Sitting just five miles north of Leicester, Watermead Country Park is a 140 hectare green oasis. It is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful stretch of countryside.

The Country Park is nearly two miles long and comprises over 12 lakes and smaller ponds, wildflower meadows, woodland, grassland and reedbeds. It is an ideal spot for walking, cycling, picnics, bird watching, and fishing.

Running through the park are the River Soar and Grand Union Canal which provide an essential corridor for wildlife.

BLUE GREEN ALGAE WARNING:

As a result of this summer's wet weather conditions the lakes in Watermead Country Park have become affected by blue/green algae. The algae produce toxins which may be harmful to people and dogs. Therefore, visitors are advised to avoid contact with the water and to keep dogs on dry ground.

For more up to date news from all our country parks see our News and Events page.

Watermead is managed in a partnership of Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Charnwood Borough Council.

Watermead Country Park (South) is managed by Leicester City Council and forms part of the Riverside Park which runs through the centre of Leicester.

Visitor Information

The car park uses an automated pay on entry access system.
Car parking charge is £2.50 per car. The machine only accept coins, but does not give change or issues tickets.
North Entrance Car Park, Wanlip Road, LE7 1PD (Grid Ref: SK 60721 11408)
From this entrance four parking areas can be accessed: John Merrick's Lake, King Lear's Lake, Lily Pond and the Reedbed Nature Reserve
South Entrance Car Park, Alderton Close, Thurmaston (Leicester City Council end)
Car Park Season Ticket Information
Bus Route: Arriva 6 (walking involved). Contact Traveline for further information

Location Map Map of the Country Park Permanent Orienteering Course

Opening Times

The car park has an automatic exit gate that will allow cars to leave the car park at any time. Please note we do not allow overnight parking.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May-Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
7am - 4pm	7am - 5pm	7am - 6pm	7am - 7pm	7am - 8pm	7am - 7pm	7am - 6pm (BST) 5pm	7am - 5pm	7am - 4pm

What to See and Do

More than 12 lakes and smaller ponds
Fishing, which is permitted on John Merricks Lake, Lily Pond, King Lears Lake, and sections of the River Soar. See our Fisheries Page for more information
Active water sports available for club members. See Activities in the Park for more details
Four bird hides, including a 2-storey hide, and one of the largest reedbed areas in the Midlands
The Jurassic Play Trail which features an earthmound, a rib-cage climbing frame, a henge-feature and stepping stones, is great for children of all ages to explore
The Portrait Bench, part of a national art initiative, which depicts two Bronze Age people and an Aurochs
The National Cycle Network passes through the park. The Sustrans Connect2 Project has recently improved much of this network

Conservation Volunteering

The Country Park Service has a number of different volunteer groups that work at various Country Parks throughout the year. The Beacon Hill Volunteer Group get together on the second and third Sundays of the month. Work sessions run from 10am to 3pm.

Click here for more information about all Country Parks volunteering opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check our FAQs Page to find answers to our most commonly asked questions.

Photo Gallery

Check out our photos of the country park in our Photo Gallery. We'd love to see your photos from around the park too. Email them to us, or why not share them on Facebook, and we may use them on the website!

Contact Details

Tel: 0116 305 5000 (8.30am - 5pm Mon - Thu, 8.30am - 4.30pm Fri). Outside of these times, emergencies only please.

Email: countryparks@leics.gov.uk Emails are checked during the week. You will not receive a response to your email at weekends or Bank Holidays.

Other Local Sites

Watermead Country Park (South) and Riverside Park - managed by Leicester City Council
Cossington Meadows - managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

Page Last Updated: 19 October 2012