The Ashridge Estate might be the first National Trust property that comes to mind if you live in Berkhamsted, especially as it’s local and free. We’re lucky enough however to have several other sites nearby that are also worth exploring. I’ve detailed 5 of our favourite local National Trust sites below. 2 of these are free to access but 3 require either National Trust membership or you can buy tickets.
All of these locations offers a great location for family trip out. Each of these locations is very different to the others and I’ve tried to highlight my favourite bits of each below. Here’s your guide to some local NT gems, all within an hours drive from Berkhamsted.
Cliveden House and Gardens
*40 minutes from Berkhamsted*
Set high above the Thames, Cliveden is a place where history and nature intertwines. The grand house is mostly used as a luxury hotel now. Several ground-floor rooms are accessible to visitors, offering glimpses into its fascinating past as home to dukes, earls, and viscounts.
The grounds of Cliveden are massive, it’s definitely not possible to see everything in one visit. There is a Storybook Play Area, where children can let their imaginations run wild as they explore the woodland play area. The giant spiral hedge maze is another highlight. This is challenging enough to entertain older children but not so complex that younger ones become frustrated. These two features sit either side of the beautiful Water Garden, with perfect picnic areas around the edge.
The estate also features miles of woodland walks, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife. You can walk from the main car park to the Woodland play area. The National Trust suggest this is designed for older children buy there is plenty of things along the way for children of all ages. Theres a (rather overgrown in late spring) wooden play trail, dens, rope swings and wooden carvings.
Cliveden often runs themed trails during the school holidays – Easter is one of our favourites. Many a walk back up the hill from the river have been fuelled by easter eggs! During summer months, boat trips run from Cliveden’s mooring on the Thames, these are a fun way to explore the river.
The usual National Trust facilities are available here – there are a couple of cafes and toilets dotted around the site.
Dunstable Downs
*20 minutes from Berkhamsted*
As the highest point in the East of England, Dunstable Downs feels very different from your typical NT country house visit. Located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these rolling chalk grasslands provides spectacular views. You can walk along the top of the hill, watching the hang gliders soaring through the air. It’s said you can see as far as the Cotswolds on a clear day, though I’m not sure about that!
Dunstable Downs are a haven for wildlife, particularly butterflies and wildflowers in spring and summer. The chalk grassland habitat is increasingly rare in Britain, making this site particularly special. Nature trails of varying lengths are well-marked.
The highlight for us at Dunstable Downs is kite flying. On a summers evening when the sun is setting and the wind is good, you can’t beat it. Bring a picnic and some friends, and it’s the perfect summers evening.
Several events run throughout the year from the visitors centre. For the last couple of summer holidays the summer of sport has been a lot of fun, and we can easily spend a day exploring all that is on offer.
There is a visitors centre at Dunstable Downs, with stunning views. While access to the site is free, non-members do need to pay for parking.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
*15 minutes from Berkhamsted*
This extraordinary living cathedral, located just down the road from Dunstable Downs, is well worth a visit. It was created by Edmund Blyth in the 1930s as a tribute to his fallen comrades from the First World War. The Tree Cathedral is laid out in the form of a medieval cathedral, using trees and shrubs instead of stone.
Cathedral ‘walls’ are formed by different species of trees, creating distinct ‘spaces’ that correspond to the nave, chancel, chapels, and cloisters of a traditional cathedral. Each area features carefully chosen species: lombardy poplars create soaring ‘pillars’, and hornbeam and beech form dense ‘walls’. Flowering trees and shrubs represent the ‘windows’ and ‘decorative elements’.
Throughout the seasons, the cathedral offers different experiences: spring brings cherry blossoms and early bulbs, summer sees wildflower meadows in full bloom, autumn creates a spectacular display of colours, and winter reveals the stark architectural beauty of the bare branches against the sky. The grass paths are well-maintained and suitable for all-weather walking.
There’s no café or toilets here, and the car park is small. This all contributes to the peaceful atmosphere of this site, a real hidden gem.
Waddesdon Manor
*45 minutes from Berkhamsted*
Built in the style of a French Renaissance château, Waddesdon Manor stands as one of the most remarkable architectural treasures in the region. Created for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s to display his outstanding collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world, it continues to be a popular place to visit today.
Getting here is a little tricky, as the parking is located a good walk from the house. The walk is brilliant with more able kids in good weather, with small kids or in the rain you might want to consider other options! There is a bus from the car park to the main house (£2.50 adults, £1.50 children). Alternatively there are a few premium parking spaces available near the house (£25), these are a short walk to the house and perfect if you want to take a picnic.
Outside there is lots to do – the multi-level playground is brilliant, with lots for kids of all ages. Plus there’s a coffee shop near the top and bottom of the playground, perfect!
There are lots of activities on for children during the school holidays. In addition there are sometimes visiting activities such as Colourscape. There are a collection of rare and endangered birds in the Aviary. The extensive grounds have many places to play hide and seek.
There are a couple of different cafes at Waddesdon Manor and toilets are available around the estate.
Wimpole Estate
*1 hour from Berkhamsted*
This is about as far as we will travel for a day trip, but the Wimple Estate is well worth the journey.
Wimpole Estate represents one of the most complete country estates in England. It comprises a magnificent mansion, working farm, extensive parkland, and gardens. A highlight for us is Home Farm, one of Wimpole’s unique features – a rare surviving example of a model farm building from the 1800s. Today, it operates as a working farm. You can meet rare breeds of cattle, sheep, and pigs. Many of these are traditional British breeds that the National Trust helps preserve. The farm has a busy calendar of seasonal activities, from lambing in spring to harvest in autumn, and regular demonstrations of traditional farming techniques.
The gardens at Wimpole are equally impressive and varied. The 18th-century Pleasure Grounds blend seamlessly into the wider parkland, designed by Capability Brown. The glasshouses here are particularly interesting, demonstrating Victorian horticultural innovation.
There are lots of natural play areas throughout the grounds of the Wimple Estate. Play equipment is dotted around the farm area. An adventure play area is advertised, although every time we visit it seems to be closed for refurbishment. Like many national trust properties there are extensive grounds to explore, and cafes and toilets dotted round the estate.
Tips for Planning Your Visits
* Cliveden House, Waddeson Manor and the Wimpole Estate all charge an entrance fee (and they’re not cheap) if you’re not a National Trust member. It’s worth considering becoming a National Trust member – it quickly pays for itself if you’re planning multiple visits throughout the year. It’s also useful if you holiday near the UK coast where the car parks are owned by the National Trust. Alternatively, at certain times of the year there are sometimes free National Trust passes available – read the small print as these aren’t valid at all National Trust properties.
* Pack a picnic to save on costs, most of the properties have café facilities, but the menu is the same at all of them.
* Check the National Trust website before visiting – many properties host special events during school holidays and weekends.
Looking for ideas of other places to visit near Berkhamsted? Download my free guide of things to do with kids near Berkhamsted.