Braunstone Park

The Park covers 168 acres and is a mix of established woodland, spinneys and meadows. Two lakes adjacent to the southern boundary attract migrating birds and a myriad of wildlife. Braunstone Hall (not open) in the centre of the park is a Grade II Georgian listed building. Alongside is the stable block refurbished in 1989 in keeping with its original character and retaining part of the old stables. There are numerous meandering paths enabling the visitor to stroll and enjoy the many aspects of this delightful park. A tree trail has been designed to guide you to the exotic and interesting varieties that grow alongside the more traditional English trees.

With its open expanse of green parkland reminders of Braunstone’s pastoral heritage encompass every corner of this ancient site. The park is easily located and accessible and regularly used by schools and groups for nature rambles and conservation studies.

The Walled Garden was formerly the kitchen garden to the Winstanley household. The first reference to it was as early as 1792, when it was described as having “hot houses of considerable magnitude, and the garden planted with choice fruit trees”. The hot houses provided a large and diverse range of fruit and vegetables; nectarines, cherries, apricots and melons. In later years it was used as holding beds for trees and shrubs before they were distributed to the various parks in the city. In the early 1980’s it was re-designed and opened to the public on 22nd May 1983 by Councillor R. A. Flint, J.P. The old walls now provide shelter for a rich variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs, underplanted with spring flowering bulbs. The formal beds set into the lawns afford stunning displays that provide a riot of colour throughout the year. Most recently a small plot of herbs has been planted adding another dimension of fragrant and attractive foliage to the already spectacular garden.

The Memorial Garden by the Gooding Avenue entrance is marked by a large granite stone to commemmorate the Park's use as a military camp during the Second World War. It was used by the Royal Artillery and later by the American 82nd Airbourne Divison. After the War, due to the severe housing shortage, displaced families were allowed to live in the nissen huts until they were re-housed.

There are two well equipped children's playground located on Gooding Avenue and Braunstone Avenue.

Sporting facilities include football pitches and changing rooms.

Blue Badge spaces are available near the visitor's centre with tarmac surface. There are wide gravel/tarmac pathways, seats are available at intervals and picnic areas have ramped access. The visitor's centre and walled garden also have ramped access.

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Prices

Free entry

Open all the time
It is usually open Monday to Friday 10am-1pm and Sundays between 10am-4pm.

Nearby

Local Accommodation