Discover more at The Vyne
Find out when The Vyne is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at The Vyne
With a network of waymarked paths across The Vyne’s estate, you can really stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Hampshire countryside. Rich in wildlife, a pair of binoculars will come in handy out in the woodlands and looking out across the wetlands from the bird hide.
Dog walking on the estate
Classed as a nature reserve, dogs on leads are welcome on The Vyne’s estate.
Morgaston Woods
A visit to The Vyne isn’t complete without a stroll around Morgaston Woods, where the combination of towering trees and woodland glades support a great variety of wildlife.
From visitor reception, follow the lakeside path, enjoying views of The Vyne's portico across the water before going through the gate into Morgaston Woods. To find the bird hide from here, follow the woodland path straight ahead until you can see the birdhide at the bottom of a short board walk on your left.
The woods are suitable for most people with some sloped paths and no stiles. Tree roots cover short sections of the paths in some areas. After heavy rain some of the paths can be very muddy, so pack your waterproofs and wellies to make sure you don’t miss out.
Scroll down to the bottom of this page for links to our different length walking trails. Click here for a PDF trail map for the 3.9 mile (6.2 km) 'Regency Ramble' route leading from The Vyne to the neighbouring village of Sherborne St John.
Wildlife at The Vyne
The Vyne estate has a variety of habitats, including deciduous woodlands, wetlands and a large ornamental lake. All these areas are homes to various species of birds. During the year you can expect to see anything from waders, birds of prey, owls, grebes, swans, game birds and herons.
Viewing the wetlands from the bird hide
Formed in the early 20th Century from the remains of a water meadow, a conservation project in the 1990s fully established The Vyne’s wetlands as a much-needed habitat for water voles.
Popular with the local birdlife, the wetlands are overlooked by a purpose-built bird hide. The hide is the perfect place for families to head to for the best birdwatching experience.
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Regency Ramble
In a landscape familiar to Jane Austen, follow a 3.9 mile (6.2 km) route leading from The Vyne to the neighbouring village of Sherborne St John. Free trail map available from Visitor Reception. Normal admission applies.
Woodland walk at The Vyne
Uncover forgotten traces of history hidden in ancient woodland, including the remains of a medieval fish pond, on this relaxing circular walking route at The Vyne.
Morgaston Woods yellow route
This 1 mile route will take you deeper into the woods than the short green route, while still forming a neat circular walk for you to go on and see other things afterwards.
Morgaston Woods green route
This gentle family-friendly walk at Morgaston Woods, is shorter than the mile-long yellow route but will still give you a healthy dose of the outdoors.
Visiting The Vyne with your dog
The Vyne is a three pawprint rated place. Find out about bringing your dog to The Vyne where you can explore the gardens together.
Things to do in the garden at The Vyne
Discover what to see and do in the garden all year round at The Vyne. Explore the historic summerhouse, see what’s growing in the walled garden and take a walk by the lake. Until October, look out for three stunning book benches from much-loved public art trail 'Sitting with Jane'.
