The landscaped parkland, influenced by ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphry Repton, once surrounded a magnificent Georgian mansion. After being sold off in the 1840s, the house was demolished in favour of building a new Victorian Gothic mansion. But the ‘new’ Woodchester Mansion was abandoned before it was finished and now remains a mysterious and fascinating place to visit (not under National Trust ownership.)

Setting off from the main car park, there are three way-marked trails to help you explore Woodchester Park, including the 3.5-mile Boathouse Walk. The shortest trail is the Woodland Walk, which features the popular play trail. The woodland play trail is renowned with children all over the Cotswolds for being brilliant fun. It incorporates stepping logs, wobble beams, balance bridges, rope swings, climbing frames and a see-saw – don’t forget to pack your wellies!

Woodchester Park is home to a chain of five lakes, containing a variety of wildlife including large carp. One of the lakes, Park Mill Pond, features a heronry on a manmade island. You will also encounter the 19th century Boat House, which hosts a colony of bats in its roof space. As dusk falls, the bats emerge to hunt over the lake. 

Keep an eye out for over 10 heron nests, which can often be found high up in the Scots pines on the island during springtime, although the valley is filled with birdsong all year round. 124 different species have already been recorded in Woodchester Park, including willow warblers, spotted flycatchers, redwings and even passing osprey. 

While you are visiting Woodchester Park, be sure to check out neighbouring Woodchester Mansion (separate admission fees and opening hours apply). This fascinating, abandoned house recently featured in the BBC adaptation of Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials.’ 

NT Woodchester Park opens year round from dawn until dusk. Check the National Trust website to confirm opening times and admission charges.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.

Images copyright National Trust Woodchester Park (top and bottom image Chris Lacey, middle image Emma Weston)