![Belton's sundial was created by Caius Cibber](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/moondial.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Belton's Moondial walk
Inspired by Moondial, the much-loved children's book by Helen Cresswell, this short walk through Belton’s grounds takes in many spots that featured in the BBC TV version. In the story, Minty discovers that the sundial at the heart of Belton's formal gardens is a magic portal to the past. A nostalgic favourite for followers of 1980s children's drama, Moondial was filmed on location at Belton House. Follow the trail and read extracts from the book as you go.
Admittance
This walk is within Belton’s grounds and requires membership or payment for entry.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
The West Courtyard, Belton House, grid ref: SK929393
Step 1
Let your eyes wander over the courtyard to the wooden door in the corner. This used to be the entrance to the garden. What do you see? How does it make you feel? Now turn around and cross the courtyard, through the tall, decorative gates following the path across the front of the mansion and through the new garden entrance.
Step 2
As you pass through the gate into the garden turn left, making your way towards the north terrace of the mansion. Step onto the terrace and look out over the Dutch Garden. Has this garden been waiting for you?
Step 3
Make your way down the steps into the sunken garden. At the bottom turn around and look back at the house. Why might Minty think she was being watched?
![A large, grand house with four floors, built of sandy-coloured bricks and photographed in the peachy late-evening light of a summer sunset. Leading up to the front door of the house is a wide, gravel pathway flanked with stone urns on plinths and interspersed with small, evergreen trees but into oval shapes.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/library/discover-and-learn/film-and-tv/jane-austen/belton-house-lincolnshire-137388.jpg?auto=webp&width=684&dpr=2 2x)
Step 4
Walk on, taking steps that have already been measured for you. Lift your eyes to find ahead, at the crossroads of the garden, another statue. Can you feel the power in the air, so strong that Minty could hardly breathe? Why do you think the Gods of Time and Love are important to Moondial?
Step 5
Continue your way down the garden path and turn left at the end towards the church. Find the churchyard gate to your right and look through. This 12th-century parish church of St Peter and St Paul belongs to the Lincoln Diocese. What do you sense that signifies a mystery? What churchyard smells are in the air today?
Step 6
Make your way to the Orangery, which houses Belton's collection of lush foliage and exotic blooms. Located at the top of the Italian Garden, Sir Jeffry Wyatville designed the Orangery with glass walls and stone pillars to create an illusion. What classic Roman structure do you think Sir Jeffry was inspired by?
![Belton's orangery in summer](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/img_9731-3-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=684&dpr=2 2x)
Step 7
Look out over the Italian Garden to spot the watery pool of reflecting glass. Walk towards the water fountain and sit quietly on its edge. What song reflects your feelings at this special place?
End point
The Italian Garden, Belton House, grid ref: SK929394
Trail map
![Map route for Belton's Moondial walk](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/moondial-walk.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&dpr=2 2x)
More near here
![North front of Belton House framed with trees in the sunshine](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/summer/belton-house-in-the-summer.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
![Grey heron by the river](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/autumn/grey-heron-by-the-river.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Belton Estate Riverside walk
A short riverside walk along the River Witham in Belton Park. Lincolnshire.
![Couple walking a dog through woodland](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/yorkshire/places/beningbrough/library/parkland/summer-dog-walk-2-1742432.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Belton Park walk
This circular walk at Belton Park passes key features of ancient woodland and the site of a deserted medieval village.
![The Mirror Pond during the summer at Belton with the Garden Temple overlooking the pond](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/summer/mirror-pond-at-belton-in-summer.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Belton Pleasure Grounds Walk
Explore the Pleasure Grounds at Belton and get closer to nature via woodland paths that meander past unusual trees, water features, and follies. Over the summer months, Belton’s Pleasure Grounds are an idyllic spot for a stroll along winding paths surrounded by a range of seasonal wildflowers, taking in features such as the mirror pond and temple.
Get in touch
Our partners
![Cotswold Outdoor](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/partners/cotswold-outdoor-logo.jpg?auto=webp&width=156&crop=1:1&dpr=2 2x)
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
![A group of hikers exploring a hilly landscape on a sunny winter's day.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/peak-district-derbyshire/places/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/library/1620830-muslim-hikers---ramadan-hike-at-ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak-derbyshire.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
![Dogs on a walk at Charlecote Park](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/warwickshire/places/charlecote-park/library/1619052.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Visiting Belton with your dog
Belton is a three pawprint rated place and offers plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping and sniffing for dogs. With 1,300 acres to explore, come and join us for a wander with your four-legged friend.
![The Boat House and Lake with geese swimming on the water at Belton House Lincolnshire.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/places/belton-estate/library/summer/the-boat-house-and-lake-at-belton-house-lincolnshire-1014319.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Visiting the gardens at Belton
Explore the gardens at Belton, including the Italian Garden, a Conservatory and a Dutch Garden with formal bedding schemes. Whatever time of year you visit, the shifting seasons provide a great variety of colour and wildlife to see.
![A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/library/our-cause/communities/hiking-group-on-a-guided-hike-led-by-rangers-at-marsden-moor-west-yorkshire-1618381.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
![An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/baggy-point/library/autumn/adult-child-dog-walking-cliff-baggy-point-devon-1204387.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
![Image shows three women enjoying a walk through the woodland on a summer's day.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/peak-district-derbyshire/places/foremark/library/summer/family-enjoying-a-walk-in-the-woodland-at-foremark-derbyshire.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Walking in the Midlands
From tranquil woodlands and open countryside to picturesque peaks with a view, discover top spots in the Midlands to enjoy gentle strolls and invigorating hikes in nature.