Ashridge Estate

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

More about this place

Decorated Christmas tree at Ashridge, Herts

Christmas at Ashridge 

The 2019 festive season at Ashridge is filled with fun for all the family. Whether you come along for one of our exciting Christmas events or for a wintery Christmas walk, there’s plenty to get you feeling the spirit of the season here on the estate.

Autumn view through a woodland alley, Ashridge Estate

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.

Girl playing with leaves at Ashridge, Herts

50 things to do before you're 11¾ at Ashridge 

Tick off some of your 50 things at Ashridge. With acres of outdoor space and nature to explore, Ashridge is the perfect place to spend a family day out.

The far corners of Ashridge

Bridgewater Monument in autumn 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 

Upcoming events

See all events

Meet the maker: The Bluebell Wood

Sun 17 Nov 2019
14:00-16:00
Local author Kelly Wright from Berkhamsted will be coming to the visitor centre to talk about her book 'The Bluebell Wood' inspired by her childhood visits to Ashridge.

Meet the maker: The Butterfly Collection

Sun 24 Nov 2019
14:00-16:00
Come to the visitor centre to meet Rikki Harrington, author of 'The Butterfly Collection'. Filled with poems about every British butterfly, it makes a great read for any nature-lover.

The Nutcracker trail at Ashridge

Sun 01 Dec 2019
10:00-15:00
Follow our magical Nutcracker themed trail through the woods. In this retelling there's wildlife aplenty - the perfect way to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Meet the maker: Bramble and Blossom

Sun 01 Dec 2019
14:00-16:00
Meet Karen from Bramble and Blossom at the visitor centre. She'll have plenty of her unique beauty favourites for you to try.

Christmas pudding walk

Mon 02 Dec 2019
10:00-16:00
The air is crisp and cold making it the perfect time to head outside. Follow the puddings through the woodland on this self-led waymarked trail and get into the Christmas spirit.

Wreath making workshop - sold out

Tue 03 Dec 2019
13:00-15:30
Nothing says Christmas like a homemade Christmas wreath on your front door. Come along to Ashridge to learn how to make your own with greenery from the estate.
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Ashridge Estate

Our work

Large fallow buck at Ashridge Herts

Deer at Ashridge Estate 

The fallow deer are an integral part of the landscape at Ashridge and a much-loved feature of this historic estate. Find out about their history here and how we manage them.

Girl sitting in a car boot at Ashridge, Herts

Managing car parking at Ashridge 

We are looking at new ways to manage car parking at Ashridge to protect the estate and create a better experience for visitors.

Volunteer talking to kids at Ashridge, Herts

Volunteering at Ashridge  

If you’d like to help us to look after Ashridge, there are loads of opportunities to volunteer with us. Everyone’s welcome, so do please get in touch to find out more. Read on for a taster of some of our volunteer roles.

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Ashridge Estate

Eating and shopping

Girl with hot drink 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.

A selection of Christmas cards available from the National Trust Online Shop

Visit our shop 

Come inside and see what we have to offer this Christmas. There's gifts, cards, food, homeware, books and an extensive local range to find the perfect gift.

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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
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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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