National Trust - Charlecote Park
National Trust - Charlecote Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Shakespeare’s Secret Getaway Near Birmingham
Skylar Mitchell
412
What a super spring morning to visit this NT property! Headed straight for the café (top NT tip if visiting pre-lunchtime) for great brunch of tea and a sandwich. As I finished my repast there was barely a table free in the orangery so the very long queue of diners that amassed by that time would be dining alfresco on a not altogether warming sort of sunny patio. Hey ho, I was fuelled for the house! There's not as much open to public as might be imagined. I would say far less than a fifth. The first room entered is the great hall, by far the largest on the route. There were no tours on the day of my visit, good for me as I prefer to amble/scramble at my own pace anyway. So a self-guided tour takes you from the great hall into a dining room overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful parterre, river Avon and distant views beyond. Regrettably this stunning room and contents (including a colossal locally carved buffet) together with it's views were marred by the inane and incessant chatter of the two NT volunteers partially obstructing the bay window. If you are interested in classic vehicles crashed on central reservations, the boxy styling lines of luxury 1970's sports motors or technical driving characteristics of the Lotus as compared with the Triumph then sure, this was definitely the place to be. Unless one of you was Mr Lucy (in which case, please accept my unreserved apology), how about restricting your volumed blokey banter to below stairs? Through the billiards room, the music room was a delight. Warm and vibrant wall silks embracing visitors as they enter, quite my favourite room. An unusual stone spiral staircase from here directly into a bedroom above and from there the few accessible rooms on the first floor led to the main staircase and via a small vestible with framed family photographs back into the great hall. The Lucy family continue to occupy their stunning home. From a wander in the grounds it is evident that the house requires much structural restoration and glimpses through windows reveal a need of fabrics desperate for love or replacement also. Aside from the house itself there is access to adjacent buildings housing a laundry, kitchen, carriages a bookshop and other ancillary services.
Tim Weller
00
We stopped off at Charlecote park during our travels from our holiday in the Peak District. Initial thoughts were stunning grounds, well-kept and located in a peaceful/tranquil area, and it only got better. There is a walk from the admissions building to the site, which includes crossing a road, and following a stoney path up to the gate house. As you approach the gatehouse on your left is a enclosed outhouse toilet block for public use. As you pass through the gate house you are greeted to a spectacular walled garden which leads onto the house itself. The house is your typical Tudor style manor, but in brilliant condition. As you reach the walkway to the front door, you have two gates either side which lead on to different parts of the grounds. To the left are more buildings, the main cafe area and gift shop, further on is the carriage house with preserved carriages inside for public view only. Unfortunately the bridge that leads onto the greater woodland area does not permit dogs (even on leads) as the trust is working to support the local deer population. However, the views are stunning and if your as lucky as us you may see the deer gracing close by. To the right of the house is the Victorian kitchen and a small cottage made entirely out of branches and other forms of wood, nicknamed 'Grannys summerhouse'. Unfortunately, we did not have time to tour the house, however we intend on returning if we are back in the are again. Overall, a lovely, picturesque national trust site, perfect for couples and or families. An ideal stop if journeying up or down the country.
H Smith
00
Me and my partner recently visited the park for the first time and our day-long excursion went so well as to convince us to become national trust members! The house is steeped in fascinating history with staff happy to tell you things you might never have imagined. The grounds are spacious and spectacularly peaceful; some highlights being the abound of animals and creatures kept in their wild state and the tranquility of sitting beside the Avon. There is a quintessential English-ness to the whole venue that you can bask in if feeling bereft of some national culture. The day moved me to attempt a poem which I hope others might enjoy or at least inspire, so as to visit themselves. Charlecote. A trip to the Trust in mid-August sun, Led to a red-brick house of grand design, Snug in a park of gardens and meadow, We tucked under serried trees of lime, Some green, some tall, some boughs bent in bow over time. Mown paths hug the banks of the Avon and Dene, Where fearless ducks, like bucks, patrol these runs, With cry, they vie, vainly, 'gainst Jacob sheep, Calm conflict will go 'til natures' done, For ground that's felt 'Good Bess', Roundhead and Stratford's son. Light glistens, for the sun and water preen, And my lady reclines in verdant bliss, Like the single Swan, regal, gliding, fine, The beams gift weather's warm and gentle kiss, Her thought Containing many a bucolic wish.
Joseph Hodgson
00
Charlecote Park is a stunning historic estate that offers a delightful experience for visitors. The house itself is a magnificent sight, with its impressive architecture and well-preserved interiors. The parkland surrounding Charlecote is beautiful. The expansive grounds are meticulously maintained, creating a picturesque environment. Took the dachshunda for a leisurely stroll through the park, surrounded by lush greenery and river views, was a delight for all. One of the highlights was the wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including deer, who roam around freely. For obvious reasons, you cannot go into the same area as the deer, if you do have a dog with you, but we watched them from over the river. The staff at Charlecote Park were friendly and knowledgeable, providing helpful information about the estate's history. The park does have a few eateries, including a take away café - options within here were slightly lacking, choice of hot sausage rolls (vegan option available too) and cornish pasty but other than that - not much else, shelves were empty at around 14:00 - this could do with some improvement. Overall though - a lovely day out, would recommend.
Dee Patel
00
Although I have given a 3 star rating Charlcote Park it is better than ok but of course it isn't Blenheim or Chatsworth. The house is very attractive and is a fine example of Tudor architecture. Internally the rooms are well presented and the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. There are many paintings, mostly portraits although these tend to be school of rather than works by the masters. The furniture is of interest especially the Buffet - a massive carved sideboard. I would recommend visiting on a dry day as one of the most attractive aspects of the property is the park. This offers pleasant walks in the Capability Brown designed landscape. The river Avon, the deer and the Jacob sheep provide additional interest. There is ample parking but there is a walk of some distance to the house. A buggy service operates. The paths are excellent and those using mobility scooters should have no difficulties. The cafe is in line with those at similar properties. The coffee was good as was my fruit scone. The shop is not large and is not exceptionally well stocked compared with some National Trust outlets. In contrast the second hand book shop is well stocked and in excellent order.
Ken Lloyd
00
Nearby Attractions Of National Trust - Charlecote Park
Vulcan XM655
St. Leonard's Church

Vulcan XM655
4.9
(96)
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St. Leonard's Church
4.7
(12)
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Nearby Restaurants Of National Trust - Charlecote Park
The Boars Head
The Orangery Restaurant
Gardener's Retreat

The Boars Head
4.5
(199)
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The Orangery Restaurant
4.1
(38)
Click for details

Gardener's Retreat
3.4
(4)
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Basic Info
Address
Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1789 470277
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Website
nationaltrust.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.3K reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Charlecote Park is a grand 16th-century country house, surrounded by its own deer park, on the banks of the River Avon in Charlecote near Wellesbourne, about 4 miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon and 5.5 miles south of Warwick in Warwickshire, England. It has been administered by the National Trust since 1946.
attractions: Vulcan XM655, St. Leonard's Church, restaurants: The Boars Head, The Orangery Restaurant, Gardener's Retreat

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