
6 BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL AUTUMN WALKS IN LEICESTERSHIRE
Last Updated on 12th October 2024 by Bejal
Autumn has always been our favourite season. From the crunch of the crisp earthy toned-leaves and landscapes, the shorter days, the morning hue or evening mist in the air, Leicestershire located in the East Midlands right in the centre of England is an underrated destination. However as a local, we can vouch that not many visitors know about the stunning walks there are throughout the county and city that are so well loved by those who live here. Read on to discover 6 historical Autumn walks in Leicestershire that we love.
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It’s time to notch up the togs on the duvet, wrap up warm in layers and stride in the new seasonal landscape with the reward of a mug of hot chocolate and watching those around sipping on a pumpkin-spiced latte (I’m not a fan myself!!).
Autumn is a sheer pleasure to changing vista lovers like myself and the thought of hygge-filled times ahead. Oh and not to forget my childhood love of conker fights and roasted chestnuts!! Long autumn walks are one of my favourite seasonal pastimes so here are a few, which I particularly love as not only are they local to me but are intertwined with snippets of Leicestershire’s heritage.


1 Abbey Park
Located a stone’s throw away from the city centre, Abbey Park was a Leicester Abbey back in the twelfth century as the name refers. It was the same place where Cardinal Wolsey (King Henry VIII’s almoner) was said to be laid to rest. There is a statue, which represents this spot.

The park is a vast site to walk around and is especially a beautiful complement of colours due to the variety of evergreen shrubs, trees and boating lake with the Rived Soar running through it.
Spot the remains of the mansion, known as Cavendish House, which boasts the beautiful Victorian section of the park.
There is also a café on site close to cardinal Wolsey’s statue to sit in or grab a hot beverage and snacks in the colder weather. Expect to spend several hours here taking in the glory of this former manicured abbey grounds.

The Details
- Location: Abbey Park Road, Leicester LE4 5AQ.
- Website: Opening Hours & Information
- Find it here: Map Location
- Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
- Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display

2. Bradgate Park
If you love a country walk, the town of Newton Linford, on the outskirts of Leicestershire hosts the stunning Bradgate Country Park, which covers 830 acres of land and was originally a deer park. So naturally today you will see much of the resident deer herd roaming the park, that you can also access daily for free walks to learn more about them.

The park offers some of the finest views over the county and Leicestershire’s smallest river, the Lin runs through the lower end of the park, where there is a popular picnic spot.
You can climb up to the 18th century folly, Old John, which sits at the top of the park and take in the views or mooch around the old ruins of Bradgate House, where Lady Jane Grey lived in her younger years. Hear the sounds of the friendly peacocks as you meander the old grounds.

The vast landscape of the park is particularly awe-inspiring during the autumn with the ever-changing hues from early morning to evening.
The Details
- Location: Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HE
- Website: Opening Hours & Information
- Find it Here: Map Location
- Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
- Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display

3. New Walk
A stunning mile-long example of a tree lined Georgian pedestrian promenade, New Walk was intended to connect Welford Place, at the bottom of the walk, to Leicester racecourse, which is now Victoria Park. New Walk has been a protected conservation area since 1969.


For us New Walk is at its prettiest in the autumn, with the trees shedding their leaves, the odd squirrel scurrying in a hurry up a tree, a beautiful catholic church and an array of once aristocratic houses built in the 1820’s, which are now offices and private residences. There also a couple of open spaces including The Oval, a gated park and De Montfort Square, housing a statue of Robert Hall.This promenade was referred to once as Leicester’s only respectable street!
The Details
- Location: New Walk, Leicester
- Find it Here: Map Location
- Dog Friendly: Yes, on a lead (remember to scoop the poop)
- Closest Parking: On road parking or Newarke Street NCP
Related Article: A Local’s Guide To Historic Leicester
4. Foxton Locks
Love canal and barges, head to Foxton locks and walk along the longest and steepest staircase locks in the UK and peruse their incredible Victorian engineering! There are a flight of 10 locks and also the canal House museum to pop into for some respite!

Over 4,000 pass through Foxton Locks a year, which makes it the most visited places on the canals and if after the walk up the locks you fancy a boat ride you can take one yourself or visit the pub at the bottom of the locks or even have a autumn picnic!The locks are a great way to see the autumn colours and the surrounding countryside.
The Details
- Location: Foxton, Market Harborough LE16 7RA
- Website: Hours & Information
- Find it Here: Map Location
- Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
- Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display
5. Victoria Park
Until 1883, Victoria Park was the city’s racecourse but today forms 69 acres of open parkland and it is perfect for walks, exercising and visiting the wartime memorial of those brave who fell.
The park has two war memorials, the most notable being the memorial arch (Cenotaph) commemorating the fallen of World War 1. This was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed the Cenotaph in London at Whitehall.

