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Top parklands to explore

Family looking over the lake at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire with the eighteenth century classical bridge in the background.
Family looking over the lake at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Parklands are vital for wildlife and offer us time to wander, explore or reflect. Many of the parklands we look after have a long history. You can roam among ancient trees, acres of grassland and a variety of wildlife habitats. 

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Discover natural wonders every season throughout this 600-acre historic parkland. Guided walks take place three days a week (subject to volunteer availability) in the warmer months, and you can explore the parkland on a cycle ride.Visit Calke Abbey
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Covering more than 3,800 acres of picturesque parkland and gardens, woodlands and an 83 acre serpentine lake, Clumber Park is great for walking, running and cycling.Visit Clumber Park
Croft Castle, Herefordshire
At Croft Castle, carpets of bluebells flower at the end of April until late May, which is great for photo opportunities. You can also indulge yourself in forest bathing when you explore trails surrounded by more than 300 veteran trees.Visit Croft Castle
Crom, County Fermanagh
Crom's 2,000 acre estate consists of tranquil islands, ancient woodlands and even some castle ruins. Spot a wide range of wildlife throughout the year, including fallow deer, otters and herons, as well as sheep grazing on the parkland.Visit Crom
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
Dinefwr's parkland is a rich landscape filled with Welsh history, home to many elusive mammals such as fallow deer, voles and polecats. Stroll through the medieval deer park, spot the prehistoric white park cattle and take in the serenity of the ancient woodland.Visit Dinefwr
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, Dunham Massey's deer park is home to fallow deer, as well as owls, bats, buzzards, woodpeckers, meadow ants and rare species of beetle. Take in the sweeping views on the accessible paths that lead through this historic estate.Visit Dunham Massey
Practising Tai chi in the parkland at Osterley Park, London
Practising Tai chi in the parkland at Osterley Park, London | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
Situated within the South Downs National Park, Hinton Ampner offers far-reaching views of the rolling countryside surrounding it. Spot numerous veteran trees, keep an eye out for barbastelle bats and discover the Civil War history of the site.Visit Hinton Ampner
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Explore acres of parkland at Kingston Lacy, where pedigree Red Ruby Devon cattle and rare Portland sheep graze the landscape. Follow the woodland trail on foot or by bike to take in everything the estate has to offer.Visit Kingston Lacy
Knole, Kent
Covering 1,000 acres, Knole's parkland is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's a haven for wildlife in the heart of Sevenoaks town, populated with fallow deer and veteran trees. Look out for quirky fungi as you roam the estate, such as the colourful amethyst deceiver and beefsteak fungus.Visit Knole
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
Explore a parkland rich in wildlife at Lanhydrock – the best place in Cornwall to spot bats, with 13 of the UK's 18 species recorded here. There's also hidden history for you to seek out, including a Victorian swimming pool and the remains of an old tin works.Visit Lanhydrock
Montacute House, Somerset
Choose from three waymarked trails that take you through the Tudor parkland, along Ladies’ Walk and up to St Michael’s Tower. The estate is full of veteran trees, including sweet chestnuts and London planes, while an avenue of lime trees runs through the centre of the parkland.Visit Montacute
Visitor relaxing under a tree in the parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
Visitor laying under a tree in the parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Osterley Park, Middlesex
Explore Osterley Park, one of the last surviving country estates in London. A mix of habitats makes it a haven for wildlife – keep an eye out for birds of prey, owls and kingfishers along the waymarked trails.Visit Osterley Park
Petworth, Sussex
Discover Petworth, a 700-acre deer park designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Boasting far-reaching views of the South Downs, the estate is home to ancient trees and a herd of fallow deer who have grazed here for more than 500 years.Visit Petworth
Sheringham Park, Norfolk
Described by Humphry Repton as one of his favourite designs, Sheringham Park features sea views, rolling parkland and a temple. Stroll through the extensive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in spring or gain 360° views across the surrounding countryside from the gazebo.Visit Sheringham Park
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Stourhead's parkland is expansive, and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle. Explore the hay meadow in the warmer months to see rare, native orchids and other flora.Visit Stourhead
Studley Royal at Fountain's Abbey, Yorkshire
In 1986, Studley Royal became a World Heritage Site because of its buildings, gardens, and landscapes, which all represent over 800 years of human achievement. Discover the beauty of the parkland for yourself when you visit.Visit Studley Royal
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
You can join a weekly walk to hear from the volunteers at Wimpole, who will take you through the best parts of the parkland and countryside. Spot cattle grazing and take in the natural sights that surround the estate.Visit Wimpole
Small girl running between conical topiary hedges in the Cherry Garden at Ham House

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