Whatever the time of the year, it’s always nice to get out and about and enjoy the countryside air! One good way to do this is to visit country parklands and country estates. Of course there are many parks you can choose to visit and indeed many country parklands and estates are run and controlled by the National Trust.

national trust parks

Below is just a small sample of superb venues to consider when visiting country parklands and country estates:

Getting out and about

We have put together a few examples of the many enchanting country parklands and estates you might choose to visit:

  1. Petworth House and Park, West Sussex – a delightful 700 acre historical park dating from the 1750s. The house is open from 11am to 5pm but do check before visiting and do try to visit when the grounds, cafe and shop are all open too!
  2. Croome Park, Worcestehire  – definitely worth a visit! The park is open 9am to 5.30pm but do check the opening times for the shop, RAF museum and the times of the guided tours of the house.
  3. Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire –  this popular venue has an average of 300, 000 visitors each year! The Hall is open from 11am to 4pm and the Gardens and Restaurant from 10am to 5pm. The Park itself is open from dawn to dusk.
  4. Erddig Hall, Wrexham  –  there is a wonderful Victorian Garden open 11am to 4pm and a lovely 18th century House, often open from 12.30pm. Do always check before visiting.   There are 30,000 collectables remaining from the days when the Yorke family occupied this fascinating location!
  5. Chirk Castle, Near Wrexham – Originally a 13th century Castle, this majestic building and its surrounding landscape will make this a visit you won’t forget easily!  The Estate is open from 7am to 7pm but do always check on the opening times of the Tower, the State Rooms and the Gardens, before you set off!

Important: The above opening times only serve as a guide!  Do be sure to check all opening and closing times of each venue before setting off to visit them.  Please also confirm admission fees for adults and children before visiting, so you can budget accordingly.

The work of Capability Brown

Interestingly, the grand design of many country parklands in Britain is often testament to the work of ‘Capability Brown’.  It is suggested that Lancelot Brown was given this nickname as he always had a vision for great ‘capabilities for improvement’.  His work centred around the improvement of country parklands and estates.  The planting of trees, the creation of new paths and clever drainage projects won him many commissions.

Indeed it was the 302nd anniversary of Capability Brown’s death back in 2018 but his legacy continues and he is much discussed today!  Research suggests that, back in his day, his design of new parks and estates would often result in him ordering the removal or alteration of many existing traditional features. And, on occasion, parts of villages,  Church buildings and even large sections of road ways would be removed.  Definitely a man with ambition!

Enjoying your spare time

So, why not make the most of your spare time and enjoy some fascinating days out exploring some of the UK’s best parklands and estates?  Visiting country parklands and country estates can truly be a great way to enjoy a day out!

If you are planning long walks or hikes around uneven grounds, it’s always good to be safe and comfortable and kit yourself out with the right clothing and footwear!  Please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance, tips and advice on what to wear!

Alternatively, you can view our footwear pages here and our walking pages here.

We hope you enjoy many happy times when out and about!