Ashridge Estate

About this activity

Ashridge Estate is filled with ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and beautiful meadows in an area of outstanding natural beauty! It's a designated National Trust site and provides a whole host of things to do for the whole family. 

Ashridge Estate is a 5,000 acre area in the Chiltern Heels and the landscapes vary with each season, as does the wildlife! The best way to explore is on foot or by bike, with miles of footpaths and more to explore. There's slo a visitor centre where they'll share with you their favourite routes too. 

During the weekends from April to October the monument is open and you can take the challenge to the climb to the top using the 172 steps! Peek through the windows and you'll be reward with panoramic views at the top, all across the Chiltern countryside. You might even be able to see Canary Wharf too! 

You can also see the Pitstone Windmill too, although it's no longer in use, it's great to go and look at. Theres also two major habitats found in the woodlands. There are birds which include tawny owls and woodpeckers. And butterflies too! There's also the fallow deers in October too, but they are shy!

There's a family cycle route which is four miles and will take you through the woodlands and commons and see some of the best landscapes. It's marked with red waymarkers and starts just near the cafe! 

The visitor centre has information on routes, activities and has a gift shop and second-hand bookshop. Don't forget to check out the play area, it's a wildwood den created from deadwood!