Things to see & do
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Take the tour
Take the tour
Accompany one of our guides and hear about the history of the house. Learn how it was built as a hunting lodge, became a Victorian family home and later an Army training base during the Second World War.
© Andrew Cornick
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Climb the staircase
Climb the staircase
Climb the magnificent staircase built of oak and elm. An impressive example of 17th-century skilled craftsmanship. On the way admire the family portraits and hunting trophies of Elizabeth of Bohemia. Every picture tells a story.
© Andrew Cornick
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View from the cupola
View from the cupola
Inside the cupola or out on the roof, take in the view over three counties. A view still undisturbed by development nearly 350 years on.
© Andrew Cornick
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Stroll around the grounds
Stroll around the grounds
Using an information card available from visitor reception take a self - guided stroll around the grounds. Be sure to look out for the parterre, Balleroy ponies and Alfred's Castle.
© David Watson
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Woodland
Woodland
Walk through the tranquil woodland and look for birds and animals. Are there any deer hiding ? There are three herds on the estate, Muntjac, Roe and Fallow.
© Andrew Cornick
Take the tour
Climb the staircase
View from the cupola
Stroll around the grounds
WoodlandWhat's on
On most Wednesdays you can watch demonstrations of lacemaking and woodland crafts. Also Wednesday is the day to take the scaffolding tour during the conservation work. Places are limited to 12 people on the tour.
Woodland walks
After visiting Ashdown House and grounds take a walk in Ashdown Woods. There are many trails to follow and many different types of trees to see. Some of the woodland is older than the house.
Tree trail
Follow the tree trail through Ashdown Woods. There is a map available and markers to show you the way. The information guide gives you interesting information about the trees.
Come and see the ponies in the surrounding fields
© Andrew Cornick
Activities for children
- Take a short, fun guided tour of Ashdown House (with parents)
- Complete an i-spy sheet for inside and/or outside the house
- Find your way through the parterre (maze) behind the house
- Look for birds and animals in the woods. Can you see the deer?
- Follow the tree trail with a map
- Meet the Balleroy ponies in the field next to the house.