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Tatton Park - Deer Park

Knutsford, Cheshire

In total there are 2,000 acres of landscaped deer park, woodland, meres and farmland which makes up the Tatton estate of which 1000 acres is open to the public, and you can explore on foot, on bike, or on horseback.

The 1000 acres of parkland and woodland, is home to:

Deer herds of red and fallow deer who roam freely in the wide open spaces. There has been a deer park here since 1290 when it was created by Royal Charter, and it is not difficult to come across them and photograph them. You cannot get up close to touch, but you can get close enough to photography without needing an ultra long lens. There is a breeding herd of 400 across both breeds. Deer behaviour changes seasonally and during the autumn when the 'rut' gets underway the males are at their most impressive.

Best Times and
Places to View the Deer 
  • Deer Leap view of the sanctuary NE corner

  • On quiet evenings around the Old Hall

  • Stags can be seen along Knutsford Drive in the summer

  • Fawns and calves ‘following’ in early and late July

  • During the Rut in Autumn

  • Winter mornings during the deer feeding programme south of the war memorial

for both images here

Click on images to see larger

There are two rare breeds of sheep, the St Kilda which has been at Tatton since 1887 and the Soay sheep who arrived in the 1930's. The St Kilda sheep are black and are the oldest existing flocks on record. The Soays are small brown 'goat like' sheep thought to have been grazed in the Bronze Age. They can be found in the various paddocks around the Mansion as well as in the overflow car parks near the Children’s Adventure Playground, and the Ice Pond field opposite the Mansion. If you want to catch the lambs the best time to visit is April and May. During the summer months a tenant farmer also grazes his sheep within the parkland along with occasional cattle.

There are also 2 meres which not only provides a wetland habitat for wildfowl but an activity centre for sailing boats and fishermen. There is also plenty of space around them for picnics and to fly a kite.

                                                   Click on images to see larger versions                                                  

The meres (Little Mere and Tatton Mere) are dedicated SSSI and RAMSAR sights being recognised for the nationally important habitats. They provide nest sites and winter refuge for large numbers of water birds but also have an abundance of wildflowers and plant life. In spring and summer you might get to see Swallows and Martins catch insects over the water.

Activities within the Park. The various activities that take place within the park such as horse riding, sailing and fishing do have extra charges involved and you should see their website for details. Bikes can be hired from Cycle Life Hire who can be found in the stableyard. Near the main car park there is an Adventure Playground for children with over 30 rides and there is something suitable for all ages and abilities from toddler to teens.

The woodlands cover about 500 acres and is home to many birds including Treecreepers, Nuthatch and the 3 species of Woodpecker (Green, Greater Spotted and Lesser Spotted). Four species of bat have been recorded and amongst the fallen branches you will find invertebrates and fungi.

The Parkland News page of their website will keep you up to date with latest wildlife highlights taking place.

Entry to the Park is free to walkers and those on bikes. However there are charges for cars and horse boxes as well as for horses.

There are a number of other attractions at Tatton Park including:

Tatton Park is owned by the National Trust but since 1960 has been leased back to Cheshire Country Council who have since managed and financed the property on their behalf.


Further information Grid

 

Location:

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire

Ceremonial County: Cheshire

Grid Reference:

SJ750817

Map Link:

Multimap
Aerial photo: Google Aerial Photo   

Route(s):

 

Best Times to Visit:

 

E-mail:

tatton@cheshire.gov.uk

Website:

www.tattonpark.org.uk

National Trust

Other useful websites:

Wiki

Nearby Locations:  
Other Relevant pages:  

Classification:

Deer Park

Date Updated: 07/2008
 

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Planning Grid

Location:

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire

Grid Reference:

SJ750817

Getting there:

Tatton Park is signposted from Junction 7 of the M56 and Junction 19 of the M6. The entrance to the park is approximately half a mile from Knutsford Railway Station.

Access:

Via two entrances the Knutsford entrance near Knutsford Station or the Main Entrance off Ashley Road.

Parking:

Plenty of parking in the Park itself. £4.50 entrance fee per car to the Park which includes parking and £2.50 for Blue Badge Holders

Facilities:

Farm Shop, pottery.

Things To Do, See and Photograph:

 

What to take:

 

Nature highlights:

Deer Rut in the Autumn, Young Deer are born during the Summer, Lambs of the rare breeds April and May

Address:

Tatton Park

Knutsford

Cheshire

Postcode:

WA16 6QN

Telephone:

General Enquiries: 01625 374400

Tatton Infoline: 01625 374435

Opening times:

15/03/200 to 28/09/2008 Daily 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm)

Also open Mondays through August

30/09/2008 to 27/03/2008  Tues-Sun 11am-5pm (last entry 4pm)

Charges:

Walkers and Cyclists - FREE

Car Park charges apply see parking above.

Photo Restrictions:

 

Other Restrictions:  
Special Needs Access: Blue badge parking is available close to the Farm by prior arrangement. Cobbled approach to the toilets at Home Farm.
Special Needs Facilities: toilets available at Home Farm during attraction opening times. Electric buggies and manual wheelchairs available for loan.
Children Facilities: Baby changing facilities.
Dogs Allowed: Assistance dogs allowed

CIN Page Ref:

tatton_park_DP

Date Updated: 07/2008

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