Watermead Country Park

On the edge of Leicester, just five miles from the City Centre, Watermead Country Park is a 140-hectare green oasis. It is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful stretch of countryside, easily accessible for many people.  Most of the paths are surfaced making it an ideal site to visit for wheelchair and buggy users.  The Park is developing one of the largest reedbed areas in the Midlands and five birdhides, including a 2 storey hide provide great viewing spots for visitors.

The Country Park is nearly two miles long and as its name suggests it is a wetland area with over 12 lakes and smaller ponds. It is an ideal spot for walking, cycling, picnics, birdwatching, fishing or more active watersports.  The largest of the lakes, King Lears, is an excellent Day Ticket Coarse Fishery.

Running through the Park are the River Soar and Grand Union Canal which provide an essential corridor for wildlife as well as a route for pleasure boating and walking.

Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Charnwood Borough Council manage the Park in a partnership.

At its southern end it forms part of the Riverside Park which runs through the centre of the Leicester City.

Admission

Free; £1.50 parking charge

Car Park Season Ticket Information

Opening Times

Month	Time
January	Daily 7am-4pm
February	Daily 7am-5pm
March	Daily 7am-6pm
April	Daily 7am-7pm
May-August	Daily 7am-8pm
September	Daily 7am-7pm
October	Daily 7am-6pm
November	Daily 7am-5pm
December	Daily 7am-4pm

Activities

• Picnic Area
• Walks
• Horse Track
• Cycle Trail
• Fishing
• Information Area
• Permanent Orienteering Course

Access

There are stone roads and pathways. The area around John Merricks Lake is adapted for people with disabilities.

Facilities

• Toilets
• Disabled Toilets
• Parkiing
• Disabled Parking

The Country Park has two main car parks. Access to the northern one is from the A46 Leicester Western Bypass and the Wanlip Road near Syston (LE7 1PD).
Toilets with facilities for disabled people and baby changing are available at this car park.
The second serves the southern end of the Country Park and can be reached by the A607 and Alderton Close in Thurmaston, just north of the ring road.
Follow the brown signs.

Contact Details

The Ranger, Watermead Country Park Office, Fillingate, Wanlip, Leicestershire LE7 4PF
Tel: 0116 267 1944
Email: watermead@leics.gov.uk
Emergency/Out-of-Hours Tel: 07850 276226