Park Vale

Heritage Site in Berkshire

England

Park Vale

Sarsen Stones in the Afternoon A late light shot of some of the Sarsen stones, or Grey Wethers as they're sometimes called, near Ashdown House on the Berkshire Downs.
Sarsens are the broken up remnants of a post glacial era silica sandstone layer which formed above the chalk. More info on Sarsen on <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsen" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsen">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The undulation in the field surface is marked on the map as Park Pale in antique script, so is presumably of ancient origin. It looks to be part of a roughly square enclosure around what is now Upper Wood.
Scanned from a print.
Sarsen Stones in the Afternoon Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Park Vale, located in Berkshire, is a renowned heritage site that attracts tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world. The site, spread over a vast area of breathtaking natural beauty, is a treasure trove of historical significance and cultural heritage.

The main highlight of Park Vale is its grand medieval castle, which was constructed in the 13th century. The castle stands tall as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the era. Visitors can explore the castle's sturdy stone walls, imposing towers, and intricate carvings, all of which provide a glimpse into the past. The castle's interior boasts a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the area's rich history.

Surrounding the castle are beautifully manicured gardens, which offer a tranquil retreat for visitors. The gardens feature a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of flowers and trees. The carefully designed pathways meander through the gardens, inviting visitors to take leisurely strolls and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

For those interested in the area's history, Park Vale also houses a well-maintained museum. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient weapons, armor, and pottery, providing a comprehensive insight into the lives and traditions of the people who once inhabited the region.

Additionally, Park Vale offers various recreational activities for visitors, such as hiking trails, picnic spots, and a children's play area. The site also hosts regular events and festivals that celebrate the local culture, including music performances, art exhibitions, and traditional fairs.

In conclusion, Park Vale in Berkshire is a must-visit heritage site that combines historical significance with natural beauty. With its magnificent castle, enchanting gardens, and diverse range of activities, the site offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Park Vale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.522/-1.575 or Grid Reference SU2980. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sarsen Stones in the Afternoon A late light shot of some of the Sarsen stones, or Grey Wethers as they're sometimes called, near Ashdown House on the Berkshire Downs.
Sarsens are the broken up remnants of a post glacial era silica sandstone layer which formed above the chalk. More info on Sarsen on <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsen" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsen">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The undulation in the field surface is marked on the map as Park Pale in antique script, so is presumably of ancient origin. It looks to be part of a roughly square enclosure around what is now Upper Wood.
Scanned from a print.
Sarsen Stones in the Afternoon
A late light shot of some of the Sarsen stones, or Grey Wethers as they're sometimes called, near Ashdown House on the Berkshire Downs. Sarsens are the broken up remnants of a post glacial era silica sandstone layer which formed above the chalk. More info on Sarsen on LinkExternal link The undulation in the field surface is marked on the map as Park Pale in antique script, so is presumably of ancient origin. It looks to be part of a roughly square enclosure around what is now Upper Wood. Scanned from a print.
Farmland, Ashbury A field of stubble rising to Idstone Down. This is just inside the former county of Berkshire, now part of Oxfordshire. The boundary with Wiltshire is to the left of picture.
Farmland, Ashbury
A field of stubble rising to Idstone Down. This is just inside the former county of Berkshire, now part of Oxfordshire. The boundary with Wiltshire is to the left of picture.
The driveway to Park Farm, Upper Lambourn A more imposing entrance and drive than that for your average farm!
The driveway to Park Farm, Upper Lambourn
A more imposing entrance and drive than that for your average farm!
Paddocks at Ashdown Farm About 400 metres south of Ashdown House which, at the time of my visit to the area, was undergoing major roof repairs and was swathed in plastic sheeting.
Paddocks at Ashdown Farm
About 400 metres south of Ashdown House which, at the time of my visit to the area, was undergoing major roof repairs and was swathed in plastic sheeting.
B4000 north of Fognam Farm Ahead is a crossroads but it doesn't appear so to the motorist on the 'B' road. Straight on is a byway open to all traffic and perpendicularly a private road to Park Farm.
B4000 north of Fognam Farm
Ahead is a crossroads but it doesn't appear so to the motorist on the 'B' road. Straight on is a byway open to all traffic and perpendicularly a private road to Park Farm.
B4000 climbs Fognam Down
B4000 climbs Fognam Down
B4000 crosses the border The border between Berkshire (behind) and Oxfordshire is delineated by a bridleway which can be seen to the right of shot. This part of the downs is called Lambourn Corner and sees the conjunction of road, bridleway and by-way.
B4000 crosses the border
The border between Berkshire (behind) and Oxfordshire is delineated by a bridleway which can be seen to the right of shot. This part of the downs is called Lambourn Corner and sees the conjunction of road, bridleway and by-way.
B4000 passes pumping station What type of pumping station LPG, sewage? BP McKeefry has a fleet of 200 lorries transporting bulk and the one in the picture looks like a liquid waste carrier. So slurry might be the load??
B4000 passes pumping station
What type of pumping station LPG, sewage? BP McKeefry has a fleet of 200 lorries transporting bulk and the one in the picture looks like a liquid waste carrier. So slurry might be the load??
B4000 skirts Weathercock Hill The road is some 50 metres below the 219 m. summit of the hill, which is on the right, and this bend loops around its shoulder.
B4000 skirts Weathercock Hill
The road is some 50 metres below the 219 m. summit of the hill, which is on the right, and this bend loops around its shoulder.
Weathercock, Weathercock Hill, Lambourn The weathercock is probably a later replacement for the 17th century original used by the owner of Ashdown House to decide the day's strategy for hunting deer. It is situated in an area of access land.
Weathercock, Weathercock Hill, Lambourn
The weathercock is probably a later replacement for the 17th century original used by the owner of Ashdown House to decide the day's strategy for hunting deer. It is situated in an area of access land.
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon Photo taken on zoom.
Fallow deer near Baydon
Photo taken on zoom.
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Fallow deer near Baydon
Hare, Bailey Hill Copse
Hare, Bailey Hill Copse
Baydon Hole Farm
Baydon Hole Farm
Show me another place!

Park Vale is located at Grid Ref: SU2980 (Lat: 51.522, Lng: -1.575)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///pirate.halt.throwaway. Near Lambourn, Berkshire

Nearby Locations

Fognam Down Park Vale

Related Wikis

Fognam Chalk Quarry

Fognam Chalk Quarry is a 3-hectare (7.4-acre) geological Site of Special Scientific Interest west of Upper Lambourn in Berkshire. It is a Geological Conservation...

Upper Lambourn

Upper Lambourn is a small village in the county of Berkshire, England. The village is situated in the civil parish of Lambourn , and is 1.2 miles (2 km...

Ashdown Park

Ashdown Park is a 9.3-hectare (23-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) south of Ashbury in Oxfordshire. The SSSI is part of the...

Park Farm Down

Park Farm Down or Parkfarm Down is a 3.3-hectare (8.2-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north-west of Lambourn in Berkshire. It is in...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.522,-1.575
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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