Conkers - Waterside Centre — Attraction in North West Leicestershire

We visited to cycle around the Conkers circuit we didn't enter or use any of Conkers facilities. On arrival we called into Conkers waterside and enquired if there was a cafe where we could have a coffee. We were told by the young girl on reception that there was a cafe but that we would have to pay the full admission fee (£10 each) to access it. We politely declined. This seems a little short sighted of Conkers as there were plenty of people in the area just walking cycling and dog walking who would have used this facility if available. The outside of the buildings seemed to be neglected the shrubbery around the car park looked forgotten. Ok onto the cycle trail most of the way around was hard tarmac surfaces although in allot of places the bushes and bramble bordering the trail had actually come over making the track very narrow there was also lots of moss on the sides. The trail was very neglected. It wasn't very well signposted you follow red yellow or blue bands around wooden posts depending on which trail you were following. The posts were few and far between and were often hidden in bushes. There were often roads to cross. There were no road markings or signage warning approaching traffic that cycles or pedestrians were crossing. Sometimes the crossing would be on the blind side of a bridge! On this point alone I would not recommend this route for families with small children. The guide and map seem out of date making the trail difficult to follow. And the description tells of gentle gradients however in reality some were rather steep. However I did enjoy my time there. And car parking is free which...

This visit not that great. Been to winter wonderland twice before over the years, but staff werent that 'christmassy'the elves that did make a super cheery effort were smashing but some just stood by the sleigh photographer back turned to the queue of visitors and didnt interact. Wonderland walk is getting tired and the singing reindeers looked like the had lockjaw, displays were in need of a paint refresh. The craft building where there stories and make your own penguin pictures was awful, the girl in there dressed in an Elsa outfit had no interaction with anyone, never made eye tact, never said hi and never cracked a smile. 4d cinema booked for 2.30, staff didnt turn up until 2.40, no apology for lateness, stood with a case full of 3d glasses no chat or smile. There was some lovely staff, and the chaps on the train were brilliant. But will look for another christmas wonderland in the future. As regards to conkers itself, I'm guessing e-on have pulled out or they are renovating the science bit as it was cordoned off in places, attractions not lit up and quite drab, but the out areas...

Our new favourite "country park". Lots of things to do for different children ages, several playgrounds (the small kiddos one has few water features on as well for warmer days), free mini train, free activity trails through the forest, water birds to feed and observe, country forest to walk through, massive educational indoor interactive "museum" and softplay including bat cave slide, indoor mini cinema, softplay for birthday parties, and generally good family amenities like parking, toilets, food/ice-cream and if you want also well priced add-on outdoor activities like high ropes and archery.

And the annual membership is pretty much what we pay for annual parking at public country parks, even cheaper considering all the kind friendly amenities and perks included. (Btw super easy to get - the reception just discounted our first ticket visit price when we bought annual at the end of the day, and now we just code a family QR code upon every entry and off we go, without any need to book a slot or anything. Much easier then...