The estate at Greys Court

Chestnut trees in autumn at Greys Court, Oxfordshire — Chestnut trees in autumn at Greys Court | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns, the 280-acre estate grounds are full of wooded parkland, an arboretum and rambling walks ready for you to explore. Discover the eye-catching red frame of the Moon Bridge crossing the ha-ha on the estate.

Walking at Greys Court

A short stroll

If you are looking for a light walk through the estate, you can take Sir Felix’s Gentle Path, a short, 30-minute route through the parkland and beech woods, and admire the landscape and beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Depending on the time of year, make sure to bring your wellies as it can get quite muddy. Start the walk at the top lawn. It will take you over the Moon Bridge and past the 19th-century ice house, which was used to keep food cool before the modern refrigerator was invented. You will also discover the Well House with a donkey wheel from 1587, one of the earliest and largest surviving examples of its kind.

A longer walk

Enjoy the 3km estate boundary walk following the grey arrows through the farmland and beech woods. Thanks to the work of the Chiltern Society this walk is now stile-free. The paths are uneven and may be muddy depending on the weather.

Please keep dogs under close control on this walk as you may come across different types of wildlife and grazing farm animals.

Walk among bluebells at Greys Court this spring

The bluebells at Greys Court start showing their heads from mid-April. They cover the estate in a beautiful carpet of blue - a wonder of nature not to be missed.

Head to the Spinney Woods along Sir Felix's Gentle path to get the best view of these blue beauties, or if you follow the estate walk around the boundary, you'll find a display of bluebells in the woods near the Cowshed tea-room.

Help protect the bluebells for the future

Bluebells are a beautiful part of our natural heritage. Their delicate flowers and vibrant leaves are so inviting to walk among, and it can be very tempting to snap a photo amongst the flowers. However, even the most careful foot can cause more damage than you may realise. Please stick to the paths and help protect the bluebells for everyone to enjoy.

Make a day of your spring visit to Greys Court

Spring flowers are in bloom all over the estate, and there’s more to discover than just the bluebells. In May, wildflowers are blooming in the meadow, and apple trees and clematis are beginning to bloom in the walled garden.

The Chinese Bridge and Moon Gate at Greys Court surrounded by daffodils — The Chinese Bridge and Moon Gate at Greys Court | © National Trust/Hugh Mothersole

Moon Bridge

This was designed by Francis Pollen as a Chinese-style ‘moon bridge’, dedicated to the Brunners’ Chinese friend, the cookery writer Dr So Yan-Kit. The area below the bridge is planted with blue irises, created to give the impression of moving water.

The arboretum

The garden to the north of the house features many handsome mature trees, including larches, Catalpa bignoniodies and arbutus, which were suggested by Humphrey Waterfield.