Overview

Welcome to Studley castle, Warwickshire. An old medieval house stood here in “Stodlei” nowadays called Studley, the house now demolished, and this manor was recorded in the Doomsday book as land belonging to William Fitz, the son of Courbucion, the appointed sheriff of Warwick soon after 1088. It stood on 5 hides of land ( this was estimated by the size of land that could support household ) The village had 12 small holdings, a salt house, all being situated close to woodland, and a priest. The parish church of the blessed virgin dates back to around the early 12th century. In the 14th century, the south aisle was added. The church was restored in 1888, and again in 1935, when the old 12th century window of the north nave was discovered. Later on in history, it was held by William Bonavallet. He owned 2 ploughs of land (estimated by what land could be ploughed by eight oxen in a year) as well as 4 acres of Meadowland and woodland, so he owned a reasonable amount of land in “Stodlei” Years later, around 1135-40 the land held a medieval castle, around the St Mary church area. The old house and this medieval castle stood near to the present day castle we see. By 1150, the area was known as Studley, and a Peter de Studley (Corbizin) owned land here, and he founded the Priory, a home for Augustan monks, surviving until 1538, after which King Henry 8th dissolved the priory, and it was sold to Sir Edmund Knightly. The priory is just ruins nowadays. From then on the Earls of Warwick remain as overlords of Studley. PHOTOS 2 to 4 ============ We start our review, ( the first part of 10 reviews ) for our visit to Studley castle, which stands in the large parish of Studley, a mostly flat level area, with a few hills rising to no more than 500 feet, with the river Arrow flowing across the area. Parts are still wooded, and a recent modern day history records a needle factory stood here around 1695 onwards. By 1800 a steam powered needle making factory mill ran a productive small factory built by James Pardow, employing up to 250 local people. PHOTO 5 ============ What we see today, is the 19th century grade 11 listed gothic Victorian castle, built 1834-47. It stands in 28 acres of rolling hills in the countryside of Warwickshire, just outside the village of Studley, which is not too far from Stratford apon Avon. It is situated some distance away from the first medieval castle that originally stood here. Built by the architect Samuel Beasley, 1786-1851, it was completed in 1836 for the owner 1st Baronet Francis Littleton Holyoake Goodricke, the high sheriff of Warwickshire. He had inherited Robson’s Hall in Yorkshire, and after this had been sold, it helped to finance the building of this gothic revival style, also called Victorian gothic, or even Neo-gothic. This was an architectural and artistic style used extensively in the 18th/19th century, incorporating elements of medieval gothic architecture. PHOTOS 6 to 8 ============ Approaching the castle, the car park lies to your left, then it’s a short walk towards the main entrance, taking your wheelchair over hard compressed chippings and narrow paths These lead towards the main entrance, and is a delightful looking castle, in a “U” shape, with torrents, towers, and a grand entrance. PHOTOS 9 and 10 ============ They say first impressions count on how we feel about a place, but here, around the main entrance it looks rather run down and in need of a face lift and maintenance work, and your impression inside is at first concerning, it isn’t posh, plain looking and uninviting, but we can assure you that once inside the castle it is really nice, well kept, clean throughout, and a joy to have visited. However, although it looks like a castle, it has never been used as such. Ramps on both sides of the steps will lead you up to the entrance of the hotel. PHOTOS 11 to 14 ============ This original part of the castle is noted for its mainly interior of polished oak panels and woodwork seen in the three original lounges. READ OUR REVIEW On euans guide. For more details about this castle. Disabled Travellers Studley old castle historical notes PHOTOS 15 to 17 ============ As we now walk towards our room, we will continue with a more modern part of the history of the castle. In 1903, Lady Warwick bought the house, and converted it to be used by the Studley Agricultureal college for women, so that the daughters of the gentry could be trained here. During both the world wars it became requisitioned as a training ground for the woman’s land army. Following these wars, and much later, it became the training and marketing centre for the car brand Rover. We have now walked up to the lift, which was of a reasonable size, we feel it will take most scooters, and rode up to our floor. PHOTOS 18 to 20 ============ During 2006 it was converted into a country house hotel, but this closed in March 2016. This was then quickly bought by the Bourne leisure group, to become part of the Warner Leisure Hotel group, and following an ambitious £30. Million pound refurbishment programme, it opened in April 2019 with 209 rooms of very attractive accommodations, which include a few historical suites in the Victorian castle, along with many other rooms around the estate. A short walk along very clean well maintained passages, we arrived at our room for the break we have chosen today. ======================================================================= We have recently been converted as Warner Hotels new members, and throughly enjoyed our breaks with them, we wish we had used them years ago, as we would recommend this group to any one over 55, each place is a wonderful, relaxing, pleasant break, and we encourage you to try out Studley castle. Other Warner hotels we have reviewed are RUNNYMEDE ON THAMES HOTEL, WINDSOR, LONDON. 5* star review. HAYTHROP PARK, COTSWOLD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 5* star review.

Transport & Parking

Easy enough to get here, not far from the M5 and M42, and then 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 it would be best to drive up to the castle entrance, drop you off, then the driver go and park the car. We give just 3.5 star marks, as we found it slightly difficult to push the chair along the paths to get to the castle, and would not fancy the walk on a cold or wet day, but if the driver could drop you off at the entrance first of all, then it would be much easier for all. The driver may not agree when facing the weather, but your visit here will make it all worthwhile.

Access

Ramps will take you up to the castle entrance, and reception desk is just inside, then it’s all nice and level throughout the whole complex, with lifts provided if staying on a break here. There are places for you to stop and rest as you explore the castle with its modern buildings and rooms for entertainment. Outside also have seating areas for you to enjoy on 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 scooters (do enquire before booking any large scooter) The toilet is well maintained, very clean, grab rails and pull cords provided, and wheelchairs can spin inside the room. Just about enough room for a carer to give you minimum help.

Staff

All very helpful, and willing to support and look after us all.

Photos