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Charlecote Park

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Charlecote Park has been the home of the Lucy family since the 13th century. It is a magnificent Tudor mansion built by Sir Thomas Lucy on a level site beside the River Avon, on the foundations of an even earlier medieval house. Charlecote Park is approached through a long path that leads under an impressive Tudor brick gatehouse. Behind the house is a small formal garden terrace, beyond which is a large deerpark designed by Capability Brown, where a herd of deer still roam.

One of the most interesting features of Charlecote are the ornate Tudor chimneys (best viewed from the rear of the house). The house interior is largely Victorian, and visitors can go 'below stairs' to see what life was like for the servants who kept Charlecote running. Ther are numerous ourtbuildings on view, including a kitchen and cider press.

Queen Elizabeth I is known to have visited the house, and stayed in the chamber that now serves as the drawing room. A contemporary portrait of the queen is on view.

The Lucy family came to England as supporters of William the Conqueror, and the family has owned land at Charlecote since 1247. Sir Thomas Lucy (1532-1600), the builder of the current house, was a magistrate under Elizabeth I. In the course of his duties he was responsible for prosecuting local families with Catholic sympathies, including the Arden family, William Shakespeare's maternal grandparents.

Tradition says that William Shakespeare was once caught poaching deer on the Charlecote Estate. This tale may well be true, as the estate lies close to Shakespeare's family home at Stratford. The story goes that Shakespeare was forced to flee the area to avoid prosecution by Sir Thomas. The young playwright escaped to London, and the rest, as they say, is history. Shakespeare satirised Lucy by casting him as Justice Shallow in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry VI, part 2.

Charlecote is a delight to visit; the location is superb, and the house and gardens are well worth an extended exploration.
Charlecote, Warwickshire, England, CV35 9ER

About Charlecote Park
Attraction Type: Historic House
Website: Charlecote Park
Email: charlecotepark@nationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust
Location map
OS SP263562
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Compton Verney - 3.6 miles (Museum) New Place - 4 miles (Historic Property) Shakespeare's Birthplace - 4 miles (Historic Property) Nash's House - 4 miles (Historic Property) Holy Trinity, Stratford - 4.1 miles (Church) King Edward School - 4.1 miles (Historic Property) Hall's Croft - 4.1 miles (Historic Property) Anne Hathaway's Cottage - 5 miles (Historic Building)

Nearest Towns and Villages Stratford-upon-Avon - 4.1 miles away Warwick - 5.5 miles away Chipping Campden - 12.6 miles away Broad Campden - 13.2 miles away Blockley - 14.8 miles away Broadway - 15.4 miles away Long Compton - 15.7 miles away Evesham - 16.1 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Charlecote Park

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Flower Court - 4.2 miles from Charlecote Park Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £285

Unicorn barn - 4.7 miles from Charlecote Park Shottery, Warwickshire Sleeps: 12 Stay from: £825

Church Farm Barns - 4.7 miles from Charlecote Park Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire Sleeps: 12 Stay from: £895

More Self Catering near Charlecote Park

Nearest Hotels

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel - 0.4 miles from Charlecote Park Charlecote, Warwickshire Stay from: £55.00

Paramount Walton Hotel - 2.3 miles from Charlecote Park Walton, Warwickshire Stay from: £89.00

Stratford Manor - A QHotel - 2.5 miles from Charlecote Park Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Stay from: £35.00

More Hotels near Charlecote Park

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Loxley Guest House - 2.4 miles from Charlecote Park Loxley, Warwickshire From: £55.00

Avon Side - 3.3 miles from Charlecote Park Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire From: £50.00

The Croft Guest House - 3.7 miles from Charlecote Park Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire From: £38.00

More bed and breakfasts near Charlecote Park

Stratford-upon-Avon
Tourist Information Centre
Bridgefoot
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
England
CV37 6GW
Tel: 0870 160 7930
Fax: 01789 295 262
Email: stratfordtic@shakespeare-country.co.uk
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