Journey through the historic estate of Shugborough and experience the nation's best 'upstairs downstairs' experience.
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
Rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including mansion house, servants' quarters, model farm and walled garden
Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views
Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.
Acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland
The garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton. Four lakes form the heart of the garden, with paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them.
Discover the magnificent beech woods and flower-filled meadows that inspired Gilbert White
We protect 267 acres of countryside around Selborne. The largest area, Selborne Common, lies on the hill to the west of the village, while the valley meadows and woodlands of the Lythes lie beyond St Marys Church to the east.
Ancient woodland and chalk escarpment with fantastic views
The Sharpenhoe group of properties comprises four adjacent countryside areas to the north of Luton. These are (from west to east) Sundon Hills, Moleskin and Markham Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Smithcombe Hills.
Sundon Hills has a lovely picnic area, which is located immediately adjacent to the car park; benches are provided or bring a blanket and sit on the grass.
Come and enjoy Spetchley, one of Britain's best kept secrets! Just three miles east of the beautiful cathedral city of Worcester and surrounded by glorious countryside, is the beautiful and romantic garden of Spetchley Park.
Arrow Valley Visitor Centre, recently refurbished to a very high standard, offers a conference facility and a large comfortable mezzanine area suitable for parties, meals, receptions and other informal functions.
The All-Action Theme Park
Twinlakes Park offers the very best in family entertainment jam-packed with a breath-taking variety of family Rides, Attractions, Animals and even a Waterpark!
Set in 70 acres of glorious countryside, where you'll find unlimited action and play zones, a massive 125,000sqft indoors plus rides and attractions galore. All weather action all year round!
Country house, romantic garden, 14th century moated castle - all in a beautiful wooded estate
Relax in our picturesque garden with the glorious backdrop of our fairytale castle. Venture into the wonderful woodland and parkland with over 770 acres to explore. Discover the delights of our Victorian country mansion with its secrets and stories; you might meet our much loved cat in residence 'Puss Puss'.
Outstanding dune habitat supporting a wealth of wildlife and with magnificent views
Sandy estuary of the River Duddon with panoramic of the Lakeland mountains. All the dune grasslands at Sandscale Haws support a rich flora including the very rare Dune Helleborine.
A magnificent Georgian mansion and tranquil garden lie at the heart of this historic parkland
Saltram stands high above the River Plym in a rolling and wooded landscaped park that now provides precious green space on the outskirts of Plymouth. The House with its magnificent decoration and original contents was largely created between the 1740’s and 1820’s by three generations of the Parker family.
A coastline of dramatic cliffs, open farmland and sandy coves
Grab your walking boots and discover a spectacular stretch of coast made up of secluded sandy beaches and majestic ragged cliffs which have claimed countless ships over the centuries.
Located on the edge of the North York Moors and close to Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast we are ideally situated to provide a wide range of courses in stunning natural surroundings. Within 20 minutes of the Centre you could be mountain biking on the moors, scrambling up a beck or exploring the seashore.
200 years of prison life
Visit us and learn about ‘life inside’ one of the world’s most famous and notorious jails. Our museum attracts more than 35,000 visitors every year from all over the world.
The three Somerset Wildlife Trust reserves that make up the Cheddar Complex (Velvet Bottom, Black Rock and Long Wood) offer a chance to explore the Mendip Hills. The remote landscape is fractured with traditional stone walls and offers panoramic view across the Levels and Moors. The area is famous for its caves and the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, which runs close to the reserves.
Unique adventure playground and assault course, plus a stunning indoor play facility, scenic active adventure trail, fishing, cycle hire, plus big sand and water play, with small stream and water wheels, plus a climbing tower and giant slide.
The house is surrounded by a moat which is a big success with any kid to start! Plus follow the nature trail and spot wildlife from the bird-hide, have fun in the natural play area and discover new areas of the estate on their 3 orienteering courses!
Extensive forest paths lead walkers through vast areas of mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. Path side vegetation management has provided the favoured habitats for butterflies and other flora and fauna. Follow the yellow waymarked path on an hour and a half walk around the forest to discover the variety.
Welcome to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden where you can discover plants from all over the world in 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses.
The Garden opens daily at 10am.
School Visits
This peaceful ten acre garden occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone.
Landscaped on different levels, it comprises a series of distinctive smaller gardens, providing variety and interest throughout the season, and enhanced by flowing streams, fountains and ponds.
A huge ancient forest, dating right back to Roman times
It is home to the Tree Top Way, an amazing walkway in the canopy of the trees. It also has a play area, cycle trails, some amazing ancient trees, and lots of space to explore!
This former Northampton to Market Harborough Railway is now a car free ‘linear’ park surrounded by beautiful scenery and rich in natural and historical heritage. It provides a 14 mile long walking, cycling and in parts horse riding route. The stone surfaced path follows the old railway track bed and is suitable for both hybrid style and mountain bikes.
Caldecott Hall is a 400 acre country estate enjoying the scenic views stretching from an historic Viking burial ground to the Waveney Forest.
Explore NWT Holme Dunes (5 miles from Hunstanton) with your group. There are a range of coastal habitats including sand dunes, freshwater pools, grazing marsh and saltmarsh and much of the site consists of natural habitats maintained largely by coastal processes.
Immerse yourself in 1930s Art Deco decadence at Eltham Palace, one of the most enchanting visitor attractions in London. Built by the wealthy Courtauld family next to the remains of Eltham Palace, childhood home of Henry VIII, it’s among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in England.
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