Explore Kingston Lacy, a lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace.
There’s plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
What is it?
A nature trail is a planned outdoor walking route, along which are posts marking varying points of interest for people to stop and observe. They can include things such as nature, environmental features and objects of technological and cultural importance, and generally the marker posts have some information displayed for the walkers’ perusal.
What does it involve?
These sorts of trails can involve many different things, but they are all generally based around walking on a circuitous route or from point A to B. The lengths of the trails can vary from reasonably short 30 minute walks to taking many hours to complete – there are different types to include all sorts of different features.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
A nature trail is a great and easy way to get interested in the surrounding environment! The presented information means it requires no research on the things around you, so it’s hassle free and a alternative way of learning.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn’t need any equipment other than appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear!
Who is it suitable for?
As long as you make sure the length and intensity of the nature trail is suitable for the ages of the students, it should be suitable for pretty much anyone!
Costs?
Most nature trails are generally free to access, but more specialist walks may have a guide available, which would have some costs! Make sure to check ahead of time.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Nature trails can take you a reasonable distance away from any towns, so if you have students with unpredictable medical conditions you must ensure you can call for medical help and that assistance can access your location easily! Also, young children should always be supervised carefully when in an unsecured outdoor location!
How do we include?
The nature of the outdoors means that the terrain can be rough or unpredictable, so those with physical disabilities may have issues navigating the route. Check with the trail’s organisers to find out the specific details.
Doing it abroad?
Foreign nature trails will be fascinating! They can give you a chance to see and learn about some of the features of different countries while seeing them in real life as opposed to pictures in books. Do some research beforehand to see what is going to be available in the area!
Main website:
See specific venue websites for information about their nature trails.
Venues with this Activity
Magnificent late Victorian country house with gardens and wooded estate
Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home.
This winter take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy the year-round colour. There are beautiful herbaceous borders, a fabulous formal parterre and colourful higher gardens.
Enjoy a walk along the tranquil Dart Estuary
A beautiful area with stunning views over the River Dart estuary and Start Bay.
In spring and summer the coastal paths are ablaze with colour from wild flowers. Walk up to Gallants Bower to discover the Royalist Civil War fort and keep an eye out for the greater spotted woodpecker.
Gallants Bower
Atmospheric house, featuring 485-hectare (1,200-acre) country park and formal walled garden
Widely acclaimed as one of Britain's finest historic houses, Erddig is a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th-century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years.
Rolling hills and open spaces above the Stroud Valleys and Severn estuary
Minchinhampton Common is a large swathe of open grassland on the hill top and slopes of the Cotswold escarpment. It is a really important archaeological landscape, with prehistoric field systems, burial mounds and the remains of a defensive earthwork, known as The Bulwarks. In the summer the common is grazed by local commoners' cattle.
Today, Witley Court is a large and impressive ruin, but 100 years ago it was in spectacular condition.
The rich industrialist Sir Herbert Smith bought the house in 1920 and lived there for 17 years until a devastating fire broke out in September 1937 while he was away.
The historic Linacre Reservoirs provide the perfect setting for a quiet, relaxing day out. A network of trails and footpaths crisscross the valley. Visitors can explore ancient beech and oak woodlands or follow the course of the Holme Brook as it cascades down the valley.
The name Parliament Piece is believed to relate to Henry III's parliament, which met in Kenilworth in 1266. There is, however, no evidence that the site was actually used by the parliament. The pond and other depressions are probably the remains of old marl or clay pits.
Home to a wide range of animals from across the world. These animals include many charismatic and exciting species like meerkats, lemurs and otters. The Centre has a wide collection of endangered reptiles.
Whatever the weather stroll through the wonderful world of an exotic rainforest: a lush landscape of tropical blossom surrounding splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools.
Enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hundreds of the world's most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying all around. You can see them feeding and flying in a wonderful tropical environment.
With 3,800 acres of parkland, gardens, woodlands and a lake, 20 miles of cycle routes and bike hire, plus a Discovery Centre, and a Woodland Play Park. Visit the Discovery Centre to see what children's activities they are offering during the holidays. This National Trust managed Estate offers lots to do.
A Falconry centre with over 70 beautiful birds of prey, and over 30 species, including American Kestrel, Snowy Owl, Saker Falcon, Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture and loads more! There are great opportunities to meet some of these birds at close quarters, and to take some great photos of the flying birds, without the barrier of cages or netting.
Best known for its magnificent waterfall - the fifth highest in the UK - and uniquely dramatic scenery, Grey Mare's Tail is a superb example of a hanging valley. The area boasts a rich history as well, and is important for its rare upland plants and wildlife.
School visits can be arranged by contacting the Property Manager on 07713 786230.
The Hebridean island of Iona has a significant history and a special, spiritual atmosphere that continues to attract and inspire thousands of visitors each year.
School visits are welcome, with environmental activities led by the Mull and Iona Ranger Service. Prior booking is required.
A typical Scottish laird's residence brimming with family treasures, Leith Hall is set in a scenic estate containing a beautiful garden that overlooks some of Aberdeenshire's finest rolling countryside.
Schools are welcome for tours of the House, Garden & Estate. The gardens and estate provide a wonderful opportunity for schools to explore their natural surroundings.
The heart of the property is the formal walled garden originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton. In the 1950s, the Trust set about re-creating the gardens following designs dating from the 17th century.
Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park
From the giant otter to polecats and free-roaming deer, there's something for all the family at the Chestnut Centre. In beautiful grounds of the Derbyshire Peak district, with a stream running through the valley, home to four species of otter, owls, pine martens, foxes, Scottish wildcats and sika.
Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed country house built in 1732. The Kelmarsh Estate is now in the care of a charitable trust, charged with maintaining it in perpetuity for the benefit of the nation. In 2004, Kelmarsh (Events) Limited was set up as a commercial arm of the business to support the Charitable Trust.
One of the last few areas of wild land in Scotland, this rugged, remote estate in the West Highlands offers a true wilderness experience. The dramatic landscape encompasses the Five Sisters - a mountain ridge incorporating three Munros - and the Falls of Glomach, Britain's second-highest waterfall, as well as lochs, glens and coastline.
Mar Lodge Estate occupies nearly 7% of the Cairngorms National Park, covers some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland, including four of the five highest mountains in the UK.
West Affric is a vast and remote expanse of wild land, ideally suited to adventurous walkers who want to get off the beaten track.
It is situated at the western end of Glen Affric - sometimes described as the most beautiful of all the Scottish glens.
Please contact the National Trust for Scotland Ranger Service to find about activities suitable for groups.
Near the banks of Loch Fyne, on the west coast, immerse yourself in Britain's finest example of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland garden.
Crarae Garden is a tranquil site, with its dramatic gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs. The informal hillside layout of mature woody plants radiating out from the burn creates a wonderful natural effect.
Studley Grange is a great place for your students to learn about insects, animals and arts and crafts!
Butterfly World
Visit our Butterfly House in Wiltshire rain or shine.
You can walk among some of the most beautiful butterflies in the World, flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish filled ponds.
Nestling in the pretty Borders town of Melrose, with enviable views of majestic Melrose Abbey, is Harmony House and Garden.
The handsome Georgian villa looks out onto a beautifully tended garden of smart croquet lawns, colourful, scented flowerbeds, fruits and vegetables.
World-famous garden noted for its botanical collections
Marvel at plants from all over the world grown from seed and cuttings collected over a century ago on plant-hunting expeditions. Created by five generations of one family, this 32-hectare (80-acre) garden is superbly located, with spectacular views across Snowdonia.
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