get very busy with pedestrians later in the day. Cyclists do not have right of way, and you may be asked to dismount on very busy days. Stick to the tarmac as cycling off-route can attract heavy fines.

Rothley Station is on the Great Central Railway, the UKs only mainline heritage railway. The station has been restored to how it would have looked in 1912, down to coal fires for heating and gas lamps for lighting. Offers a choice of tea rooms. Cycles can be carried on the trains for £3.

Swithland reservoir, built around 1896, is about a mile long by half a mile wide. The Great Central Railway divides the reservoir into two. There is no access to the reservoir margins, but both sections can be viewed from the roads at the North and South ends.

Great view over the water

Love this place; the nearest thing in this part of the world to the Yorkshire moorland of my upbringing. Regularly ride the drive through the park or picnic at one of the cafes. Links with Lady Jane Grey for the historians and elusive deer for the curious. Be aware though that it is difficult to cycle along the drive on summer weekends due to the number of tourists in this honeypot for nearby cities.

Bradgate Park is a tranquil space for pedestrians and cyclists only. Whether it be the old manor house ruins, 830 acres of medieval deer forest to explore or the babbling river Lin meandering through - Bradgate Park has been a favourite for hundreds of years.

Part of the Great Central railway line. Old steam trains run on this line.

Lovely ride through the park but path can get busy. Loads of deer this morning!

Watch out for deer

black horse at aylestone. bike friendly and lovely beer

Norths deli next to railway bridge is great for pastries, cheese straws etc if your peckish. of you want a hot drink try the cafe at the railway station. At weekends I'm fairly sue you could put your bike on the stream train and get a lift to Loughborough or Leicester North if you fancy an alternative to pedalling.