Charming Charlecote

 

Charlecote Park

Need time to rejuvenate and stroll through the full grandeur of the English countryside? Then, Charlecote Park, a National Trust property in Warwickshire should definitely be on your bucket list. A Victorian country home located in a landscaped 180 acres deer park overlooking the beautiful Avon and Dene rivers, Charlecote Park was built in 1558 by George Hammond Lucy and his wife Mary Elizabeth. The house embodies fine European architecture and splendid gardens that reflects the taste of its first owners. The estate has been in the possession of the Fairfax Lucy family for over 900 years and today five beautiful rooms inclusive of the Great Hall, the Dining room, the library, the Billiard Room and the Drawing room are open to the public. You would also be able to see a well preserved laundry, brewhouse, scullery, Victorian kitchen and stables. The interiors have been decorated by treasures from the Lucy family's European trips.

Follow the Fallow Deer

Charlecote Park is famous for its Fallow Deer herd, Jacob Sheep and numerous other wildlife. Wandering around the parkland sighting deer and mellowing through the beautiful avenues and gardens are definitely going to refresh you. The estate houses a splendid variety of flora and fauna (has the oldest Wisteria blossom in the country!). A herd of 200 free roaming deer is definitely going to mesmerize you. Also you will be standing on the same ground where Shakespeare was once prosecuted for hunting the deer. The estate is home to one of the largest Heronries in Warwickshire and you would be able to spot Heron nestlings from February to June. If you are planning to visit the parkland in spring, you can take the full spring shower among the Apple, Apricot and Pear blossoms and if you are lucky enough you might also be able to witness the bucks shed their antlers!

Timings

Charlecote Park is open to public from 11AM to 3.30PM (last entry at 3PM)

(Please check the National Trust Website for updated information and to understand any disruptions caused from maintenance)

Getting There

Charlecote Park is located 15 miles away from the University of Warwick and students can either catch the 11 Electric bus from the University Interchange, head to Upper Parade (Leamington Spa) and then catch the 15 to Stratford-upon-Avon and get down at Pheasant Bus Stop and Charlecote Park will be a 2 min walk from there. The whole journey takes around one and a half hours. Students can also reach the estate by means of a cab which will take you there in around 25 minutes.

Tickets

An adult ticket costs 15 GBP and prices are discounted for group tickets. Check the price page of the National Trust - Charelecote Park for more information.

Things To Do 

Charlecote Park is a wonderful option for a picnic all year round. Spring in Charlecote is something many people look forward to. To wander around such a lush green landscape among the deer and sheep with the towers of the Victorian house in the vicinity is nothing short of a fairy tale. 

Visitors can dive into some snacks, food and tea at the Orangery Restaurant, Wood Yard Cafe or the Stables Garden Kiosk. One can also surf through a beautiful collection of second hand books and make them your own. Head to the Servant's Hall Shop to get a souvenir, get a postcard that would go on your wall of memories! 

Don't forget to fill your gallery with the winsome landscape, blossoms and hopping deer.