Dinton Park walk
Explore a tranquil, historic parkland on this gentle walk secluded within the Nadder Valley. You’ll uncover a grand neo-Classical house, an ornamental lake and plenty of wildlife. Listen out for woodpeckers in the woodland and admire spectacular views across the Wiltshire countryside towards the cathedral city of Salisbury.
Map
Start:
National Trust car park, grid ref: SU004319
1
Follow the path through the trees from the car park and go through a gate into the parkland.
Dinton Park
At the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Dinton was called Domnitone. It belonged to a wealthy Benedictine Nunnery at Shaftesbury. Fragments of 12th and 15th-century pottery, along with traces of medieval earthworks, have since been discovered here. When Wyndham bought the park, it was probably split into several fields divided by hedges. It was not until the 18th century that the hedges were removed to create an open parkland for the Wyndhams.
2
Continue along the path in the direction you enter the park, past the Hydes House boundary fence (not open to the public). Enter the small area of woodland to your right.
3
The path will lead to a gate close to the driveway to Philipps House. Go through the gate and turn left. Follow the drive which curves to the right passing the side of the house and a group of coastal redwood trees.
4
Continue along the back drive, away from the house. After the cattle grid climb the steps on your left up into the wood.
5
At the top of the steps follow the path along the woodland edge and enjoy the large sweet chestnut trees.
6
Pass through the gate into the park. On a clear day there are far reaching views to Salisbury Cathedral.
7
Make your way through the park, towards the lake. Walk round the lake, through a gate and back to the car park.
The lake
The lake was created at the beginning of the 19th century but fell into ruin and was only restored to its former splendour in 1995. A Second World War US Army Air Force helmet was dredged from the silt, serving as a reminder of their occupation of Dinton Park in 1943.
End:
National Trust car park, grid ref: SU004319
