Campsites in Leicestershire

Leicestershire’s wonderful selection of things to see offers stunning outdoor landscapes full of nature trails, quaint villages and the leicestershire Round. Thrills on motor circuits and screeching Land Rovers combined with the clamour of an ancient (and modern) battleground, as well as magnificent Saxon cathedrals and medieval guildhalls will deliver loads of action, too. There's plenty in Leicestershire you can look forward to, and all that before you swoop into its quarry diving scene...

Don’t Miss

• Bradgate Park
• Armourgeddon
• National Space Centre
• Rockingham Castle

Cracking history and modern sights

Bradgate Park is your first stop for beautiful landscapes, overflowing with colourful flowers and home to the romantic ruins of Bradgate House where Lady Jane Grey was born and lived during her (admittedly rather short) life. You'll be tempted to rekindle the story of 'the Nine Days' Queen' by walking in the ruins of her past. Visitors to the park can see one of Leicestershire’s most renowned landmarks, an 18^th century folly known as Old John Tower, as well as herds of Red and Fallow deer. Also part of the Bradgate Estate is Swithland Wood, a real beauty of an ancient woodland and Site of Special Scientific Interest where you can dive deep in the heart of its quarry. 

Next up, get your creative side ready for Stoneywell. Constructed in 1899, the cottage is packed with charm and feels like a childhood holiday, with delightful gardens and quirky elements inside. There's a tearoom for relaxing with some tasty treats at this National Trust property.

Turn back time to days gone by at Rockingham Castle, built on the orders of William the Conqueror and one of the few castles in the UK that has been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years. The castle was used by Richard the Lion Heart as well as his brother Prince John and has guides inside that'll wow you with stories of hidden treasure supposedly buried somewhere in the gardens. Equally exciting is the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park where you'll find guided walks, enjoy battlefield re-enactments and handle captivating birds of prey.

You won't want to miss Leicester Cathedral's 900 years of history, the cherry on the cake being its 220ft high spire. It's the last resting place of King Richard III, who died in battle and has brought his fascinating story to the cathedral.

A day spent exploring Foxton Locks is the perfect antidote to all that exhilarating history, they're the spot for total relaxation. The locks, which are England’s longest set of canal staircase locks, are on the Grand Union Canal’s Leicester line and viewing the boats making their way through the locks is a fascinating process. Stroll their history in the local museum, then refuel at the local cosy pubs, or try something dainty in a tea room.

Mixing history and heritage is Newarke Houses Museum and Gardens. Newarke Houses Museum is made up of two historic houses, Wygston's Chantry House and Skeffington House. Here visitors can learn about present-day Leicester as well as the history of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment.  The museum incorporates a cinema experience, a toy collection ranging from the Tudor period to the present day and a children’s play area. The museum gardens are a pleasant place to explore at a leisurely pace and provide insight into different styles of English gardens throughout history.

Abbey Pumping Station serves as Leicester's Museum of Science and Technology, it features a variety of amazing sights including four huge Gimson beam engines which have all been restored to full working order and if you visit at the right time you may get to see the engines in action.

For the plant lover, the University of Leicester Botanic Garden is one of the more beautiful outdoor areas in Leicestershire to see. The gardens stretch over 16 acres and encompass a variety of landscapes including a water garden, sunken garden and rock garden to name a few. Associated with the Botanic Garden is the Attenborough Arboretum which contains what is possibly the city’s sole surviving medieval ridge-and-furrow field and the planting layout displays native trees in the order they arrived in the UK over the last 10,000 years.  

From leisurely boat rides to roaring battles

For animal lovers whose spirits soar at the thought of interacting with majestic birds of prey, Bird on the Hand Falconry Experiences is definitely a place worth swooping into. There's an unforgettable day of handling, flying and feeding birds of prey in the stunning Leicestershire countryside.

Take to the water at Foxton Locks, whether you know what you're doing or not. Foxton Boat Services is where you can hire boats for the day, grab a hat and play a lazy tune as you wind your leisurely way through the countryside. Or if you don't know your port from your starboard, just sit back, relax and take in their surroundings on a passenger boat ride. IIf your pedometer's telling you to get a bit more active, the canal towpaths are a pleasant place for walking and cycling.    

Armourgeddon is an activity for anyone who loves adventure and adrenaline. This is a thrilling experience involving an exhilarating paintball tank battle. Visitors can take charge of a 17.5 ton tank, drive it through a WWII bombing range and then once deemed competent they can take to the battlefield in a three-person team to battle other tank crews in paintball warfare. Bet no one you know has ever done that before!

If the adrenaline still needs pumping and the speed and power of a tank is just not quite enough, get on board the Everyman Racing experience  and drive some of the world's most powerful supercars. Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens are just a few of the wide range of sports or classic car experiences available. Those who are feeling daring can also try a high speed passenger ride with a qualified ARDS instructor. 

But why stay on the road when you can go off-road and experience the Land Rover Experience East of England? Try a full or half day adventure, choosing from a range of Land Rovers and navigating obstacles such as muddy climbs and steep drops in a breathtaking, off-road course.

Once your wheels have stopped spinning, get your feet back on land because Leicestershire also has a great selection of walking routes and cycling routes. It's all topped off by the Leicestershire Round, which is 100 miles of infinitely rewarding roving, over a circular route around the county. Then you'll be able to say you've truly walked it all! If that's got you puffing at the mere thought, there's plenty of shorter routes, such as well signposted footpaths and quiet country lanes.

Hooting good fun

Manor Farm & Woodlands is ideal for younger kids, filling up their day with nature trails in lovely countryside surroundings, plus a host of adorable animals. These range from donkeys and goats to one of the UK’s biggest owl collections – and getting to hold an owl is sure to cause more than a few hoots of delight!   

Over at Stonehurst Family Farm, kids can taste the real country feel. Collecting eggs, handling and feeding the animals, as well as tractor and pony rides will all bring alive the feeling - the city has never felt so far away! The farm is also home to a motor museum full of all things fun and the best, noisiest engines to play at driving: cars, motorbikes and Leicestershire's first motorised bus.

If birds are more your thing, then swoop into Tropical Birdland. Here you may be lucky enough to see a baby chick hatching, stroll through the huge aviaries and feed the birds or wander the woodland walk. The fun outdoor play area is also a great place for kids to burn off excess energy while parents relax with some tasty refreshments.

If space flight gets more excitement than bird flight, the National Space Centre is the place for your little ones. It has award-winning shows in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium or you can watch the equally exciting "We Are Aliens!" narrated by Harry Potter star Rupert Grint.