The Prospect Walk at Dyrham Park, Dyrham Park

This short linear walk drops down through the parkland at Dyrham Park, a National Trust estate tucked into the western edge of the Cotswolds in South Gloucestershire. Starting from West Littleton, the route follows the high ground before descending along The Terraces, a series of grassy shelves cut into the hillside that open up wide views across the deer park below.

From the terraces the path continues past Frying Pan Pond, a small ornamental water feature, before easing down into the heart of Dyrham Park itself. The final stretch brings you to Dyrham House, the handsome baroque mansion at the foot of the valley, framed by ancient trees and grazing fallow deer.

At just over two kilometres with a gentle 50 metre descent, it is an easy half-hour amble and a lovely introduction to the wider estate. Hinton Hill and Badminton Plantation lie nearby for those wanting to extend the day, and the village of Dyrham sits just beyond the park walls.