6 BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL AUTUMN WALKS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Autumn has always been our favourite season. From the crunch of the crisp earthy toned-leaves and landscapes, the shorter days, the morning hue or evening mist in the air, Leicestershire located in the East Midlands right in the centre of England is an underrated destination. However as a local, we can vouch that not many visitors know about the stunning walks there are throughout the county and city that are so well loved by those who live here. Read on to discover 6 historical Autumn walks in Leicestershire that we love.

Pin & Save For Later

It’s time to notch up the togs on the duvet, wrap up warm in layers and stride in the new seasonal landscape with the reward of a mug of hot chocolate and watching those around sipping on a pumpkin-spiced latte (I’m not a fan myself!!).

Autumn is a sheer pleasure to changing vista lovers like myself and the thought of hygge-filled times ahead. Oh and not to forget my childhood love of conker fights and roasted chestnuts!! Long autumn walks are one of my favourite seasonal pastimes so here are a few, which I particularly love as not only are they local to me but are intertwined with snippets of Leicestershire’s heritage.

1 Abbey Park

Located a stone’s throw away from the city centre, Abbey Park was a Leicester Abbey back in the twelfth century as the name refers. It was the same place where Cardinal Wolsey (King Henry VIII’s almoner) was said to be laid to rest. There is a statue, which represents this spot.

The park is a vast site to walk around and is especially a beautiful complement of colours due to the variety of evergreen shrubs, trees and boating lake with the Rived Soar running through it.

Spot the remains of the mansion, known as Cavendish House, which boasts the beautiful Victorian section of the park.

There is also a café on site close to cardinal Wolsey’s statue to sit in or grab a hot beverage and snacks in the colder weather. Expect to spend several hours here taking in the glory of this former manicured abbey grounds.

The Details

• Location: Abbey Park Road, Leicester LE4 5AQ.
• Website: Opening Hours & Information
• Find it here: Map Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
• Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display

2. Bradgate Park

If you love a country walk, the town of Newton Linford, on the outskirts of Leicestershire hosts the stunning Bradgate Country Park, which covers 830 acres of land and was originally a deer park. So naturally today you will see much of the resident deer herd roaming the park, that you can also access daily for free walks to learn more about them.

The park offers some of the finest views over the county and Leicestershire’s smallest river, the Lin runs through the lower end of the park, where there is a popular picnic spot.

You can climb up to the 18^th century folly, Old John, which sits at the top of the park and take in the views or mooch around the old ruins of Bradgate House, where Lady Jane Grey lived in her younger years. Hear the sounds of the friendly peacocks as you meander the old grounds.

The vast landscape of the park is particularly awe-inspiring during the autumn with the ever-changing hues from early morning to evening.

The Details

• Location: Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HE
• Website: Opening Hours & Information
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
• Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display

3. New Walk

A stunning mile-long example of a tree lined Georgian pedestrian promenade, New Walk was intended to connect Welford Place, at the bottom of the walk, to Leicester racecourse, which is now Victoria Park. New Walk has been a protected conservation area since 1969.

For us New Walk is at its prettiest in the autumn, with the trees shedding their leaves, the odd squirrel scurrying in a hurry up a tree, a beautiful catholic church and an array of once aristocratic houses built in the 1820’s, which are now offices and private residences. There also a couple of open spaces including The Oval, a gated park and De Montfort Square, housing a statue of Robert Hall.This promenade was referred to once as Leicester’s only respectable street!

The Details

• Location: New Walk, Leicester
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a lead (remember to scoop the poop)
• Closest Parking: On road parking or Newarke Street NCP

Related Article: A Local’s Guide To Historic Leicester

4. Foxton Locks

Love canal and barges, head to Foxton locks and walk along the longest and steepest staircase locks in the UK and peruse their incredible Victorian engineering! There are a flight of 10 locks and also the canal House museum to pop into for some respite!

Over 4,000 pass through Foxton Locks a year, which makes it the most visited places on the canals and if after the walk up the locks you fancy a boat ride you can take one yourself or visit the pub at the bottom of the locks or even have a autumn picnic!The locks are a great way to see the autumn colours and the surrounding countryside.

The Details

• Location: Foxton, Market Harborough LE16 7RA
• Website: Hours & Information
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
• Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display

5. Victoria Park

Until 1883, Victoria Park was the city’s racecourse but today forms 69 acres of open parkland and it is perfect for walks, exercising and visiting the wartime memorial of those brave who fell.

The park has two war memorials, the most notable being the memorial arch (Cenotaph) commemorating the fallen of World War 1. This was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed the Cenotaph in London at Whitehall.

The other memorial, is a small rock memorial which commemorates the American 82^nd Airbourne division who were based in Leicester prior to the D day landings in 1944.

Victoria Park is framed with trees and mapped with pathways, which are also lined with trees that give the perfect crunch leafy paths and benches for a short rest in between taking in the vastness.

The Details

• Location: Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RY
• Website: Hours & Information
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
• Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display, near De Montfort Hall

6. Castle Gardens

These beautiful gardens are located right next the Grand Union Canal in Leicester and around the corner from the beautiful St Mary de Castro church (Where Geoffrey Chaucer was married and where Kind Hienry IV was knighted) in the heart of medieval Leicester. The Great Hall of Leicester Castle and the Castle Motte surround the gardens. Youc an climb the stairs to get some great views of the surroundings in the centre of teh gardens.

Castle gardens are perfect to relax in and note the species of flora that has been beautifully landscaped as well as perfect to enjoy a picnic on the benches or lawns.

The Details

• Location: 20 The Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BY
• Website: Hours & Information
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
• Closest Parking: Newarke Street NCP

Autumn Walks in Leicestershire FAQ’s

Are these walks suitable for all levels?

The walks that come with a great incline are at Bradgate Park. New Walk and Foxton Locks. Those with walking restrictions should be cautious, especially at Abbey Park as certain areas are pretty steep.

Which one of these walks is good to see the sunset?

This would be Abbey Park, on the mound above the benches around the lake or Bradgate Park at Old John.

What should we take when walking in Leicestershire?

Unless you’ve checked the weather forecast, which is generally unreliable in most cases, we’d recommend a rain mac or umbrella, comfortable shoes or trainers, some water and a snack.

Autumn Walks In Leicestershire Round-Up

We hope these suggestions help you plan your walks around Leicestershire, whether it be in the city centre during a lunch break or a long weekend crunch through the leaves in the countryside, you will get to see some of the most beautiful colours and views the city and county has to offer. History lovers – we hope you love the little facts that comes with each of our suggestions.

Related Articles

• A Locals Guide to Historic Leicester
• The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Leicester by a Local
• The Most Beautiful Hotels in Leicestershire
• 30+ of The Best Independent Coffee Shops in Leicester City Centre

Resources To Help Plan A Trip To Leicester

À bientôt

Pin & Save