Explore Charlecote's parkland this winter

Early morning mist and frost in parkland at Charlecote Park — Early-morning visitors get the best views

Wrap up warm and enjoy winter walks in the landscaped parkland. Please note, that the parkland is very muddy and good footwear is advised. Some areas may need to close to allow the ground to recover.

Winter walks in wellie boots

The parkland is open every day this winter, from 9am – 4pm, with last admission at 3pm. No booking is needed, and admission is free for National Trust members. (Admission prices apply for those who are not yet members).

Walking boots or wellies are recommended as the ground is very muddy at the moment. Some areas of the parkland may need to close, to let the ground recover.

Enjoy frosty mornings, blustery afternoons, and rosy sunsets. Spot the deer and sheep grazing in the parkland, and watch for birds feeding in the spinney.

Explore a quiet treasure trove of literary adventures in the second-hand bookshop. Warm up while browsing beautiful gifts in the shop, then tuck in to a hot drink and something tasty from the Orangery café.

Please note: The house is closed until summer 2022 while vital conservation work takes place to restore the Victorian heating system. The Outbuildings in the Service Courtyard and the Wood Yard Cafe are also closed while we install a biomas boiler over winter.

Muddy parkland puddles at Charlecote Park in winter — You'll need wellies or sturdy boots for a walk in the parkland

From Tuesday 4th January, West Park and other parts of the parkland will close to help with the parkland's recovery. As well as eroding the grass and structure of the upper soil layers, there can be deeper longer-lasting environmental impacts if we kept this area open, such as the ground compacting over tree roots.

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! Please follow diversion signs, even if the paths look ok.

A young boy in a blue top and shorts, extends his hand out towards a dog who is placing his paw in his hand. They are both sat on the grass in the summer. — Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome along our dog walking routes.

Dog walking at Charlecote Park

We welcome well-behaved dogs in areas of our parkland and there's always somewhere you can get a hot drink too. Find out where you can enjoy Charlecote with your dog.

You and your dog

Things to enjoy in the parkland this winter

Stroll along the mown pathways through the parkland and along the rivers and lakeside.

Listen for uplifting birdsong and enjoy whatever the weather has in store when you visit. Look out for the deer in early morning mist. Frost glints on the long grass as low winter sun sparkles on the river. Rain patters on your brolly and you can feel the blustery wind on your face. Relax into the weather, don’t be in too much of a hurry to get back indoors and you’ll feel invigorated for the rest of the day.

Warm up after your wintry walk with a takeaway hot drink or snack from the Orangery café. Sturdy footwear or welly boots are recommended for your visit.

Download our parkland walk

Explore our historic landscape and learn more about what you'll see. The easy walk will take you up to an hour, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the wildlife and the scenery.

Orange and yellow diggers and dumper trucks sit on top of piles of earth behind herrace fencing in the car park.

Conservation work taking place

There are essential improvement and conservation works taking place at Charlecote Park during 2022 so things might look a little bit messy. Find out how these works might affect your visit, along with property closure dates in July.

Charlecote will be closed on 6, 13, 14, 20* July. Read this article for more information. *Weather dependant date.

Charlecote’s historic fallow deer herd

There has been a fallow deer herd at Charlecote for centuries, and legend has it that a young William Shakespeare was prosecuted for poaching here.

Tread quietly and keep your distance from the mown paths and they may stand still enough for stunning photographs.

Please don't ever approach the deer to touch them. They are unpredictable wild animals and even our Ranger doesn't handle them. If you are asked to move it is for your safety and the wellbeing of the deer - please be courteous to our staff.

Fallow deer on frosty day in winter near Charlecote Park house — Always look out for the deer in the parkland

Centuries of tradition

Have you noticed the traditional cleft oak paling fencing? This is a rural craft that we're delighted to be able to keep alive. The varied heights of the panels confuse the deer so that they don't jump over the fence, although they easily could.

Spotting the spotty sheep

The fallow deer happily share the parkland with our pedigree herd of Jacob sheep with their characteristic chocolate-blotch fleeces.

Did you know that 'Bachelor' George Lucy introduced the very first flock of Jacobs to England from Portugal in 1755?

Jacob sheep at Charlecote on frosty day in winter parkland — The fallow deer usually get top billing, but our Jacob sheep have their own story to tell too

Caring for the environment

As part of the Higher Level Stewardship scheme we manage the parkland - the trees, wildflowers, birds and bugs - to ensure the widest possible environmental benefits.

Flowing through the park are both Shakespeare's Avon and its tributary the little river Dene. They add diversity to the wildlife in the parkland throughout the year, and you'll find benches around the parkland where you can pause to see what's around today.

Your visit is helping us preserve this ancient landscape that Shakespeare would have known.