Heritage Open Days - Walk in the Ducie Landscape and Woodchester Mansion
This heritage open days we are partnering with Woodchester Mansion Trust to deliver free guided tours of both the Woodchester Park designed landscape, recalling 18th Century "lost" landscape and the 19th century Woodchester Mansion.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Join National Trust and Woodchester Mansion Trust this 19th September for this free heritage open days event.
The event will offer free access, combining a guided tour of the unfinished Gothic masterpiece, Woodchester Mansion, as well as a guided walk through Woodchester Park to the historic Boathouse.
This collaboration will explore the fascinating relationship between the Mansion and its surrounding landscape, revealing the stories of the families and individuals who shaped both the estate and the parkland over the centuries.
Guided by National Trust, visitors will journey from Woodchester Mansion through Woodchester Park, stopping at key locations where historic photographs and illustrations will help bring the landscape's history to life. A highlight of the day will be the opportunity to step inside the Boathouse, giving visitors rare access to a heritage feature that is usually closed to the public.
This event is themed around the story of the changing landscape and the Mansion, exploring the connections and differences between 18th century Spring Park landscaped by the Ducie family and William Leigh who commissioned an ambitious mansion rebuild in the 19th century.
Visitors can choose from a series of guided walks from the Mansion to the Boathouse (guided by the National Trust) at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm or tours of the Mansion (guided by experienced Mansion volunteers) at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Walks last approx. 1 hour.
Times
The basics
- Accessibility
The walk through Woodchester Park to the Boathouse will include steps, slopes and some uneven terrain. Within Woodchester Mansion access is level downstairs but there are stairs upstairs. Please get in touch if you have any specific access requirements.
- Meeting point
Please note, both walks start at the front of Woodchester Mansion. Visitors can choose to begin their day from either Buckholt Car Park (GL10 3TS) or Tinkley Gate Car Park (GL10 3UH)
- Suitability for children
Suitable for all ages. Persons under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
- What to bring and wear
Please dress for the weather. Visitors are encouraged to wear suitable footwear and clothing for outdoor walking conditions.
Upcoming events
Walk With Us - Mansion Loop
Looking to get active in nature, explore more of the landscape, or meet new people? Join a free, guided group-walk as part of the new 'Walk With Us' series at Woodchester Park.
Tinkley Twigs
Every Monday in term-time, join the Tinkley Twigs! Free, nature themed activities, stories and crafts for children aged 2-4 years.
Art workshop: Plein Air at the Boathouse with Rose-Marie MJ
Meet at Tinkley Gate and join local artist Rose-Marie MJ for a wander down to Woodchester Park's boathouse for a sketch - materials and en plein air advice included. No experience necessary.
Woodchester Bat Walks
Discover what bats begin to fly as Woodchester comes alive at dusk, guided by some of our bat enthusiast volunteers.