Market Bosworth Country Park
This 85 acre country park in Leicestershire contains a lake, a planted arboretum with exotic species, a wildflower meadow and a community woodland. The route takes you through the park to Sutton Cheney and then on to Bosworth Battlefield. This field is the site of the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses, the civil war that took place in the 15th century.
The Leicestershire Round walking route runs through the park so you can use this path to visit the nearby Bosworth Battlefield Country Park.
Postcode
CV13 0LP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsMarket Bosworth Country Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Market Bosworth Country Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Market Bosworth Country Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Market Bosworth Country Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Old Black Horse Inn is located just west of the park. The old pub includes exposed wood beams and an outdoor terrace for warmer weather. They serve high quality dishes and can be found close to the park at 17 Market Place with a postcode of CV13 0LF.
You could also head down to the Ashby Canal at Sutton Cheney Wharf where you'll find the Sutton Wharf cafe. They serve tasty lunches and delicious cakes which you can enjoy in the outdoor seating area next to the water.
Dog Walking
The open grassland and parkland trails are ideal for dog walking so you'll probably bump into other owners on your visit. There are several bins dotted around the park too.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Nuneaton Rotary Walk can be picked up to the south of the park. It takes you on a tour of the countryside, parks and canals around the neighbouring town.
Head a few miles to the south east and there's the Croft Hill and Quarry Walk to try. There's fine views over the countryside and to the significant geological site from the Croft Hill viewpoint. This area additionally includes Stoney Cove, a flooded quarry now home to the UK’s National Diving Centre where you can enjoy scuba diving and other activities.
To the north west there's the worthy village of Shackerstone to explore. There's some pleasant canalside walks and the heritage Battlefield Line Railway station to visit here.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Leicestershire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Cadeby Lane in the Market Bosworth Country Park. The park was originally established by the Harcourt family after the Norman conquest and later came into the hands of the Dixie family in 1567. The Dixie family significantly influenced the development of the estate, which was known as ‘Southwood’ at the time. In 1665, they were granted the right to enclose 400 acres of the land to create a park for stags and other wildlife, encompassing what is now the present-day country park.
During the late 18th century, the park was landscaped in the style of Capability Brown, one of England's most famous landscape architects. This involved the planting of small woods and individual trees, enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Notably, the park was home to England’s only herd of pure black fallow deer, making it unique in its ecological significance.
Canada Geese on the Bow Pool in the park. The ponds in the park support a diverse range of habitats for a variety of species. In the warmer months there are also the vibrant wildflower meadows which attract a wide range of pollinating insects. Look out for flora such as bluebells, fritillaries, ox-eye daisies, cowslips and primroses in this area.
View towards Sutton Cheney. In the early 1970s, the park was purchased by the county council, which has since undertaken conservation efforts to preserve and enhance the historic landscape. In recent years, these efforts have included the planting of 60 new specimen trees to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This replanting includes Elm trees that are resistant to Dutch Elm disease, a species that was once widespread across the English countryside before the disease devastated populations in the 20th century. The park remains a testament to centuries of landscape design and conservation efforts, blending historical elements with modern ecological awareness.
Bosworth Battlefield visitor centre
Weather recording station in the park
A view of the car parking area and entrance.
Lawn and trees. The park's aroboretum includes a varied collection of exotic tree species, including coast redwoods and Japanese maples. Look out for birds such as great spotted woodpeckers, green woodpeckers and nuthatches in these wooded areas.
Park Sculpture.