Ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows in an area of outstanding natural beauty
We're seeing very high number of visitors at Ashridge Estate, so before you travel, here's some tips to help you plan your visit and how you can play your part in helping to protect this special place.
Ashridge Estate is a 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands. These very different landscapes each support a rich variety of wildlife, including carpets of bluebells in spring, rare butterflies in summer and fallow deer that rut in autumn.
The best way to explore the Ashridge Estate is on foot or by bike. Miles of footpaths and bridleways give you plenty of space to explore, and if you drop into the visitor centre we’ll be happy to share our favourite routes with you. We also have mobility scooters if you aren't able to explore under your own steam.
A working estate
The National Trust took over the Ashridge Estate in 1926 and our Countryside team still manage the landscape as a working estate, continuing 3,000 years of tradition. We use livestock to help look after the diverse habitats on the downlands and our foresters fell timber to ensure the health of the woodland. Keep an eye out for both two and four legged conservation team members during your visit, our human ones will be happy to answer questions on our work.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Bridgewater Monument is open weekends from April to October, 11am - 4pm, weather permitting.
