Overview

A pleasure to wander around the well kept gardens and landscaped park in this 28 acres of rather pleasantly kept countryside in Warwickshire. The castle grounds offer various activities you can enjoy, many free of charge, including outdoor games on various lawns, such as the French game of Boules, and you can book a free lesson on Archery, crossbow, or shooting. Many take a day out together to walk the 26 mile circular Arden walking trail. You may also hire bikes and ride off into the scenic lanes of Warwickshire. Or as we get older, the gentle sport of gin and tonics on the Arden terrace may be more appealing. PHOTO 1 ============ Just a few feet away from the Bar lounge and toilets you can find a map of Studley castle and its grounds, worth looking over for ideas on what to plan during your stay. PHOTO 2 ============ The modern day 19th century grade 11 listed Studley castle, built in 1834-47 surrounded by 28 acres of land on the Warwickshire countryside. PHOTOS 3 to 8 ============ Nowadays, there is a pathway available that allows for short easy walks around part of the grounds and woodland areas, some along easy enough pathways, ideal for wheelchair users and their carers. However, very little remains of what it was used for from the late 1903 period up to the mid 1969 years, when it was operated as the Studley Horticultural an Agricultural college for women. In 1903, Lady Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, bought the house and estate for some £25.000, and in December 1903 staff and students moved into the castle, which then became known as Lady Warwick college, before being changed to and converted to be used by the Studley agriculture college for women so that the daughters of local gentry could be trained here. During 1908 however, Lady Warwick ceased to be responsible for its upkeep then followed years of financial hardship, but in 1912 the Ministry of Agriculture offered a grant of £1,000 to help support the college, under the condition that Lord Warwick leased the castle to trustees. In 1916 a company was formed under licence of the Board of Trade. When the licence expired after 25 years it became the freehold of the college, at a cost of £12,000. All these years it remained an all-women collage, but Sadly, in August 1969, the college had to close. Very little can be seen today of those years, and the grounds of the estate have very much changed, but it’s nice to sit on one of the balconies around the estate, and reflect on those historical years. PHOTOS 9 to 11 ============ Views from the balconies of Studley castle. PHOTOS 12 and 13 ============ On a warm sunny day, sitting at the Terrace and its comfortable seating would be pleasant enough, but if rather chilly or wet then indoors would be more appropriate PHOTOS 14 to 19 ============ Join us as we relax together in the Arden lounge and enjoy a drink or two with us, before we head off for an afternoon lunch at the Brasserie32 restaurant

Transport & Parking

Easy enough to get here, not to far from the M5 / M42, and along fast roads. Parking is on hard compressed chippings, but no allocated disabled bays, just park as close as you can to the castle. It’s a bit of a push for your carer and wheelchair, so would be best to drive up to the castle entrance, drop you off, then the driver could go and park the car. We give just 3.5 stars as we found it difficult to push the chair along the paths to get to the castle, and would not fancy the push if cold and wet, but if your driver dropped your party off at the entrance, then it would be so much easier for you all. The driver may not agree when facing the weather, but your visit will make it all worth while.

Access

Ramps will take you up to the castle entrance, and reception desk is just inside, then it’s all nice and level through the whole complex, with lifts proved if staying on a break here. There are places for you to stop and rest as you explore the castle and its modern buildings housing rooms and entertainment areas. Outside also have seating areas for you to enjoy those warm sunny days.

Toilets

The accessible toilet is close enough to the bar and restaurants, along well kept wide passages, and large enough to take almost all wheelchairs and scooters, ( do enquire beforehand about large scooters ) It is well maintained, very clean, grab rails and pull cords provided, and wheelchairs can spin inside the room. Just about enough room for carer to give you minimum help.

Staff

We did not manage to speak with any gardeners.

Photos