HERITAGE OPEN DAY
A chance to see the unique Woodchester Mansion and the Boathouse in Woodchester Park.
Visitors are invited to discover the rich history of one of Gloucestershire’s most remarkable heritage locations when the Woodchester Mansion Trust and the National Trust Woodchester Park join forces for a unique experience for Heritage Open Day on Saturday 19th September.
The event combines a guided tour of the unfinished Gothic masterpiece, Woodchester Mansion, as well as a guided walk through NT Woodchester Park to the historic Boathouse, a site that is not normally open to the public.
The Boathouse
The Mansion tour, conducted by one of our team of experienced volunteer tour guides, enables visitors to understand how the Neo-gothic Mansion was constructed over 150 years ago, using timeless building methods, through the skill of a talented young local architect, Benjamin Bucknall. It also touches on the human story of his patron, William Leigh; his finances, his family, and their beliefs and tragedies.
The walk from the Mansion to the Boathouse, guided by the National Trust, will explore the fascinating relationship between the Mansion and its surrounding landscape, revealing the stories of the families and individuals who shaped both the estate and the parkland over the centuries. It will include stops at key locations where historic photographs and illustrations will help bring the landscape’s history to life. The walk finishes with the opportunity to step inside the Boathouse, giving visitors rare access to a heritage feature that is usually closed to the public.
Event Schedule
Visitors can choose from a series of guided walks from the Mansion to the Boat House and tours of the Mansion throughout the day:
10am-11am – Guided Walk to the Boathouse
11am-12pm – Guided Mansion Tour
12pm-1pm – Guided Walk to the Boathouse
1pm-2pm – Guided Mansion Tour
2pm-3pm – Guided Walk to the Boathouse
3pm-4pm – Guided Mansion Tour
All the walks and tours start from the Mansion.
Please note: The walk through Woodchester Park to the Boathouse will include steps, slopes and some uneven terrain. Visitors are encouraged to wear suitable footwear and clothing for outdoor walking conditions.
About the Partnership
This Heritage Open Day collaboration showcases the shared heritage of Woodchester Mansion and NT Woodchester Park, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience both sites together and gain a deeper understanding of the Mansion and landscape.
Getting to Woodchester Park & the Mansion
Visitors can choose to begin their day from either Buckholt Car Park or Tinkley Gate Car Park, both of which provide access to Woodchester Mansion, NT Woodchester Park and the Heritage Open Day activities. Once parked, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk through the park to Woodchester Mansion before joining a tour.
The walk from Buckholt Car Park to Woodchester Mansion takes approximately 15-20 minutes, while the walk from Tinkley Gate to the Mansion takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on pace and route chosen.
One of the benefits of visiting Woodchester Park is that a single parking payment allows visitors to use both National Trust car parks throughout the day. This means visitors can start their morning at the Mansion and Boathouse before relocating to Tinkley Gate to explore more of the park, enjoy lunch in the cafe or spend time on the walking trails. National Trust members receive free parking as part of their membership benefits.
Make a day of it at Woodchester Park!
The Heritage Open Day experience offers more than just a tour. Visitors are encouraged to spend the day exploring the wider Woodchester landscape and all that National Trust Woodchester Park has to offer. The park is a tranquil wooded valley featuring the remains of 18th century landscape, with a chain of five lakes, woodland walks and stunning countryside views.
Families can enjoy the natural play trail, which includes stepping logs and balance beams set within the woodland, while those looking for a gentler visit can browse the pre-loved bookstore at Tinkley Gate, borrow free walking poles or pick up a backpack for their walk. National Trust’s all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is also available to hire through the Countryside Mobility Scheme, helping more people enjoy the park’s walking routes.
After exploring the estate, visitors can relax at the Tinkley Gate Cafe (open 10am-4.30pm every day), which serves pizzas, focaccias, ice creams and other refreshments in a countryside setting with far-reaching views and plenty of space to unwind. Those visiting Woodchester Mansion can also enjoy at Henry’s cafe (open 10am-5pm), which offers hot and cold drinks, tasty snacks and lunches.
