Walking at Belton House

Visitors strolling in the snow at Belton — Visitors strolling in the snow

Make the most of changing seasons at Belton with our recommendations of where’s best to walk and when.

Winter meandering

From crisp, bright, frosty days to atmospheric, misty mornings, Belton is a delight in winter. On these quiet days, Belton deer are often very close to the house and make for great photo opportunities.

Fallow deer in the snow — Belton's fallow deer herd in the snow

At this time of year, one of the best views is from top of the slope to the Old Wood (north side). Here you'll find a bench where you can sit and gather your thoughts as you look across the park to the house.

Another highlight is the view from Bellmount Wood, next to the tower. You can reach Bellmount Tower from the car park on Five Gates Road. If you've time, while you're there, a walk in the wood is a must.

Snowdrops in the garden at Belton House — Snowdrops in the garden

As the ground begins to thaw, late winter rewards with white blankets of snowdrops throughout the Pleasure Grounds and around the Gothic ruin.

Spring refreshment

The Pleasure Grounds become carpeted in swathes of daffodils, pale-yellow primroses and delicate blue scilla during March and April but gradually give way to bluebells in May.

Native bluebells in Belton's pleasure grounds — Native bluebells

Enjoy a stroll along the Statue Walk and discover Belton's box plant maze, replanted from a 1902 drawing after the original was taken up, having become overgrown after the second world war.

Summer scents

The Italian Garden and classical Orangery were designed by Sir Jeffry Wyattville circa 1820. A summer stroll here will reward you with a vibrant display of dahlias and lush herbaceous borders.

Belton Bee amongst the lavender in the Dutch garden — Bee amongst the lavender

Fragrant lavender beds form part of the parterre planting in the Dutch Garden which leads towards Belton's famous sundial and gently sloping Pleasure Grounds.

Autumn shades

A walk through the gardens and parkland at this time of year reveals a palette of autumnal colours from pale yellow and gold to rich auburn and mulberry.

Bring the family and gather leaves for some wild art or go on a scavenger trail. Now is also the time to witness the drama of the rutting season in the parkland as Belton’s bucks clash antlers in their bid for dominance.

View towards the Belmount Tower in late autumn trees — Bellmount Tower makes a great landmark to stride out to, especially in the late autumn

Try the Belton Park walk

Get your walking shoes on and come and enjoy the spectacular seasonal colours of Belton's Parkland. Explore ancient woodland, discover wildlife habitats, spot our fallow deer and enjoy great views of Belton House and Bellmount Tower.