The other memorial, is a small rock memorial which commemorates the American 82nd Airbourne division who were based in Leicester prior to the D day landings in 1944.
Victoria Park is framed with trees and mapped with pathways, which are also lined with trees that give the perfect crunch leafy paths and benches for a short rest in between taking in the vastness.
The Details
- Location: Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RY
- Website: Hours & Information
- Find it Here: Map Location
- Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
- Closest Parking: Onsite car park with pay and display, near De Montfort Hall
6. Castle Gardens
These beautiful gardens are located right next the Grand Union Canal in Leicester and around the corner from the beautiful St Mary de Castro church (Where Geoffrey Chaucer was married and where Kind Hienry IV was knighted) in the heart of medieval Leicester. The Great Hall of Leicester Castle and the Castle Motte surround the gardens. Youc an climb the stairs to get some great views of the surroundings in the centre of teh gardens.
Castle gardens are perfect to relax in and note the species of flora that has been beautifully landscaped as well as perfect to enjoy a picnic on the benches or lawns.

The Details
- Location: 20 The Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BY
- Website: Hours & Information
- Find it Here: Map Location
- Dog Friendly: Yes (remember to scoop the poop)
- Closest Parking: Newarke Street NCP
Autumn Walks in Leicestershire FAQ’s
Are these walks suitable for all levels?
The walks that come with a great incline are at Bradgate Park. New Walk and Foxton Locks. Those with walking restrictions should be cautious, especially at Abbey Park as certain areas are pretty steep.
Which one of these walks is good to see the sunset?
This would be Abbey Park, on the mound above the benches around the lake or Bradgate Park at Old John.
What should we take when walking in Leicestershire?
Unless you’ve checked the weather forecast, which is generally unreliable in most cases, we’d recommend a rain mac or umbrella, comfortable shoes or trainers, some water and a snack.

Autumn Walks In Leicestershire Round-Up
We hope these suggestions help you plan your walks around Leicestershire, whether it be in the city centre during a lunch break or a long weekend crunch through the leaves in the countryside, you will get to see some of the most beautiful colours and views the city and county has to offer. History lovers – we hope you love the little facts that comes with each of our suggestions.
Related Articles
- A Locals Guide to Historic Leicester
- The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Leicester by a Local
- The Most Beautiful Hotels in Leicestershire
- 30+ of The Best Independent Coffee Shops in Leicester City Centre
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À bientôt

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Kerry LifeandLoves
Ahhh these look so pretty! I love the look of Abbey Park especially. Give e a ruin and I am a happy camper! I will visit Leicester one day!
Bejal
Kerry LifeandLovesThanks Kerry and yes Abbey park is one of my favourites too and close to the City Centre! Haha, I’m with you when it comes to ruins! Cannot wait for you to visit one day B x
Diary of a Londoness
You do bring Leicester to life and I get whooshes of nostalgia whenever I follow in your footsteps. I have now added psithurism to my list of words (who knew?). But I have to tell you, Bejal, I am a tad disappointed at your lacklustre reaction to pumpkin. Clearly you have not had one of Londoness’ pies!
Bejal
Diary of a LondonessAww that’s a lovely thing to say Scarlett and Yup I love a new word too! I just love the sound of it! I’m afraid, I don’t know what it is but pumpkin is just not for me! Although happy to give one of your pies a shot anytime! Always try something once I say!
the Curious Pixie
The ruins at Abbey Park look beautiful. Some really lovely walks there Bejal.
Bejal
the Curious PixieYes those ruins are completely some of my favourite too and thanks for stopping by and reading Sima!
Neha
Ah lovely Leicester! Just such a beautiful time of the year. Hope we have some dry days we can enjoy those crisp walks rather than soggy ones. Great recommendations
Bejal
NehaThanks Neha. Yes I Know what you mean, I can deal with cold but not rain and teh pretty leaves just become all slippery in the rain and rruin a nice little autumn walk!! We do have some nice opne spaces to walk in Leicester.
Rubina khanam
Ahh you are really spoilt for choice! They all sound amazing..Broadgate park looks fab! Great pics and descriptions I definitely want to come and visit one day! Xxx
Bejal
Rubina khanamI agree with you Bradgate Park and Abbey Park are two of my favourites. I really hope you can come pone day as I’m sure you’ll love it so much! B xx
Scott McGlashan
Great walk ideas for this time of year!
Bejal
Scott McGlashanThanks Scott! Some really pretty ones here and much prettier in person too!
Annmarie
I’m saving this for when I’m visiting Leicester for sure! Loved reading this ????
Bejal
AnnmarieAww thanks Annmarire, I look forward to when you come and see all the lovely walks and things to do. Thanks so much for reading B x
Louise
Stunning photography, B. I love autumn too – except from when it’s pouring down and I get caught with Clara in the buggy ????
Bejal
LouiseAww thanks so much Louise. Oh I totally can imagine that would not be the greatest experience!!
Camilla
Such lovely read and your pictures are so beautiful! If I could I would go straight away when it has such vibrant colours.
Bejal
CamillaThanks so much Camilla for your kind comment. Oh you must visit one day, especially in the autumn when the colours are around! B X
Laura
I do love an Autumn walk! Especially if there is a hot chocolate stop on the way!
Bejal
LauraOh yes, a hot chocolate makes it all the more special doesn’t it!