Packwood's Causeway

A view of the causeway before the work starts

The Great Pool at Packwood measures over three acres, with the causeway, a walk along the dam of the pool leading from the gardens to the parkland.

This drive, and the entrance to the house on this side, were used by Baron Ash as well as the entrance on the east side (now used by visitors) to come and go from Packwood depending on his direction of travel.

The causeway wall has deteriorated and is now endangering the dam which is holding back the water in the Great Pool. It is essential that these sections of the wall are repaired quickly and we were fortunate to receive funding from Natural England to carry out the first phase of this work in 2015. On the lake bed is a water source heat pump, used to heat the house and keep the historic collection safe from environmental harm, including humidity and damp.

Contractors working on the causeway during the third stage
Work being done on the causeway at Packwood House, Warwickshire
Contractors working on the causeway during the third stage


The first phase of work began in August 2015 and was successful in repairing the first 25 metres of wall. In August 2016 work to repair the next 25 metre section during the second phase was successfully completed. After hitting some snags during May through August of 2017 we were able to complete just under 50 metres more.

The second stage of works well under way
The work being carried out on the causeway last year
The second stage of works well under way

During September 2018 work will begin on the fourth phase of the project and will continue for eight weeks focussing on the next 40 metres or more of wall repairs. Our contractors use traditional methods of repair including special mortars, which means works can be restricted by bad weather and frost. For the duration of the fourth phase there will be no access to the Prospect Room, our contemporary art installation in the parkland.


All further work to the causeway will be funded by the National Trust. You can help us conserve and look after Packwood's causeway for ever, for everyone buy buying a raffle ticket for £1 from a member of our Visitor Reception team. All proceeds from raffle tickets sold go towards the project and if every visitor donated £1 towards restoring the causeway, we would raise £200,000 each year.