ENGLEFIELD ESTATE
The designated area comprises 272 hectares of the historic park and garden at Englefield but excludes Englefield House itself. This area sits within the wider context of some 5665 hectares of estate woodland and farmland around the village of Englefield.
Published access details; Public paths or open-access land described; Watch: no email published.
- Published access details
- Public paths or open-access land described
- Phone contact published
- No email published
Access
Directions - From Junction 12 on the M4, take the A4 SW towards Thatcham and Pamber Heath. At the second roundabout, take the A340 N towards Pangbourne. After c1.5km, turn left for Englefield Village. Access points - There is parking available in Englefield Village close to the start of a permissive path at OS grid reference 6273 7212. Access to the designated area can also be had via the existing network of public footpaths and via the permissive path up the drive to Englefield House. Generally, public access is available all year on the public roads and permissive footpath shown on the map. 7 acres of gardens immediately surrounding Englefield House are open to the public on certain days depending on the time of year. Opening times for the gardens can be found on the estate's website at www.englefieldestate.co.uk/englefield_house/e_gardens.asp. A charge applies for adult entry. It is regretted that the gardens are closed to dogs.
The owner's binding undertakings
With regard to the designated property (outlined in red on the attached map) the owners have given the following undertakings: 1. We shall take reasonable steps for its maintenance and the preservation of its character. In particular: 1.1 we shall abide by the mandatory terms of the Heritage Management Plan ("the Plan") dated June 2005 and agreed with Natural England, insofar as it is concerned with the maintenance of the Property and the preservation of its character; and 1.2 as envisaged by the Plan we shall provide a copy of the Undertaking to constitute Appendix I thereof 2. We shall take the following steps to secure reasonable access to the public: 2.1 keep open the existing network of public rights of way within the Property; 2.2 (with a view to the provision of a range of circular walks by connecting the existing public rights of way network and quieter lanes) provide withi…
Access notes
Neutral, reviewed context from visitor reports, official sources or reputable reporting. These notes are not a finding that an owner has breached an undertaking.
Access campaign commentary criticised permissive-path provision
The Great Outdoors published campaign commentary by Jon Moses criticising Englefield Estate's access provision under the conditional exemption scheme, focusing on permissive paths and limited wider access. This is campaign commentary, not an official compliance finding.
Source: The Great Outdoors ↗ · 2023-12-10
Land-access article used Englefield as an example
The Lead described Englefield Estate as an example of permissive access attached to tax relief, arguing that the route lets the public view the house from a distance while other areas remain off limits. This is campaign commentary, not an official compliance finding.
Source: The Lead ↗ · 2023