Old John

Old John is a hill crowned by a small Gothic-style tower in Bradgate Park, in the Charnwood district of Leicestershire. At 212 metres, it is the park's highest point and gives the widest outlook over the area. The tower is a landmark you can pick out from far across Leicestershire.

What is Old John?

Old John sits on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. The name covers both the hill and the structure on top: a round, two-storey tower built in the 1780s on the site of an earlier windmill. Sources disagree on the exact year, quoting anything from 1784 to 1787. It is a folly, an ornamental landscape building created to give the park a focal point and a place from which to enjoy the views. Historic England protects it as a Grade II listed building.

Where does the name come from?

A local legend tells of Old John, a beer-loving retainer of the estate who supposedly died at a bonfire lit to celebrate the heir's coming of age. It remains a story only, since a map from 1745 already labels the hill with that name, decades before the tower. In the 19th century the hill also served as a vantage point over a horse-racing course laid out by the seventh earl.

What will you see at the top?

• A broad panorama over the park, Charnwood Forest and the Leicester area
• A toposcope beside the tower, donated by the people of Newtown Linford in 1953
• Deer roaming freely across the park grounds

How do you get there?

Park at the main entrance in Newtown Linford, in front of the park gates. Parking is paid and tends to fill up at weekends and in school holidays. From there you walk up through the park over grassy, sometimes steep and uneven slopes. The ruins of Bradgate House lie roughly three-quarters of a mile from the car park, and the tower is further and higher. Bus 120 also serves Newtown Linford. Wear sturdy shoes, as the grass can be slippery after rain.

When should you visit?

The park can be visited all year. Views are best in clear weather, and spring and autumn make for a more pleasant walk than crowded summer weekends. Gate times vary between sources, so check the Bradgate Park Trust website before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the tower? The tower is mainly a historic landmark, and the real draw is the view from the hilltop around it.

How long is the walk from the car park? Most walkers need a few dozen minutes each way, depending on pace and chosen path.

Is there an entry fee? Walking into the park is free; you pay for parking.

Is it suitable for families? Yes, but the climb is steep, so go slowly with children. Reaching the summit with a pushchair or wheelchair is difficult.