Address
Wanlip Road,
Syston,
Leicester,
LE7 1PD
Details
Watermead Country Park is one of the best sites in Leicestershire for bird watching and nature study. As well as the Reedbed Nature Reserve which opened in 2004, the park is also home to the Birstall Nature Reserve, situated towards the south of the park. This area has been a reserve since the early 1980s.
Surfaced paths throughout the park provide an opportunity for walking, running and cycling, and many seats along these trails are ideal places for visitors to sit and enjoy the general peace and quiet.
The country park forms part of the Leicester Marathon course held in October each year and the main cycle route through the park is part of the National Cycle Network linking Leicester City with Loughborough and the north of the county.
For the fisherman, season permits can be obtained (during the fishing season) for John Merricks Lake, King Lear’s Lake and the Lily Pond. Day tickets can be purchased from on-site staff (on the bank) for King Lear’s and the Lily Pond.
Families visiting the park can enjoy picnics and children can explore the Jurassic Play Trail around King Lear’s Lake.
Other activities such as windsurfing, sailing and model boating can be enjoyed in the park through local clubs, and the local Newfoundland Dog Rescue Group lay on demonstrations and training sessions at various times of the year.
Opening Details
Open all the time
Open dawn til dusk
Prices
Free entry
All-day parking at Watermead costs just £2.50. All proceeds from car parking charges go into the maintenance and upkeep of our country parks.
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Disabled toilets
Picnic site
Disabled access
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
General
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Clear signage
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
Location
Directions
Map reference: SK 607113 Lat: 52.69636 Long: -1.10262
We are located north-east of Leicester, immediately adjacent to the A46, between the villages of Syston and Wanlip. The country park’s main entrance can be accessed from Wanlip Road, Syston, near to the Hope and Anchor pub
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport