National Trust: Ashridge Estate

This estate is unusual for the National Trust in that there is no big house (it exists but is not part of the NT area). There are woodland and open areas and it is very pleasant as a recreation space. A café is available. The main feature is the Bridgewater monument. You can climb to the top of this tower by steps to see a fine view. The monument commemorates the Duke of Bridgewater who is famous as the father of the English canal system. The industrial revolution and the present — day prosperity of this country owe a great deal to the Duke. However the National Trust offers almost no interpretation or information about him and even the book shop does not stock a single book about him. This is a great shame and a missed opportunity.

National Trust woodland and parkland doesn’t get much better than this, and living on the doorstep of this enchantingly beautiful estate is a huge treat. There is an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways criss-​crossing the area with a limited number of cycleways for those who prefer wheels to wellies. The wedding-​cake beauty of Ashridge House (owned and occupied by the highly regarded Ashridge Management College) regally dominates the vistas across the Golden Valley, where herds of deer, red kites and a wealth of other wildlife are easily spotted. The Bridgewater monument on the hill above Aldbury is the focal point for visiting families, dog-​walkers and ample parking is available there. The Bridgewater café does a terrific trade in outdoor refreshments, whatever the weather. This is a wonderful place for a leisurely Sunday stroll or a more serious tramp through the countryside.

This is a gorgeous place to take our dog and 4 year old for a walk. Plenty of parking, and a little van selling hot drinks. Which we really needed as it was snowing last weekend when we there, it was like being in Narnia. There can be loads of people here but so spread out its still peaceful. A lovely spot.

We have only been once but fully intend on going again to try out some of the more challenging paths. We went with my elderly Mum so this time we kept to a level path. Even so, the woodland is spectacular and the views in the clearings are far reaching. On site is a café which when we went was full, as I think there was an organised event going on. There are paths of varying degrees of difficulty, bridle ways and specifically designate paths suitable for wheelchairs. We noticed that buggies for people unable to walk were provided and instructions given for their use. This looked to be very popular as we met many of them on the path we chose that day. We will go for longer next time. It is a glorious area for views, easy to find and a great few hours exercise.

A lovely area for ball games with the children or dog, for cycling, having a picnic or just for taking a couple of deckchairs and chilling out. Their is plently of areas of green grass, wooded walks and parking. There is a tall monument to go up, very narrow and dark stairs and lots of them but the views from the top are fantastic, one of my children got half way up and wouldn’t go any further so caused bit of a jam and we ended up coming down. There is a café and information centre and toilets. It gets very busy in the Summer, especially on Sundays we have noticed. You can walk down into Aldbury whcih is a lovely village with a nice pub and a pond where Shillingbury tales was filmed as well as others which i can’t remeber right now. There are deer in the woods and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse. There is usually an ice cream van or two placed up the driveway.