If you're looking for somewhere new to spend an afternoon, one scenic spot in Warwickshire could be just the thing - and you could even bump into some furry friends too. Charlecote Park in Wellesbourne is a National Trust site which is home to a grand Tudor mansion encircled by a deer park, home to around 200 of these magnificent animals who freely wander the grounds. Birmingham Live writer Emily Chaplin decided to head to the spot for a scenic picnic and hailed it as the 'best' one she had ever had.
Boasting picture-perfect views, an array of different animals and immaculate gardens too, it's the ideal place to spend a couple of hours relaxing and exploring. READ MORE: 'I ventured into a vast underground city once home to thousands hidden beneath a car park' She wrote: "When we pulled into the busy car park just before lunch on a Saturday, it seemed that plenty of others had the same idea as us. There's a café and a restaurant located on the estate, but most of the people we passed were carrying picnic baskets, had sandwiches and snacks stashed under their pushchairs or were already pitched up on one of the many wooden tables.
Others were stretched out with blankets by the river while the little ones played lawn games and chased after frisbees." You can take a tour of the impressive mansion but you'll need to pay to do so. However, wandering the grounds is absolutely free.
Strolling through the fields, Emily and her husband were quick to spot some fallow deer sheltering under a tree. They then traced the path around the meadow, never getting much closer to the herd, but they did pass right by a large group of snoozing Jacob sheep. Intriguingly, a signpost informed them that the Lucy family, who have called Charlecote home for over 900 years, were the first to introduce this breed to Britain.
Then, a dozen or so more deer appeared 'as if from nowhere' and bounded across the track just a few metres in front of the couple. Emily said: "We couldn't believe of our eyes, and the open-mouthed expressions on the faces of the few people nearby told us everyone else was just as stunned. "After hanging around for a few minutes to watch the dainty does making their way down to the riverbank, we continued walking - past the perfectly-manicured gardens, the busy café, a laundry room where kids can play dress-up and a Granny's Summerhouse thatched cottage that looked like my dream home, then into another gated field with a lake at its edge.
" You could also be lucky enough to spot some stags while you're there, as well as browsing the gift shop before heading off home. Emily raved that the whole day felt like a 'fairy tale', picnicking in the grounds of a posh country house and frolicking with woodland animals. Entry to Charlecote Park costs from £13 for adults, or it's free for visitors with a National Trust membership pass.
Unfortunately, Granny's Summerhouse doesn't offer overnight stays (I did check), but if you're up for a Snow White-like day, entry to Charlecote Park starts from £13 for adults, or it's free for visitors with a National Trust membership pass. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here.
