2021 Christmas and New Year at Charlecote

Winter at Charlecote Park

Things might look a little bit messy this winter as we are installing a biomass boiler, improving the car park, and closing the house to prepare for the Victorian heating system to be replaced.

Thanks for bearing with us while we make these improvements that will benefit the collection, the environment, and your visits. 

Please note that large areas of the parkland are closed, to help the water-logged, muddy ground heal and recover.

• The house will be closed but the parkland will be open every day* from 9am - 4pm (last admission 3pm), for you to enjoy invigorating parkland walked throughout the winter. 
• Browse a selection of eco friendly and sustainable gift ideas in the Servants' Hall Shop with the January sale now on.
• Warm up with a festive hot drink and a delicious treat from the cafe.

Percy the Park Keeper's winter wander trail

Our Percy the Park Keeper trail has now ended. Thank you to everyone who joined us over the winter period to help Percy and his animal friends around the parkland.

Some areas of the parkland are now closed to let the ground heal as the parkland is very water-logged and muddy. 

Thanks for your understanding while we help the parkland to rest.


Tag us in the adventures you had on Percy's trail, on social media @percytheparkeeper.official on instagram or @PercyTheParkKeeper on Facebook or use the hashtag #percytheparkkeeper 
 

Things to see in the parkland

The house might be closed this Christmas, but there are acres of parkland to enjoy this winter. The fallow deer and jacob sheep are often well camouflaged at this time of year. Can you spot them feasting on the extra food we've left out for them to help them in the colder months?

There's a steady stream of birds visiting the parkland during the winter. Pick up a spotter sheet at Visitor Reception to see which birds stop by for a bite to eat.

Bring your binoculars to see a flash of blue as the Kingfishers spend their winters with us and the herons, egrets and other wildfowl forage at the rivers' edge.
 

From Tuesday 4th January 2022, the part of parkland to the left of the house known as West Park, will be closed due to the very muddy conditions.

As well as eroding the grass and structure of the upper soil layers, there can be deeper, longer-lasting environmental impacts to the parkland.when we continue to walk in muddy areas.

The ground can become compacted over tree roots which stops vital nutrients from reaching our trees. It also stops the grass and other wild plants from growing, which in turn, supports our livestock and wildlife habitats.

It can take a long time for the water to drain from waterlogged soils so even on a dry sunny day a lot of damage can be done! Even areas that look ok but are still closed, are often still very soggy and need time to recover - thanks for helping us to look after the parkland.

Eating and drinking

Warm up with a selection of delicious, festive take-away treats from the Wood Yard Cafe. Do you have a traditional food or drink you enjoy this time of year? See what seasonal treats are on offer after a wintery walk in the parkland.
 

Shopping for the perfect gift

Pick up a bargain in our January sale. The Servants' Hall shop is stocked up with beautiful items and sustainable gifts to treat yourself and others to.