Charlecote Park
A 16th-century Tudor manor and deer park with fallow deer, where legend says the young Shakespeare was caught poaching, just about 8 km from Stratford.
Charlecote Park is a red-brick Tudor manor that the Lucy family has called home since the 16th century, on the banks of the River Avon about 8 km east of Stratford. The house keeps its Victorian interiors and library, while the landscape park, designed by 'Capability' Brown, is home to several hundred fallow deer and Jacob sheep. Legend has it that the young Shakespeare was brought before the estate's owner after being caught poaching deer here. Managed by the National Trust, admission is about £16. It is easily reached by bike or car from Stratford and makes a good half-day outing.
Opening hours
Gardens approx. 09:00–17:00; residence approx. 11:00–16:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Stratford Butterfly Farm
- Lord Leycester Hospital
- Compton Verney
- Bancroft Gardens & River Avon
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- Warwick Castle
- Tudor World
- The MAD Museum