Watermead Country Park — Attraction in Charnwood

Beautiful place for a walk by yourself or with friends and family. Its a great way to connect with wildlife (ducks, geese and swans). There are many different routes you can take through the park, leading to different areas of the locality. Depending on what route you take you can go by the White Horse Pub which has a pub garden. Another rote by the water will take you to Syston and another route will lead you into Thurmaston village. This beautiful park which takes you past canals, woodland, over bridges to watch boats travelling through the locks is well worth a visit. You can enter the area for free on foot, or there is a payable car park. There is a few things that I see as as a down side but could easily put right, Firstly, the area where the ice-cream van is situated is right next to the car park, but only a small seating area and this gets very buys at times Also from a wheelchair perspective the gravel underfoot (still around the ice-cream van) is very bad, so very hard to even get up to the van should you want an ice cream, it can be a tripping hazard and needs to be improved. Secondly, the toilets situated there never seem to be open (at least when we have been there).Thirdly, unless you are cutting over rough ground on foot, the only access to the ice cream van and the pay station is through the car park which at times could be hazardous. Fourthly, lack of picnic benches as not everyone can sit on the floor. They have some great sections where these benches could be put, especially where they have put children's apparatus. Over all a wonderful place to visit and have a lovely walk and enjoy the...

It's was such a beautiful morning again as it has been all week so far. I go with my friend and our 4 dogs. We are walking to help our own health as well as our dogs health. We meet lots of other people and dogs every day and a great incentive to increase our steps is Bada Bean Coffee Truck in the Car Park. The Coffee made by Paul is consistently perfect. I have a Caramel Latte and it's creamy and beautiful texture and flavour tantalise my taste buds every single time I have it. He does other types of coffee and teas, hot chocolate and other drinks too and a variety of delicious cakes. If you haven't tried any of his drinks you are definitely missing out on a very delicious beautiful experience. It really spurs us on to walk further and helps power my journey back to the car. It also pays to just be quiet for a few moments to hear the birds singing. We listened to a Robin today. It's song is intricate and very tuneful. And that makes my heart and soul feel so great full and happy to be there. Very calming to the mind. I have been achieving my 10,000 steps in just a...

Our local "Green Oasis". Has protected wildlife areas and includes bird observation areas, although i have not seen much beyond usual swans, coots and mallard ducks. However rarely did see a kingfisher and woodpecker. Place does get rather busy especially with dog walkers and permits cycling. Cyclists seem considerate. The north entrance charges for car entry. There is also a free orienteering course (free maps downloadable) which my daughter and I enjoyed but some of the control markers can be very hard to find in the summer due to overgrown vegetation especially nettles! There are interesting but simple dinosaur art/exhibits around King Lears Lake. Many benches and areas to have a family picnic, however barbeques are no longer permitted. A good thing really, as much rubbish was generated and scattered by inconsiderate users. However overall a good place to visit. Doesn't compete with with Bradgate Park or Beacon Hill, but doesn't attract such heavy crowds which...