The parkland at Berrington Hall
Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was the most important landscape architect of the 18th century, designing around 170 parks throughout the country. Berrington was the culmination of his life's work, so on your visit to the parkland, you’ll experience his vision through the views, water features and trails through the acres of countryside.
A major project
Brown was appointed by Thomas Harley in the 1770s to lay out a park and make the most of the spectacular Herefordshire views west towards Wales and the Black Mountains.
Brown's classic device of divided views can clearly be seen from the steps of the house; to the north-west to the hill of Croft Ambrey, to the west into Wales and finally to the south-west where he built a 14-acre lake complete with island.
Haven for wildlife
The lake is now a haven for wildlife including many breeds of waterfowl, fish and insects. In addition, the lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the herons which nest on the island during spring each year.
Walking at Berrington
Explore every corner of the estate with notes explaining Brown's original vision along the way. Choose from the lakeside walk or parkland walk, or even a mixture of the two and take in the scenery, sights and sounds of the Herefordshire countryside. There's also a family friendly den building trail.
Please be aware that the Berrington estate falls under a historic tenancy to the Cawley family who graze their livestock here.
Berrington parkland walk - purple trail
Stroll out into the parkland at Berrington and enjoy all that this 'Capability' Brown-designed masterpiece has to offer, with this walk taking you into all of the estate's nooks and crannies.
Berrington lake walk - red trail
Enjoy a gentle stroll down to and around the lake on largely level terrain, taking in the sights, sounds and scenery of Berrington's parkland along the way.
Berrington den building walk - yellow trail
This route takes you through Berrington's parkland straight to the woodland den building area. An easy walk offering the opportunity to construct your own makeshift shelter along the way – perfect for young budding builders.
Overview Map
An overview map showing the two main walks is available.
Walking around the gardens
Take a gentle stroll through Berrington Hall’s gardens, where ‘Capability’ Brown’s landscape unfolds at an easy, unhurried pace. Wander through the nationally significant walled and curved walled gardens, with their orchard, colourful flower borders and productive vegetable beds, then continue into the Pleasure Grounds, designed for sociable walks and peaceful moments of rest. The heritage orchard, replanted with historic apple varieties, adds seasonal interest, while the young flower garden is already alive with colour and pollinators, with fully accessible paths throughout. Benches and picnic spots dotted around the mansion and gardens offer plenty of chances to pause and enjoy wide views over the Herefordshire countryside.
Accessibility around the site
An electric buggy operates between the car park and key points around the property. Please note, it is not suitable for visitors who cannot transfer from their wheelchair.
Manual wheelchairs and mobility vehicles are available from Visitor Reception. Pre-booking is recommended by calling 01568 615721 during opening hours.
The garden and park include mostly level paths, with a mix of tarmac, gravel, bonded gravel and grass. There is an accessible route around the walled garden, and the new flower garden has fully accessible paths throughout.
Assistance dogs are welcome across the site. All dogs must be kept on a lead.
An accessible routes map is available from Visitor Reception or online.
Mobile phone reception is poor and intermittent. In an emergency, call 07775 908238, or 999 in a medical emergency.