Step back in time at Bouskell Park

Find out what links Blaby village to royal palaces, historic houses and magnificent mansions thanks to the launch of summer guided tours at Bouskell Park.

The annual schedule of tours organised by Blaby District Council focuses on the park itself as well as the fully restored Grade II listed Ice House.

Once the site of a medieval village, the land we now know as Bouskell Park was cleared to create parkland and gardens for Blaby Hall in the 1800s.  

Much of the current park’s features date back to this period, including the Ice House, built in 1843. Domed and circular in shape, the Ice House is covered by an earth mound with a small circular ventilation opening at the top.

During Victorian times ice houses were common on the estates of the wealthy. They stored ice from a nearby pond or river and were used to preserve food and chill drinks. Some of the first were built by royalty in 17th Century London at Greenwich Park, Hampton Court and Green Park.  

With the invention of refrigeration however, ice houses, including the one at Bouskell, became obsolete and fell into decay.

Back in December 2019, £156,000 was awarded to Blaby District Council by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the £173,000 Buried Bouskell project.  

This restored the Ice House to its former glory and helped preserve its structure and heritage for the future. Works involved installation of a new retaining structure, rebuild of the tunnel entrance, a new door and dome cover. Railings, landscaping of the area and signage were also included as part of the extensive redevelopment.

Summer tours to the park and the Ice House have proved extremely popular and now include a special activity tour for children. See here for more information and booking details: Bouskell Park Ice House Tours 

Councillor Nick Chapman, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development, said: "This is the fifth year of our summer tours to the Ice House since its restoration and they continue to captivate visitors. The new children’s activity trail, launched last year, has also proved a big hit and has really helped bring the history of the park and the Ice House to life for youngsters.  

"Ice Houses were once a common feature of wealthy estates and it’s remarkable we have this heritage connection to such splendid places as Hampton Court. Our Ice House offers an amazing glimpse into our past."

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development