A visit to the National Trust: Charlecote Park
I’ve been a member of the National Trust since I was 13; however, I’ve recently neglected to visit and have set a target to visit at least 10 new properties this year.
The first new property I went to was Charlecote Park. Based near Warwick, it’s only a stones throw from me, so didn’t take long at all to get to.
When you arrive you’re pointed towards the guest services which is located in a hut cornered into the car park. Quick note on the car park: there is an overflow for those exceptionally busy days (which today was so definitely appreciated).
After you’ve paid/scanned your membership, you are directed over the road towards the gate house - this is partially open for you to see which was interesting, but I was more excited to head towards the main house (which was timed entry).
Downstairs in the gate house there were two rooms, but only the one on the left was open. It had some artwork and information boards about the house’s history. No idea what’s behind the other door.
The house itself was a structured tour, with a handful of downstairs rooms open to walk through before you’re sent up one of the old servant staircases to the first floor. Up there, a couple of rooms were kept in their original style, alongside a newer addition: a museum of memories showing off old letters and belongings from the family who lived there. I haven’t seen anything quite like that at other National Trust properties, and it made the upstairs the best part of the visit.
Outside, the kitchens are in their own building, close to the house but not attached to it. The wash house and brewery were also open, both with plenty of information without being overwhelming.
We finished up at the cafe, where Joe and I shared a carrot cake scone. Odd choice for summer, but it weirdly worked.
Rating: 7/10
Drove home, and by the next morning found a nail in the tyre and a flat car waiting for me.
Reference: National Trust - Charlecote Park
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