Ashridge Estate by simongurney
Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate is a vast and scenic area of countryside in the Chiltern Hills, covering around 5,000 acres across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Managed by the National Trust, it is known for its beech and oak woodlands, open commons, chalk downland, and sweeping views. The estate lies near Berkhamsted and includes a network of waymarked footpaths and bridleways, making it a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
At the heart of the estate is Ashridge House, a grand neo-Gothic mansion now used by Hult International Business School. The house has a long and complex history, originally the site of a monastic college founded in the 13th century. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it was granted to the Crown and later passed to the Egerton family, who built the current house in the early 19th century. Although the house itself is not open to the public, it remains an impressive landmark within the estate.
The surrounding land offers varied landscapes, from ancient woodland carpeted with bluebells in spring, to open grasslands supporting a range of wildflowers and butterflies. Ashridge is also home to deer, especially fallow deer, which can often be seen grazing in the clearings. The estate includes Ivinghoe Beacon, a prominent hill and ancient signal point that marks the eastern end of the Ridgeway National Trail.
Ashridge Monument, also known as the Bridgewater Monument, stands in the centre of the estate and commemorates the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, known for pioneering canal building during the 18th century. Visitors can climb the tower on select days for far-reaching views across the Chilterns.
The estate is open daily and free to enter, with a visitor centre and café near the monument offering information, maps, and refreshments. Ashridge’s blend of history, natural beauty, and accessibility make it one of the most cherished green spaces in the region.
Created: 4 May 2025 Edited: 4 May 2025
Ashridge Estate Information
Ashridge Estate Address
Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT, UK
HP4 1LT
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/
Get directionsLocal History around Ashridge Estate
There are some historic monuments around including:
Roman settlement at the Cow Roast InnSite of Roman villa E of churchPark Farm moated site, deer park and fishpondsMarlin Chapel Farm moated siteIcehouse 320m south west of Ashridge CollegeSections of Grims DitchBerkhamsted motte and bailey castleHertfordshire Grim's Ditch: 210m long section immediately north west of Woodcock HillBowl barrow on Gallows Hill 180m south-east of Beacon LodgeA slight univallate hillfort and bowl barrow on Ivinghoe Beacon HillHertfordshire Grim's Ditch: 230m long section in Hamberlins WoodBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Hills, 480m south of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryLarge multivallate hillfort known as Cholesbury CampEarthwork at Wards CoombeHawridge Court ringworkBell barrow on Moneybury Hill, 500m NNE of the Bridgewater Monument.Two barrows at Bridgewater MonumentBarn and fishpond and moated site with dovecote at Church FarmBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Hills, 460m south of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryStool BaulkButler's Manor moated siteMoated site, Moat FarmRomano-British settlement and earthworks on Berkhamsted CommonBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Hills, 240m south of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryMoated site 90m north east of Ashby VillasBowl barrow 950m SSW of Nettleden LodgeSite of Roman building, N of Berkhamsted CastleA medieval warren on Dunstable DownsBerkhamsted Common Romano-British villa, dyke and templeBowl barrow in Turlhanger's Wood, 320m south east of Northfield GrangeHertfordshire Grim's Ditch: 990m long section between Crawley's Lane and Rossway LaneBowl barrow in Aldbury Nowers wood, 280m south east of Northfield GrangeRoman site on Moneybury HillBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Beacon Hill, 230m east of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryHertfordshire Grim's Ditch: 1350m long section between Kiln Road and Chesham RoadBowl barrow 900m SSW of Nettleden Lodge.
