Ashridge, Hertfordshire
The Ashridge estate is situated in the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A large area of open countryside, with stunning panorama views, it stretches along the ridge of the Chiltern Hills and through the counties of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The estate offers an excellent network of footpaths and bridleways to explore, including some easy access trails for those with reduced mobility.
Situated only twenty miles from London, the tranquil haven of Ashridge estate is ideal for nature lovers and those looking to ‘get away from it all’. Peaceful surrounding villages include Aldbury, Pitstone, Ivinghoe, Little Gaddesden, Nettleden, and Potten End.
Image Gallery of Ashridge
The estate is set in over 5,000 acres and has a wide variety of habitats ranging from woodlands (Ashridge forest) to commons and chalk downlands which supports a rich variety of wildlife. Now owned by the National Trust, it also offers a good selection of waymarked walks and cycle ways through outstanding countryside.
In medieval times, Ashridge Priory was located here. It was founded in 1276 by Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall. From 1604 to 1848 the estate was owned by the Egerton family, the Dukes and Earls of Bridgewater. The Bridgewater Monument was constructed in 1832, and commemorates the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, Francis Egerton. Known as ‘the father of inland navigation’, he was a pioneer of canal building in the 19th century.
Ashridge Forest - Find out more
The Bridgewater Monument, with a spiral staircase of 170 steps, was built on top of the Chilterns plateau and is now a focal point of the estate. The monument is open to the public and with its visitor centre, shop, café and car parking, is a great place to start your exploration of the estate.
In 1921, the estate was split, the land passed to the National Trust and the house and garden were privately acquired with a view to establishing a college. Ashridge house is now the home of Ashridge Business School.
Due to its natural and unspoilt beauty, Ashridge Common has been featured many times in film and television series. These include:
- Danny, the Champion of the World (based on the Roald Dahl story)
- Scenes from the harry Potter films such as The Goblet of Fire
- The Dirty Dozen.
Find out more about Ashridge Estate, with information about the monument, visitor centre, park, woods and more.
