Explore Charlecote's parkland this winter

Open over winter

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). 

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. The house is closed until summer 2022, but there’s plenty to explore in the Outbuildings in the Service Courtyard, and plenty of good reads to curl up with in the second-hand bookshop.

Warm up by browsing a fantastic selection of seasonal gifts in the shop, and tucking in to a hot festive drink from the café.

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.

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.

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?

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.

The family church

Your parkland stroll will bring you to St Leonard's church, rebuilt by Mary Elizabeth Lucy in memory of her husband.

Please note that the gate is one-way and does not allow re-entry to the parkland.