Charlecote Park

Charlecote Park

We had considered going away for a quick break this week, but Luke had a bad back and the idea of lugging a tent around was less than appealing! However, I still wanted to do something outdoorsy with Finn so I consulted my National Trust handbook and the two of us headed off to Charlecote Park, near Stratford upon Avon. I’m less bothered about stately homes, it’s the outdoor space that is much more interesting to me.

Charlecote Park

Charlecote is a grand Victorian house with equally impressive gardens

The idea of spending a summer’s day in a beautiful, green deer park was enough to get me packing a picnic and heading off for an hour’s drive with a toddler.

I wasn’t disappointed. Charlecote has an amazing expanse of parkland to explore, plus beautiful gardens and the house. Also, on the day we visited there were a variety of nature activities for children to do. I thought Finn might be a bit young for them, so we settled for a picnic on the lawn and a walk.

Charlecote Park

We had a lovely picnic, we were even lent a rug-which was handy as I’d forgotten ours!

Charlecote Park

Finn was in charge of navigating

Charlecote Park

The gardens are beautiful at Charlecote and it was an interesting place for a toddler to explore

We had a lovely amble through the gardens. I’ve finally accepted that when out with a toddler I’m not going to get anywhere fast. I let Finn explore the gardens at his own pace, and in his own direction, and he loved it. He was obsessed with a pine cone that he found, that kept him entertained for quite a while!

My favourite bit was the beautiful park, I was quite excited to spot some deer. I can’t wait to come back and explore a bit further, preferably with a second pair of hands next time!

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It was a warm day, you can just make out the deer enjoying the shade of the tree

Charlecote Park

The views were stunning, a great backdrop for an English country walk

It was great to find another new NT property in the Midlands. When Finn is older and can walk a bit further we’ll definitely be back to take in more of the deer park.

Have you made any new discoveries lately?

Monkey and Mouse

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Comments

  • No news discoveries but we are definitely heading father than the beach near us.

    The place looks amazing and yes you cant get far when you are with a kid but just you wait and in a few years you have to run after them =)

    #whatevertheweather

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker August 25, at 10:40

      I know, I shall be so fit running around after him soon! Look forward to reading about what you’ve been up to lately 🙂

      Reply
  • Thanks again for sharing your post, such lovely photos of your sunny visit. I wonder if you’d be happy for us to share on our blog and website? Crediting you and linking to your blog page of course.

    Reply
  • bellamonte bellamonte August 24, at 17:32

    Beautiful park and pictures! We made this discovery, but over here in California 😉 https://coellefornia.me/2016/08/22/my-weekly-ramble-12/

    Reply
  • emmajones1972 emmajones1972 August 26, at 06:37

    I much prefer the outdoor spaces of National Trust than the indoor too. I’m not sure if it is too far (not very clued up on the Midlands) but Hidcote has a wonderful garden to explore.

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker September 11, at 07:45

      The outside bits are fab. I would love to visit Hidcote, it’s certainly doable and I love a garden to explore!

      Reply
  • Jenny Eaves Jenny Eaves August 29, at 23:12

    Me too, the outside is always much more interesting to explore, nature itself and views of the buildings/castles. Although when we visit castles it’s always worth going inside to get the view from the top. It looks like you had a lovely walk around! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x

    Reply
  • WanderMum WanderMum August 30, at 00:57

    What a huge space to explore. It won’t be long before Finn is running off and you are catching up with him! I love discovering new parks like this and seeing deer is a bonus – living near Richmond and Bushy parks in London we’re a bit spoilt for them. #whatevertheweather

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker September 11, at 07:44

      You’re lucky, it’s been a while since I saw any deer-hence my excitement! And yes, I’m already discovering what a great workout it is running after a toddler 🙂

      Reply
  • Cerys Lowe Cerys Lowe November 02, at 13:31

    Ohh, love me a good NT Site. First time member and we are making sure we are getting the most out of it! Have been and seen so many places I wouldn’t have really thought to visit if it wasn’t for our membership. Great navigation skills goes to Finn too. 😉

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker November 03, at 20:37

      Being a NT member is a great way to get out and explore. It really makes you find new places 🙂

      Reply

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