Conkers

A former colliery site which is now the home of outdoor adventures, Conkers allows kids to get active in the countryside and explore the history of mining in Leicestershire.

On land where activities once took place strictly beneath the surface, an attraction now blossoms where fun-seekers can run, walk and climb – on, above and under the ground.

Rawdon Colliery’s landscape of mineshafts and spoil heaps made way for the beauty of the National Forest, and at its heart is Conkers. This family-friendly park offers forest-themed adventures where visitors can run wild, inside and out.

With feet firmly on the ground, experience the great outdoors on a muddy barefoot walk, an acres-long Activity Trail, or by following a secret Fairy Labyrinth. Inside, interactive activities bring the woodland to life and let you chase butterflies and leaves. A mining display digs deep into the site’s past, and a fantasy journey is about to start in the 4D Cinema.

The railway that once transported coal from the pit is no more, so all aboard the Conkerchoo train for a different journey altogether.

Rise above the forest floor by climbing the Sky Viewing Tower or taking on the Hi and Lo Ropes, then go underground for a glimpse of the site’s former life. A simulated tree-top walk comes complete with caves, mines and bats, of sorts, and a 70-metre maze of tunnels delves further beneath the earth. During the area’s mining days, rumbling conveyor belts heaved coal to the surface, a sound now replaced by a ready-to-play assortment of woodland instruments.

More music comes in the shape of live concerts at Conkers’ Arena at Waterside. There are special events too, when fireworks light up the sky, and a Winter Wonderland Christmas lights valley leads down to Santa’s grotto.

Anyone keen to cover more ground, on foot or by bicycle, can follow the Conkers Circuit, or stroll to Moira Furnace. Built on once coal-rich land, this museum is a rare survivor of the industrial age.

Conkers' award-winning fun world offers over 30 different terrestrial, aerial, digital, and aquatic activities at the heart of the largest created multipurpose forest in the UK, the National Forest (England).

Be engaged in a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences in a rare blend of ancient and newly planted woodland, lakes and gardens.  Explore the Discovery Centre, which contains over 100 interactive exhibits, the Enchanted Forest adventure play zone, the interactive forest floor and the simulated tree top walk with a slide down the mineshaft. Visit the Waterside Centre to find the exciting three-storey Billy Bonkers play centre, the water play area and an amphitheatre that hosts live music and shows.

Be a daredevil and have a go at the Aerial Adventure, including a high ropes course with 15 sections, an exciting 10 stage challenge low ropes course for children, a 30ft high climbing wall, 110m zip wire, Powerfan descender, and the chance to climb to the top of the sky viewing tower for a treetop panorama.

Walk over 120 acres through the great outdoors, through wonderful sculpture trails and wildflower glade to the canal basin, the wetland walks and wobbly bridges, the challenging 18-stage activity trail, the invigorating 450 metre barefoot walk, the fantastic ‘Playdale’ adventure play area, and the Twisty Towers play area.

Eateries on site include the Olive Tree and Gallery restaurants and the waterside restaurant. Just 10 minutes from J11 on the M42. See the website for the latest timetable, fares and near accommodations.