Long Walks and Fresh Air

Why not escape into our 1,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped park to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air . . . . .

 

Capability Brown

Sir Henry Bridgeman commissioned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown (1716 – 1783) to landscape the 1,000 acre estate who then created a timeless beauty.

Born in Kirkharle, Northumberland, Capability Brown left school and trained to be a gardener, moving south in 1739 he became Head Gardener at Stowe in 1741 and then set up his own business in 1749.

Brown’s style derived from the two practical principles of comfort and elegance. On the one hand, there was a determination that everything should work, and that a landscape should provide for every need of the great house. On the other, his landscapes had to cohere and look elegant.

Landowners greatly respected his judgment and he enjoyed close relationships with many of them.

What makes Brown’s work significant here at Weston Park is its pleasure grounds; Temple Wood and Shrewsbury Walk.  These are classic Brown representations, which are little altered from how they looked when they were conceived in the 1760s.  They are a unique find in the 21^st century as it is believed there are only five such schemes in existence.

 

Weston Park

Weston Park’s history dates back to the Domesday Book, however the story that the visitors to the estate today see is focused around the Earls of Bradford.  The country house was built by Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham in 1671 and over a period of 300 years the Newport and Bridgeman families have furnished it with beautiful pieces from all over the world and amassed a collection of artworks including many significant old masters.

Since 1986 Weston Park has been owned and maintained by the Weston Park Foundation, an independent charitable trust. Weston Park is open seasonally for visitors to explore. We have five luxury holiday properties on the estate, you may see some of these whilst walking around the grounds.

 

Highlights during your walks/things to spot

The House – this is the starting point for three of our walks, the current country house was built in 1671.

The Granary – for refreshments visit the Granary Brasserie which is open from 9.30am – 5pm daily serving light bites, coffee and homemade cake

Sheep – there are two breeds of sheep in our parkland, St.Kilda which are the black fleeced sheep and Jacob Sheep which have a brown and cream fleece.

The Temple of Diana – built in the 1770’s to the design of James Paine, this architectural gem was once a garden building, a music venue and a dairy.  It once had within its grounds a highly prized menagerie in which brightly plumed birds would have been housed.  The Temple of Diana is one of our holiday cottages on the estate, set over three floors with two winding staircases the Temple sleeps six.

The Knoll Tower – built in 1865 as a Victorian Hunting Lodge, the romantic Knoll Tower, which sleeps two, is situated on the edge of the park and enjoys panoramic views across the estate and to the Shropshire Hills beyond

The Obelisk – Grade II listed and is late 18^th Century, made from sandstone ashlar and set on a square plinth.  It is approximately 10 metres high.

St. Andrews Church –set at the northern edge of the extensive grounds and is the parish church of Weston Under Lizard. Mediaeval through to post-Reformation Tower and Nave circa 1701 is attributed to Lady Wilbraham who made several restorations to the church.  The church contains a family chapel.

 

Walking Routes

Shrewsbury Walk – approximately 0.5 miles

Starting in the Stables Courtyard with the Treat bar on your left and Stuff! Room on your right follow the drive ahead. You will pass Church Pool on your right and St. Andrews Church on your left, followed by the Conservatory on your right. As you continue along the drive you will come to the entrance to the Rose Walk through the small gate on your left. Follow the Rose Walk which leads to the Shrewsbury Walk. As you turn left you will pass the deer compound on your right, continue past Pendrell’s Cave and you will arrive at the Formal Gardens and the House.

Shrewsbury Drive Deer Walk – approximately 1 mile

Starting from the House, follow the drive over the cattle grid and round to the right. Walk along Shrewsbury Drive and you will soon reach the deer compound on your right. The deer in here are fallow deer and we have approximately 30 in the Park. After admiring the deer you can follow the same route back taking in the beautiful scenery as you walk.

Lichfield Drive and Temple Wood Walk – approximately 2 miles

Starting from the House, follow the drive over the cattle grid and round to the left. At the fork in the road take the left hand path. As you walk along this road you will see the Temple of Diana on your left. You are now walking along Lichfield Drive and will soon come to a crossroads at which you need to turn left. Along this path you will see a smaller track on your left, turn down here and cross the railway line into Temple Wood. The railway line is active so please take care when crossing.  Head over Paines Bridge and follow the paths through Temple Wood which will lead you back to the Granary buildings.

The Knoll Tower Walk – approximately 3 miles

If you are feeling more energetic we have a circular walk around the Knoll Tower taking in stunning views of the parkland. Starting from the House follow the drive over the cattle grid and round to the left. At the fork in the road go right and continue along this path, you will spot the Kidney Pool on your right, the Obelisk on the hill to your left and the Knoll Tower will come into view on the hill on the left.  At the next fork take the right hand track and follow this in a loop around the Knoll Tower, please leave the gates as you find them. When you come to the end of the track follow the drive back along the parkland and back towards the House. The oldest oak trees in the parkland dating back to 1410 can be seen on this route.