Ashridge Estate

Ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows in an area of outstanding natural beauty

More about this place

Boys making a den from twigs and branches

Summer holiday activities at Ashridge  

Come along during the summer holidays and join one of our Ashridge Adventurer sessions - a chance to take part in fun outdoor activities for families.

A view of woods at Ashridge in May

Exploring Ashridge 

There are many ways to take in some of Ashridge's 5000 acres. We have miles of footpaths and bridleways to keep walkers, cyclists and horse riders busy.

Golf buggy at Ashridge, Herts

Accessibility at Ashridge 

We’ve tried to make the outdoors as accessible as possible at Ashridge.

Children playing at Ashridge, Herts

Family Fun at Ashridge 

There's plenty of family fun to had at Ashridge

The far corners of Ashridge

Bridgewater Monument at Ashridge, Herts
Ivinghoe Beacon is the site of an Iron-age hill-fort and commands stunning views across the Vale of Aylesbury.
Golden Valley at its best in Ashridge Herts

The Bridgewater Monument 

Built in 1832, the Bridgewater Monument commemorates the third Duke of Bridgewater, also known as the Canal Duke. Do you dare climb the 172 spiral steps to the top?

Ivinghoe Beacon  

Climb to the spot where an Iron Age hill fort once stood and gaze across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. This area of the estate in rich in history, ecology and archaeology.

The Golden Valley  

Stroll through the Golden Valley, one of 'Capability' Brown's finest creations. Once part of Ashridge House's back garden, this area of the estate offers a chance for quiet reflection.

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Ashridge Estate

What's on 

Whats on this summer

Playing at Ashridge Herts

Summer events at Ashridge 

Embrace the sun this summer and join us at Ashridge for lots of fun events. From horse riders to dog lovers and families with excited kids, there's plenty on offer.

Enjoy a fun ride on the Ashridge Estate

Enjoy a fun ride at Ashridge 

Follow our fabulous way-marked trail through stunning landscapes not normally open to horse-riders. There will be refreshments and rosettes for all at the finish

Family looking at minibeats at Ashridge, Herts/Bucks

Join the Ashridge Bioblitz 

Let's work together to count as many species as we can on Ivinghoe Beacon on Sun 21 July, 10am-4pm.

Upcoming events

See all events

Exhibition: Nature Detectives

Fri 21 Jun 2019
10:00-17:00
Come along to our exhibition about citizen science and wildlife surveying, before heading out onto the estate and having a go yourself.

Gentle Stroll - Chalkland Flowers

Mon 01 Jul 2019
14:30-16:30
Join our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle stroll on Ashridge's chalklands to see the wildflowers that thrive there.

Totally Batty Walk - Sold Out

Fri 12 Jul 2019
20:30-22:00
See if you can spot a bat on this fascinating walk with one of our rangers.

Bioblitz

Sun 21 Jul 2019
10:00-16:00
Join wildlife experts at our family-friendly bioblitz and help us to see how many different plant and animal species we can find on Ivinghoe Beacon.

Ashridge Adventurers

Tue 30 Jul 2019
10:30-12:00
Join us for either a morning or afternoon session of led family activities and crafts. Learn more about Ashridge's animals and plants while exploring the estate.

Gentle Stroll - Hanging Coombe and Butterflies

Tue 06 Aug 2019
14:30-16:30
Visit this less well-known area of the estate with our knowledgeable volunteers to see the butterflies
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Ashridge Estate

Our work

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Ashridge Estate

Eating and shopping

Girl at outdoor cafe at Ashridge, Herts

Visit the Brownlow Café (not NT) 

The Brownlow Café (not NT) is the perfect pit stop to refuel after exploring the estate. Why not try one of the daily specials, or indulge in a tempting scone? Please note that only outdoor seating is available.

A group of friends enjoying a picnic

Bring a picnic  

Ashridge is full of picturesque spots to enjoy a tasty picnic. From shady woodland to sunny meadows, you are sure to find a pleasant place to sit down for lunch.

A man grills chicken on a barbecue

Barbecues at Ashridge  

Chill out, kick back, and get some food on the grill. Monument Drive is the perfect backdrop for good food, friends and fun.

Prepare your summer garden with our gardening tools and accessories

Visit our centre and shop 

Come inside and see what we have to offer this spring.

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Ashridge Estate

Wildlife

Chiff chaff in a tree at Ashridge, Herts

Wildlife all around

It's a wildlife lovers paradise at Ashridge - there are so many species to be on the grassy hills and in the expansive woods. The perfect place to use your binoculars.

Discover our wildlife highlights
Ivinghoe Beacon at Ashridge, Bucks

A brief history of Ashridge

From Iron Age earthworks, monastries and palaces to First World War practice trenches, Ashridge has a history to appeal to everyone.

Explore the history
Wildflowers on Ivinghoe Beacon at Ashridge, Bucks

Summer in the countryside at Ashridge 

The hills are alive with the sound of birds, smell of wildflowers and sight of fluttering butterflies. Take a wander and experience our wildlife at its best.

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Ashridge Estate

Groups

Children in wellies sitting on a bench

Learning at Ashridge  

Woodlands, meadows and ponds create an ideal location for students to learn outside the classroom. Choose from a variety of led programmes that will inspire your students and bring topics to life. Each educational trip includes a complimentary pre-visit for teachers as well as exclusive use of our visitor centre classroom.

Fun runners running through an avenue of trees

Organised Groups 

Ashridge is a popular destination for group visits and organised events. All groups must touch base with the Visitor Centre when planning a trip.

Hikers stopping to read a map

Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions 

Our miles of crisscrossing footpaths are great for running DofE expeditions of any level.

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Ashridge Estate

Places to stay

A view of Chilterns Bunkhouse, at Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate   Hertfordshire

Chilterns Bunkhouse

This converted barn is nestled in the heart of Ashridge, and offers accommodation for up to sixteen people. Enjoy a peaceful woodland setting known for its ancient trees, herd of fallow deer and striking vistas around every corner.

Come stay with us
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