Nature Trip with Your Family at Charlecote Park

Deer at Charlecote Park

Searching for an outdoor activity that you can do with your family? Why not go on a nature trip at Charlecote Park? This parkland offers family-friendly walking trails which are accessible even during winter. Moreover, this place is open seven days a week; hence, it should not be difficult to schedule a visit.

Whatever the season may be, there is always something for you and your family to do at Charlecote Park. You can walk on a trail lined with the park’s ancient trees such as lime and cedar trees. Although leafless during winter, these giant trees look magical with their frost covered branches.

As you stroll around the park, expect to see different interesting animals. With leafless trees, spotting wildlife in winter is fairly easy. One of the most famous animals found in this park is the fallow deer which has been here for centuries. Currently, Charlecote Park maintains 200 fallow deer composed of 4 different colour varieties – white or leucistic, very dark or melanistic, spotted or menil and common. While the deer are generally harmless, they can be unpredictable when startled. So, make sure that you and your children watch them from a distance. Most importantly, do not touch them.

If you are tired of walking around, you can rest on the picnic benches near the river. While taking a break, you can watch different species of birds fly by or listen to them make twittering sounds. One of the most common birds in Charlecote is the grey heron. In fact, the park has one of Warwickshire’s largest heronries. During February, you can find these herons on tree-top nests or at the river’s edge.

By the riverbanks, you may also spot a kingfisher perched on a branch. Winter migrant birds like grey wagtails, wigeon and white little egrets may also be seen by the lake. Other animals in the park which your children may be excited to see are squirrels, hares, sheep, swans, ducks and insects like spiders. Make sure to bring binoculars to make wildlife watching more enjoyable for the little ones.

Charlecote Park is open from 9:00 AM to 4 PM. You may opt for a self-guided walk or join a free guided tour led by a park volunteer.

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Photo by feltip1982