Umberslade Estate Walk at Umberslade Farm Park

Umberslade Farm Park unfortunately had to close its doors due to the pandemic.  The Umberslade Estate walk is located in Tamworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire, not far from Solihull.  It now welcomes guests to enjoy a pre-booked walk around their land.   The walk is a fantastic way to not only encourage guests to get out and exercise, but it’s another way that locals can support a local business!

How to book Umberslade Estate Walk?

Umberslade Estate’s private walking route has to be pre-booked on their website and welcomes guests at staggered times, encouraging social distancing at all times.  We decided to book for a sunny Sunday and headed there for our 12pm booking.  Several areas are blocked off but the parking for the Umberslade Farm Park is still open which is where you will leave your car.  Head up to the Farm where you will be greeted by a member of staff who is offer you an estate map and some guidance about the walk.  You also receive some information about Umberslade Manor, which you also pass on your planned walk.

The Walk

The walk is around 5KM and is across several different types of terrain.  I did see some families with buggies, however if you have a little one who is small enough for a carrier, I’d use one of them.  Umberslade recommend that the walk is for 5 years and over, however it really is up to you.  We are a family of 5 with three children aged, 10 6 and 3.  The walk was a little too much for our 3 year old, which I was expecting.  However, if you don’t mind a little one being on your shoulders for some of your walk, you’ll be fine.

The walk is estimated to be around 1.5/2 hours long.  But of course, this depends how quickly you walk and if you decide to stop, take photos or have a picnic on your route.  We were advised that when the walk passes Umberslade Manor, you can take a short cut back to the Farm if you wish, missing out the last extra 15 minutes.  As we had little legs with us (and a huge picnic waiting for us chilling in the car) we decided to do this.

During the walk, you are guided by yellow sticks and white arrows, so there really isn’t any need for the Umberslade Map.  The kids really enjoying spotting the signs which kept up their enthusiasm!  For us adults, the views are lovely and it was nice to get out into the countryside and take in the fresh air.  For dog walkers, dogs are also welcome.

At the beginning of our walk, we realised that we couldn’t see another person in sight.  However, 2 families caught up with us that took over and we also over took a family with a pushchair.  It was all done in a socially distanced manner and it really is a huge walk that means your very unlikely to have to come near anyone.

Back at the Farm, there are a few more people about.  However, you can still socially distance and there is plenty of space to have a picnic, both on the grass and on the many picnic tables.  The playground area is of course closed, however they do have toilets open as well as an ‘Espresso Cafe’.  The Cafe is serving hot and cold drinks, lunch boxes and ice creams.  All the items are takeout only.  We enjoyed a coffee and a milkshake which we enjoyed whilst roaming some of Umberslade Farm Park.  My husband said that people queuing up were being fair to the 2 metre rule.  Staff are also wearing some PPE.

You can enjoy seeing some of the animals which is an added perk!  We spotted lambs, pigs, chickens, ducks, goats and the kids favourite – two noisy turkeys!  This was wonderful to do, as it’s been so long since we felt like we’ve had a ‘family day out’!

The Umberslade Estate walk costs £5 per adult and £3 per child over 4 years old.  10% of this also goes to supporting the MIND charity.

Would we recommend Umberslade Estate Walk?

Absolutely!  It was lovely to feel like we were going on a ‘day out’ and it really is a family activity that can be done socially distanced due to certain facilities being closed.  The air is fresh, the views are great and it feels wonderful to just get out and do something different.  The kids also loved seeing the animals.  I would recommend for families, dog walkers and couples who just fancy a different walk to what they normally do.  I ask feel the price is fair.

It’s also worth a note that Umberslade Farm Park are opening their glamping and camping site real soon!

Have you been yet on the Umberslade Estate Walk yet?!

Thanks for reading xx