Walking at Belton

Enjoy a stroll through Belton's spring gardens. After white blankets of snowdrops appearing as an early sign of the season, the Pleasure Grounds become carpeted in swathes of daffodils, pale-yellow primroses and delicate blue scilla during March and April. They then later, gradually give way to bluebells in May.

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. 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.

As the days get shorter walks through the gardens and parkland reveal 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 as Belton’s bucks clash antlers in their bid for dominance. Another highlight is a walk in the woods and the view from Bellmount Tower, which you can reach from Five Gates Road.

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