Bradgate Park

Whilst visiting family in Leicester last weekend we spent Sunday morning enjoying the late September sunshine and wandering around Bradgate Park. Threaded with streams and pools we were treated to plenty of views of the resident deer who were fully engaged in the rut, and the clatter of antler meeting antler rang out over the bracken.

It also houses the ruined remains of Lady Jane Greys former home and birthplace.

The grounds of the ruin are absolutely crawling with Belladonna (or Deadly Nightshade if you prefer) and I like to think it is no coincidence that it grows there and was originally nurtured long ago by a spurned maiden who declared revenge on her feckless lover (possibly!)

All that fresh air and history gave us an appetite and we end ended the morning at the tea house, enjoying a coffee and rather scrummy piece of lemon drizzle cake (despite having polished off a cooked breakfast only 2 hours earlier - ahem!)