Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

Leicester, United Kingdom, Leicester, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks

Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

1. Bradgate Park

A historic park with diverse wildlife including red and fallow deer. Offers guided walks and picnic areas.
  • Historic Atmosphere: Originally a medieval hunting ground, providing a unique historical context.
  • Guided Walks: Enjoy the park with expert-led tours, learning about local wildlife and history.
  • Picnic Area: Perfect for a relaxing day out; bring a picnic lunch to enjoy among nature.

2. Charnwood Forest

A vast forest area with a variety of wildlife such as foxes, badgers, and birds. Offers walking trails and camping sites.
  • Vast Forest Area: Covers over 600 square kilometers, providing ample space to explore.
  • Walking Trails: Over 50 miles of trails for hikers of all levels.
  • Camping Sites: Experience the forest overnight at one of the designated camping areas.

3. Wyndham Park

Urban park with a diverse range of birds and small mammals. Offers a serene environment for peaceful wildlife observation.
  • Urban Oasis: A green sanctuary amidst the city, providing tranquility in the heart of Leicester.
  • Peaceful Environment: Ideal for those seeking a quiet and relaxing wildlife viewing experience.
  • Conservation Efforts: Ongoing efforts to support local species, making a visit educational and inspiring.

4. Watermead Country Park

Lake-side park with numerous bird species, including herons and swans. Features picnic areas, walking trails, and boat rentals.
  • Lake-side Location: The lake attracts a wide variety of waterbirds, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.
  • Boat Rentals: Explore the park from a different perspective by renting a boat or kayak.
  • Picnic Areas: A great spot for a family day out; bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in beautiful surroundings.

5. Gilmorton Lakes

Fishing lakes with abundant wildlife including herons, kingfishers, and otters. Offers fishing facilities and walking trails.
  • Fishing Facilities: Perfect for anglers; the lakes are stocked with various fish species.
  • Walking Trails: Enjoy a scenic walk around the lakes, spotting local wildlife along the way.
  • Wildlife Variety: A unique opportunity to see otters, which are not common in many UK wildlife sites.

6. Leicestershire and Rutland Water

Large reservoir with diverse wildlife such as ospreys, otters, and water voles. Offers boat trips, fishing, and walking trails.
  • Reservoir Location: The size of the reservoir attracts a wide variety of waterbirds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Boat Trips: Explore the reservoir on a guided boat tour; guides are knowledgeable about local wildlife.
  • Fishing and Walking Trails: Enjoy fishing or walking along the banks, taking in the stunning views of the reservoir.

7. Swithland Wood

A small woodland area with a diverse range of birds and small mammals. Offers walking trails and is easily accessible from Leicester.
  • Small but Rich: Despite its size, Swithland Wood hosts a rich variety of wildlife due to its varied habitats.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transport, making it an accessible wildlife destination.
  • Walking Trails: Enjoy a peaceful walk through the woodland, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

8. Beacon Hill Country Park

Rolling hills with diverse wildlife including foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center.
  • Hilltop Views: The hilltop offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Visitor Center: Learn about the park's wildlife and history at the visitor center.
  • Walking Trails: Over 20 miles of trails cater to hikers of all levels.

9. Bradgate Hill

A hill with historical ruins and diverse wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. Offers walking trails and panoramic views.
  • Historical Ruins: Explore the remains of Bradgate House, a Tudor-era manor.
  • Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop.
  • Walking Trails: Explore the area on foot, taking in the beauty of nature and history.

10. Leicester Botanical Garden

Botanical garden with a variety of flora that attracts local wildlife. Offers educational programs and picnic areas.
  • Educational Programs: Learn about the plants and wildlife through guided tours and workshops.
  • Picnic Areas: A peaceful spot for a picnic amidst beautiful gardens.
  • Variety of Flora: The garden houses a wide variety of plants, attracting a rich diversity of wildlife.

11. Humberstone and Furtho Reservoirs

Reservoirs with abundant birdlife including swans, herons, and ducks. Offers fishing facilities, walking trails, and picnic areas.
  • Fishing Facilities: Perfect for anglers; the reservoirs are stocked with various fish species.
  • Walking Trails: Enjoy a scenic walk around the reservoirs, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
  • Picnic Areas: A great spot for a family day out; bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in beautiful surroundings.

12. Melton Country Park

Lake with diverse wildlife such as swans, ducks, and kingfishers. Offers fishing facilities, walking trails, and picnic areas.
  • Fishing Facilities: Perfect for anglers; the lake is stocked with various fish species.
  • Walking Trails: Enjoy a scenic walk around the park, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
  • Picnic Areas: A great spot for a family day out; bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in beautiful surroundings.

13. Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Large nature reserve with abundant wildlife including ospreys, otters, and water voles. Offers boat trips, fishing, and walking trails.
  • Reservoir Location: The size of the reservoir attracts a wide variety of waterbirds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Boat Trips: Explore the reservoir on a guided boat tour; guides are knowledgeable about local wildlife.
  • Fishing and Walking Trails: Enjoy fishing or walking along the banks, taking in the stunning views of the reservoir.

14. Rutland Water Osprey Project

A project dedicated to preserving the osprey population. Offers guided tours and live webcams.
  • Osprey Conservation: Help support the conservation efforts for this rare bird of prey.
  • Guided Tours: Learn about ospreys and their habitat on guided tours led by experts.
  • Live Webcams: Watch live footage of the osprey nests; a great way to monitor these fascinating birds.

15. Grimsthorpe Castle Deer Park

Historic deer park with red and fallow deer. Offers guided tours and picnic areas.
  • Historic Atmosphere: Walk through a historic park that dates back to the 16th century.
  • Guided Tours: Learn about the history and wildlife of the park on guided tours led by experts.
  • Picnic Areas: A peaceful spot for a picnic amidst beautiful surroundings.