Leicester Outdoor Activities: Top 5 Fun Things to Do

Leicester, so a city right in the center of England, maybe it isn’t the first place that springs to mind when thinking about getting outdoors. Yet, actually, you might be quite amazed. The city and its area has this surprisingly great selection of options for anyone who is hoping to swap those four walls for something way more wild. From lovely gardens to the adrenaline rush from water sports, there really is something to float pretty much everyone’s boat. Are you just visiting or even a local who is hoping to discover some hidden treasures, and Leicester actually does have something ready and waiting for you. Let’s get going as we look into what I reckon are the top 5 must-do outdoor things to experience in Leicester.

1. Abbey Park: Soaking Up History and Nature

So, if you are seeking a way to balance that desire to explore with a craving to soak up a bit of Leicester’s history, then Abbey Park could easily be your dream destination. That is not only is this big and spacious green space very stunning, but, too it’s practically overflowing with lots of historical things that might well make you say ‘wow’! I mean the historic ruins of Leicester Abbey can really provide a striking centerpiece; imagine, if you will, gently wandering around this space where centuries of history played out. You can practically hear the echoes of those long-ago stories. Anyway the park is split right down the middle, pretty much, by the River Soar, so offering these just completely wonderful scenic walks where it feels like you have sort of left the busy city life totally way behind. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, then you may also be pretty happy to discover there’s actually a boating lake. You really can kick back and just watch those ducks drift on by or even treat your good self to a paddle boat tour.

Now, thinking back, so I had this day in Abbey Park last summer and it really made my soul recharge. I took a picnic right down by that riverbank, watched all the swans gliding almost effortlessly across the waters, and really just allowed myself to be soothed with the sound of the whispering breeze through the old trees. The herb garden, oh my, the herb garden so teemed with this riot of scents. All different types of scents sort of wafted around; so, it’s almost like an amazing treat for your senses, that is. In fact, I completely lost myself in the smells of the rose garden. It did kinda feel that I was really, you know, stealing back some time. Anyhow If you’re in that sort of need for a bit of quiet reflection, somewhere to escape the day-to-day hubbub, Abbey Park, well it is actually right up there with that. To find out more, read our full review: Abbey Park Leicester Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Abbey Park Information)

2. Bradgate Park: Rugged Beauty and Lady Jane Grey

Want some scenery that just reaches out and grabs you? Bradgate Park. Actually, it is one of the county’s gems of outdoor spaces and its offering landscapes are somewhat dramatically different, right from this wonderfully wild and craggy moorland to areas displaying gnarly old oak trees. History seeps from pretty much every single stone, actually. It used to be this childhood home of Lady Jane Grey. In a way, she who, maybe sadly, spent nine days reigning. Roaming around the ruins of Bradgate House makes you connect not just with all that scenic beauty but also with these very personal stories from history. You really begin to get a little understanding of what life felt like for one of the England’s tragically short-lived rulers.

Oh, I’ll never, for example, that trip with my family last springtime. That is that the heather actually blazed purple all across those hillsides and these views from the top, well, just truly magnificent. The kids liked scampering pretty wildly among those rocks. I just got to, like, sit and draw it all in for hours on end. It felt very free. Maybe there were other, smaller groups strolling by, but at that time the wide openness means you almost sense like you might get all the place for yourself. Actually, just allow plenty of time for investigating. Are you hoping for gentle hikes with somewhere great to have that packed lunch, or even, maybe just photograph dramatic settings? Then this lovely place offers an unforgettable setting. Read our full review: Bradgate Park Leicestershire Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bradgate Park Details)

3. Watermead Country Park: A Wildlife Haven

Now for any people out there loving wildlife or just maybe wanting some peaceful time around all that calm waters, Watermead Country Park really does stands apart. So, this collection of nature reserves is kinda scattered along this long stretch right beside the River Soar and has become really a crucial place of habitat where you find loads of types of birds and tons of animals. Actually wander, if you like, among tranquil lakes, wander all around those lush meadows. Or perhaps find places on those cleverly created paths. You can very easily steal yourself moments observing all sorts of stuff from elusive kingfishers to cute little families of swans drifting on by.

Yet, back when I moved pretty locally a few years back, that park practically became that real antidote to everyday demands of jobbing, for sure. It was nearly morning that I enjoyed following wildlife there as it burst back to life. So the sight, really, of so many various forms of waterbirds congregating, calling away among reeds became an absolute joy. Also, that place runs quite superb events such as photography and those wildlife observation programs. Also, with facilities well enough kept up. It has quite good access. That spot suits bird watching fanatic types all the way along to folks needing just the place they’re hoping to roam with well behaved dogs and also burn off any stir-craziness with children in tow! Read our full review: Watermead Country Park Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Watermead Country Park Information)

4. Foxton Locks: Canalside Charm

Should you feel just slightly intrigued to view how old-school British industrial construction marries effortlessly with countryside charm, there’s the fascinating region surrounding Foxton Locks for exploration. It is that flight that comprises around ten narrowboat locks. The area has really grown up into such very engaging place you stroll via those waterways to really just discover boats as they climb. Plus, maybe watch this system. Also enjoy just some really nicely served refreshments within close reach.

Okay, really personally it’s not just, like, how active everything is with boating which is actually what appeals. You get all of that just slowly-slowly feeling and calm within there with greenness almost hemming your footsteps as you go onward. It’s so perfect with kids, so you allow those people time learning this history-related section involving old means in shipping items as barges go sailing slowly into sight. Oh, and quite often, also there occurs quite interesting craft types to discover from traders gathered around close at weekends especially so you are nearly, well pretty bound find very tempting goods to bring with on! Want more? Read our full review: Foxton Locks Leicestershire Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Foxton Locks Information)

5. Rutland Water: Watersports and Birdwatching

Fair enough; a bit distant that you must actually push further over the periphery in Leicester proper; though not making anywhere in the vicinity without Rutland Water somewhere with it. Now this expansive, open expanse with aquatic areas isn’t a reservoir. Okay but is providing facilities suiting many outdoor enthusiasts out here needing to play in aquatic environs whilst moreover offering this sanctuary where you have loads upon aviator creatures living near, within banks around shore sides down here near Leicester county lines just there nearly so! I reckon It’s almost, basically that great if wanting various sorts like sailing pursuits! Perhaps attempting windsurfing classes etc plus still remaining a lovely destination suited for such as merely appreciating what nature presents across walks surrounding there beside aquatic vistas which extend across towards skyline views all over.

Way off inside memory! Seems as last June once that older two went wanting actually taking that challenge by experiencing attempting stand upwards over broad water for very first opportunity I saw their laughs once crashing flat while knowing what achievement there seemed afterward when sailing gracefully like professionals really got! Plus there continues remaining trails stretching right throughout shores allowing visitors access through which anyone watches breeding places birds possess inside those secluded spots nearly right during times! It’s very near ideal therefore to do a range or types whether craving action packaged sessions outside otherwise calm moments that comes watching the outdoors plus all wildness nearby. Get informed more Read our full review: Rutland Water Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rutland Water Information)

Leicestershire shows loads going on the outdoor kinds of ways with that. Doesn’t matter what. Whether hoping tranquil natural surroundings perhaps a number experiences somewhere within city there might make you feel completely free once visiting somewhere that will fill that wanting heart wanting outside fun.

• Parks plus history sites merge giving great touring moments round past whilst also getting the nature fix simultaneously there.
• Locations round shoreline prove marvelous zones around waters plus provide many birdwatching moments close by
• Outside that boundaries but simply within touring reach these lakes give action packaged watery days plus restful quiet when nearby shoreline