Summary

It is hard to believe that the nature reserve and a haven for wildlife at Branston Water Park was originally an open cast gravel pit. Start your visit at the information centre for details of the birds and other wildlife that you can spot around the park and then set out around the site to see what you can spot. The large reed bed habitat is a particularly good location for bird spotting.  

Branston Water Park is a great place to take a picnic, or you can pick up a snack at the café.  Younger children will enjoy the play area and the level path means there is wheelchair access around the entire site.  

 

Highlights

 Bradgate Water Park is a great example of how a former mining area can become a haven for wildlife. Enjoy birdwatching with a peaceful one-mile-walk around the site and take a picnic for a perfect family outing in nature.  

Facilities

  • Cafe 
  • Disabled toilet (radar key controlled) 
  • Fishing through Burton Mutual Angling Association 
  • Free parking 
  • Picnic area  
  • Play area for younger children 
  • Toilets  
  • Visitor centre  

Advance Visit Information

  • Free admission and parking
  • Opening times may vary

Discover more

There's always somewhere new to visit in the National Forest, with an array of unique attractions to explore and discover. 

Explore a trail

Why not explore the woodlands of the National Forest on one of our circular trails? Each showcases the different landscapes of the Forest.