Expand your horizons and get out and about on Kingston Lacy's historic estate.

Whet your appetite with these five highlights from the estate:

The grand entrance

© Michael Harry

One of Kingston Lacy's first sights is also one of its most unforgettable. The celebrated beech avenue stretches for two and a half miles down the B3082. Marvel at it as you arrive and leave Kingston Lacy.

The avenue, made up of 731 trees, was planted in 1835. Sadly, the trees are reaching the end of their natural lives and gaps in the avenue are starting to appear. We're inviting people to get involved in celebrating the avenue before it disappears.

Vital statistics

© NTPL / Alasdair Ogilvie

Kingston Lacy's wider estate is 8,500 acres, making it the largest lowland estate cared for by the National Trust. It's still run as a working estate and boasts 12 farms, three villages, two pubs, two churches (including the 'House' church of St Stephen's at Pamphill) and a farm shop.

The estate also contains a staggering 72 miles of footpaths and bridleways, equivalent to walking from Westminster Cathedral to Salisbury Cathedral. But don't be daunted, waymarked walks will guide you round.

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Lord of the rings

© National Trust

Experience life, prehistoric style, on the banks and mound of Badbury Rings. Around 2,500 years ago, this Iron Age hill-fort was home to our ancestors, its deep ditches defending against marauders.

As you enter, look out for three circular earthen mounds, or round barrows, evidence of even earlier life on the estate. Today, the Rings is home to no less than 14 varieties of orchid.

Follow the herd

© NTPL / Alasdair Ogilvie

Keep a watchful eye out for Kingston Lacy's roaming herd of North Devon cattle. Bump into these fine beasts as you explore the waymarked walks through the estate.

The 130-strong, prize-winning herd have grazed the estate since the 1890s, when they were introduced by Walter Ralph Bankes. The estate livery colour, 'Bankes' Red', is based on the colour of their coats.

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Escape the grind

© National Trust

Pack a lunch, White Mill's riverside setting is a perfect picnic spot. This corn mill is peacefully set on the banks of the River Stour.

When you're replete, visit the mill. It was extensively repaired in 1994 and still boasts its original elm and applewood machinery.