The estate at Hinton Ampner

Estate walks 

Take a picture of our estate walks routes on the board by the Church and let the adventure begin. As you wander, you’ll come across ancient woodland that’s home to rare native flora and fauna, like the barbastelle bat. Explore beech avenues that stretch as far as the eye can see, and endless views over the South Downs. 

Dutton Estate Walk (around 2 hours) This route takes in the historic estate at Hinton Ampner, which is the final part of former owner Ralph Dutton's vision for an estate, garden and house that would blend harmoniously into the surrounding Hampshire countryside. 

Stewkeley Walk (around 45 minutes) Enjoy the open spaces on this short walk taking visitors across the Hinton Ampner estate countryside towards the village of Kilmeston before looping back to the entry of the estate in Hampshire. 

Battle of Cheriton walk (around 2 - 2.5 hours) The Battle of Cheriton was a major turning point in the English Civil War and resulted in an important Parliamentarian victory that helped shape the future of England. Starting at Hinton Ampner church, this trail follows in the footsteps of the men who fought on both sides of this important battle. 2 - 2 hours 30 mins.

There are several photo posts dotted along walks across the estate, contribute to Citizens Science by capturing our changing landscape. If you use social media, don’t forget to tag us: #HintonAmpnerCountryside

Seasonal wildlife spotting

Spring

• Frogs and toads in the ornamental pond.
• bluebells in the woodland – please enjoy from the paths, take care not to trample them.
• Farmland birds: yellow hammer, skylarks, linnet and greenfinch.
• Spot hares performing boxing displays, as females fight off persistent males.

Summer

• Butterflies are numerous and can be spotted in the garden and across the wider estate. Look out for the small heath and common blue butterfly which thrive on chalk downland.
• Crepuscular species such as bats and barn owls are most active during the summer.

Autumn

• Look out for waxcap fungi in the parkland and woodland fungi such as the fly agaric in the woodland.
• Did you know? Folklore suggests the fly agaric inspired Santa’s red-and-white suit. In Siberian shamanic traditions, shamans reportedly wore red and white while collecting these fungi to use in midwinter rituals.

Winter

• Look out for overwintering birds such as woodcock, redwing and fieldfare.

Exploring the estate with your dog

You're very welcome to enjoy the estate and all the space it has to offer with your four-legged friends.

Things to keep in mind

 

• Keep them close: at all times of year, please keep your dogs under close control and stick to the footpaths. From 1 March until 1 September, the law says dogs must be kept on a short lead to prevent them disturbing ground-nesting birds. Please note that cattle also graze on the estate and dogs should be kept under close control at all times. 
• Pick up the poo: Please clear up after your dog and dispose of it in the dog poo bin provided or take the waste home with you. Dog waste may carry a disease that could endanger the cattle that graze here.
• Look out for signs: be mindful of the countryside code and keep an eye out for warning and information signs  during your walk. We use these to communicate important and seasonal information and inform when dogs should be kept on a lead.
• Stay on the ball: remember that not everyone loves dogs, and some people fear them. Make sure your dog doesn't run up to other people, especially children.

A short stroll can be taken on a 2-mile trail, or for the more adventurous there's a 4-mile trail around the Hinton Ampner estate. To spot some of the oldest, veteran trees on the estate, an ancient tree trail will take you across the parkland. 

Battle ground 

On your visit, discover how the Roundheads set up camp in the parkland during the Battle of Cheriton in 1644 on this specially curated walk. Imagine rows of cannon, lines of cavalrymen and the smell of musket fire swirling through the mist. This was a pivotal battle in the English Civil War and the entire battle could be seen from the old house. 

Parkland  

With sweeping views framing a landscape of grassland and trees, Hinton Ampner park is ready to be explored.  Follow grass paths, linking ancient trees and wide spaces. Look out for birds of prey, occasional butterflies and wild flowers, fallen trees and dens. You may occasionally see our home herd of Sussex cattle which move across the area at different times of the year.