Charlecote Park: riverside, Hill Park and lime avenue

A relaxed circuit of Charlecote’s riverside parkland, combining views of the Tudor house with the longer Hill Park loop and the lake. The plotted walk is about 3.2 km from the visitor car park, including the approach to the estate. Allow around 1½ hours for the walk and stops. It uses National Trust visitor paths and mown parkland tracks rather than the woodland across the Avon.

Start in the main Charlecote Park visitor car park, using postcode CV35 9ER. Visit reception in the car park first, then follow the pedestrian path and marked crossing over the village road. Take care at the crossing. Continue along the lime avenue towards the gatehouse and house. From the house side, use the garden paths near the cedar and summerhouse to reach the riverside lawn, then follow the Avon upstream towards the lake cascade. Handle the heavy park gate carefully.

Beyond the cascade, follow the outer Hill Park circuit beside the river, around the northern park boundary and back towards the lake. Continue along the north side of the lake, cross the small stepped footbridge at its eastern end and return along the southern bank. Pass the church on the park side and follow the avenue back towards the entrance and car park. Stay inside the park: the churchyard turnstile is one-way and does not allow re-entry.

Most of the walking is gently undulating, but there are steps, uneven gravel and grass that becomes slippery or muddy after rain. Keep back from the river and lake edges. Deer roam freely; never approach or feed them, and give bucks extra space during the autumn rut. Follow any temporary closures or staff directions. Hill Park does not allow dogs except assistance dogs, so this circuit is unsuitable for an ordinary dog walk.

Car parking is free, but park and garden admission applies to non-members. Check the current entry times and return before closing. Toilets are near the gatehouse; cafés open subject to their own hours. Route and access information: National Trust, Charlecote Park.