Top 10 Things to See and Do at Ascott
1. Step Inside Ascott House and Discover the Collection
Step inside Ascott House and explore the remarkable Ascott Collection, bringing together fine art, furniture and ceramics collected over generations. Originally a farmhouse, thought to date from 1606, the house was transformed into the elegant country home associated with the Rothschild family.
Take your time exploring the rooms and see how many treasures you can spot, from paintings by Aelbert Cuyp, Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds and George Stubbs to works by Auguste Rodin. Discover 18th-century English and French furniture and Chinese ceramics dating as far back as the Han Dynasty.
Don't forget to look out for the Object of the Month and discover the story behind a different item from the collection.
2. Explore the Gardens and Discover What's in Season
Take a stroll through over 30 acres of gardens and see what is flowering during your visit. In March, look out for carpets of daffodils, followed by spectacular tulips in April and May and beautiful magnolia blossom in April.
Later in the year, enjoy summer planting and the changing colours of the mature trees in autumn. Explore the Madeira Walk, Lynn Garden and Scented Walk, and see how the gardens change throughout the year.
3. Smell Your Way Along the Scented Walk
Slow down and experience the garden through your sense of smell on Ascott's Scented Walk. Rather than simply looking at the flowers, take the time to stop and smell the different plants as you make your way along the walk. Notice how the scents change as you move through the planting and throughout the seasons.
It is a simple way to experience the garden differently and is particularly enjoyable in spring and summer when many plants are in flower. Take your time, breathe in the scents and see which plants you can identify by their fragrance.
4. Can You Tell the Time Using the Sundial?
Find Ascott's distinctive Topiary Sundial and have a go at telling the time. Created from carefully clipped box and yew hedges, the sundial incorporates Roman numerals and is surrounded by beautifully maintained topiary. It also features the motto ‘Light and shade by turn, but love always.’
Use the position of the sun and the sundial to work out the time and see how close you are to the actual time on your watch. It is a fun challenge for visitors of all ages - and don't forget to take a photograph of this unusual garden feature.
5. Find Richard Long's Ascott Circle
Go on a hunt through the gardens to find Ascott Circle, a contemporary sculpture by renowned British landscape artist Richard Long. The circular artwork provides a striking contrast to the historic house and traditional gardens.
Long is known for creating artworks inspired by landscapes and natural materials, making the setting at Ascott an important part of the experience. Once you find it, take a moment to look at the sculpture from different angles and see how it sits within the surrounding landscape.
6. Look and Listen for Wildlife
Turn your visit into a wildlife-spotting adventure as you explore Ascott's gardens, woodland and hedgerows. Keep your eyes and ears open for Dunnocks, Blackcaps and pheasants, as well as Barn Owls and birds of prey soaring above the estate. You may also be lucky enough to spot deer or muntjac moving through the wider landscape.
Spring and summer are wonderful times to look closely among the flowers for butterflies, bees and moths, including the striking Hummingbird Hawk-moth. As dusk falls, look and listen for pipistrelle bats emerging to feed.
Take your time, listen for birdsong and look carefully among the trees, hedges and planting. How many different species can you spot during your visit? Ascott's extensive mature woodland and hedgerows provide important habitats for nesting birds and other wildlife, and the estate has hosted specialist bird and bat events, including guided bat walks using detectors to identify their calls.
7. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Tea Room
Take a well-earned break from exploring and visit the Pavilion Tea Room for a relaxing afternoon treat. Enjoy a delicious slice of cake with a freshly brewed tea or coffee, or make your visit extra special by treating yourself to a traditional Afternoon Tea experience.
Sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while taking a moment to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Ascott. With tempting cakes, sweet treats and refreshing hot drinks to choose from, the Tea Room is the perfect place to pause during your visit.
8. Read a Book and Relax in the Madera Walk Tea House
Settle down with a good book and enjoy some quiet time. The Tea House provides a chance to take a break from exploring and simply enjoy the surroundings. You could bring your own book, pick up something interesting from the Ascott shop or browse the Book Nook for a pre-loved read.
Pair your book with a delicious slice of cake, scone or other treat, and make your tea break part of the experience rather than simply a stop for refreshments.
9. Watch a Cricket Match at Ascott
Experience a quintessentially English afternoon by watching a cricket match at Ascott. Find a spot to watch the game and enjoy the atmosphere of the cricket pitch within the wider historic estate. It is a chance to experience Ascott at a slower pace and see another side of life on a traditional country estate.
Whether you are a keen cricket fan or simply want to enjoy an afternoon outdoors, watching a match makes for a memorable addition to a visit. Check the events programme before travelling to see whether a cricket match is taking place during your visit.
10. Take a Little Piece of Ascott Home
Before you leave, visit the Gift Shop and choose something to remind you of your day. Browse Ascott-branded gifts and souvenirs, including keepsakes such as mugs and pin badges, or look for a gift for someone else.
Garden lovers can browse plants grown by Ascott's own gardening team, while the Book Nook offers a selection of pre-loved books. It's the perfect final stop before heading home with a little piece of Ascott of your own.