Dorset

The woodland trail at Kingston Lacy

Explore the Kingston Lacy estate on foot or by bike with this trail through its surrounding woodland. The circular route leads you through beautiful woodland, which has something to offer across all seasons, and along historic carriage drives used by the former owners the Bankes family. There are stunning views of the house and parkland, and wildlife fans will enjoy spotting the resident herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle or the smaller creatures found in the woodland. Remember to bring your membership card for free entry.

Near to

Kingston Lacy

Start point

Kingston Lacy car park, Wimborne, BH21 4EA. Grid ref: ST977014

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Easy

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.9 (km: 4.64)

Duration 20 mins to 2 hours

Dog friendly***

*Smooth gravel tracks. For further details please see Terrain section.
**Suitable for people using wheelchairs. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs on leads are welcome. For further details please see section marked Facilities.

Multi-use trail

The Tramway Trail is a multi-use trail, so please share the paths with other visitors and don't forget to ring your bell when passing on a bike.

Address
Kingston Lacy car park, Wimborne, BH21 4EA
Directions via Google Maps
By road
From Wimborne: Head north-west out of Wimborne, past Queen Elizabeth school and onto Blandford Road (B3082). Following brown signs, turn left into the Kingston Lacy estate. Please note, satnavs are unreliable in this area.
From Blandford: Head east out of Blandford on the Wimborne Road (B3082). Following the brown signs, turn right into the Kingston Lacy estate. Please note, satnavs are unreliable in this area.
This route is suitable for people using wheelchairs and pushchairs. It follows a wide, flat gravel path and boardwalk.
Accessible toilet
An accessible toilet can be found in the laundry courtyard.
Wheelchairs available
There are three manual off-road wheelchairs available for loan from the visitor reception. It's best to book before arrival by phone 01202 883402.
Powered mobility vehicle
There are three powered mobility vehicles available for loan from the visitor reception. It's best to book them before arrival by phone - 01202 883402.
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Kingston Lacy car park, Wimborne, BH21 4EA. Grid ref: ST977014
Stage 1
From the car park, head into the grounds via the visitor centre and turn right. (Alternatively, call into the visitor reception where the team can direct you to the trail.)
Stage 2
Keep left, passing through a large white gate. Then take the small black gate to your right and head along this path following the green signs.
Stage 3
Once you reach a wooden gate on your left, pass through it and continue on this track with the fence on your right across the field and into the woodland.
Stage 4
As you enter the woods, turn right and follow the trail as it winds its way west and then north through the native deciduous woodland.
Stage 5
Keep on the path as it passes by the woodland play area and continue towards Blandford Lodge by the main road.
Stage 6
Follow the path as it passes Blandford Lodge and bends around to the right onto a tarmac road.
Stage 7
Cross the entrance drive at the marked crossing point - take care to look for passing traffic. Once across the road, turn left to follow the track along the side of the drive and through a black gate on the right into more woodland. Continue through the woodland and along the boardwalk.
Red Devon cattle at Kingston Lacy | © National Trust Images / Mark Wratten
Stage 8
At the end of the boardwalk, go through the gate and follow the trail in front of you.
Stage 9
At the track junction turn right and continue.
Stage 10
Turn right at this track junction and follow the tarmac path back up towards Kingston Lacy house.
Stage 11
Once you've passed Kingston Lacy house, walk back to the car park and the end of the trail. If you're cycling, please dismount and walk once you reach the house, as this area can get busy with visitors.
End point
Kingston Lacy car park, Wimborne, BH21 4EA. Grid ref: ST977014
Trail map
The woodland trail at Kingston Lacy map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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A family enjoying a picnic in front of a mansion house

Place

Kingston Lacy

A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.

Trail

Walk at Badbury Rings and The Oaks

Enjoy impressive views across the Dorset countryside on this circular walk, while discovering the history, flora and fauna of the Iron Age hillfort of Badbury Rings.

White Mill on the River Stour, on the Kingston Lacy estate, Dorset

Trail

Walk at White Mill and Shapwick

Starting by an 18th-century mill, this moderate walk goes over rough pasture, alongside the River Stour, through the picturesque village of Shapwick and returns on lanes to White Mill.