Compton Wynyates in Warwickshire - Rick Steves Travel Forum

Posted by epltd

3124 posts

I haven't been there, but I share your feelings about the love of visiting places you've read about or experienced in movies/TV.

The Wikipedia article says it's closed to the public (except for occasional weddings) as it's used as the family residence. "A dead-end public footpath runs from the village of Upper Tysoe about a mile away, ending at a tall locked gate a few yards short of the estate church, where the walker is instructed to return the way they came. There is no access through to the public road a short distance further on."

If it were me, I'd go for it. You can stand at the locked gate and let your imagination run for 5 minutes. I guess the other strategy would be to try to make friends with someone who is getting married there, LOL!

Posted by Rebecca

Nashville, TN, USA

04/26/17 12:59 AM

3897 posts

In Tudor times, Compton Wynates was the home of Sir William Compton, close friend of Henry the 8th. The front of the house is shown twice in two episodes of the TV drama "The Tudors" which aired several years ago. The Compton family still lives there. Access to the house is prohibited by the family, unless it is a special occasion.

I would also like to see this well-preserved house. But I have been researching this for several years, and there is no easy way. I would not go over the fence or trespass in any way; it is someone else's property. Every website I have explored says it is closed to the public.

The home used sometimes as a wedding venue is Castle Ashby, the family's other nearby home; not Compton Wynates.

I would suggest you might enjoy two houses in Warwickshire that are maintained by the National Trust:
Baddesley Clinton:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesley-clinton
Charlecote:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park