The parkland at Berrington Hall

Swans on the lake — Swans live on the 'Capability' Brown designed lake | © NT

Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was the most important landscape architect of the 18th century, designing around 170 parks throughout the country. Berrington was the culmination of his life's work, so on your visit to the parkland, you’ll experience his vision through the views, water features and trails through the acres of countryside.

Explore the parkland at Berrington during summer, a fantastic place to discover and appreciate the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, searching for wildlife along the way. Take a pleasant stroll down to the lake, where you can relax, have a picnic, and spot herons and other wildlife. The woodland comes alive with birdsong and buzzing bees, while wildflowers add a vibrant touch to the trees.

a heron in flight with its wings spread out — Berrington's pool is home to one of the largest heronries in the West Midlands | © A R TERRY ARPS

A major project

Brown was appointed by Thomas Harley in the 1770s to lay out a park and make the most of the spectacular Herefordshire views west towards Wales and the Black Mountains.

Brown's classic device of divided views can clearly be seen from the steps of the house; to the north-west to the hill of Croft Ambrey, to the west into Wales and finally to the south-west where he built a 14-acre lake complete with island.

Haven for wildlife

The lake is now a haven for wildlife including many breeds of waterfowl, fish and insects. In addition, the lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the herons which nest on the island during spring each year.

Otters

More secretive than usual visitors, these shy creatures have made Berrington their home. They have been captured by our 'otter cam', usually being caught at night.

Otters breed throughout the year and having young makes these normally nocturnal, shy and elusive creatures more visible. No young otters have been spotted recently.

Visitors in the grounds of Berrington Hall, Herefordshire — Visitors in the grounds of Berrington Hall | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Walking at Berrington

There are two way-marked trails through the parkland, so you can explore every corner of the estate with notes explaining Brown's original vision along the way. Choose from the Lakeside Walk or Parkland Walk, or even a mixture of the two and take in the scenery, sights and sounds of the Herefordshire countryside.

Please be aware that the Berrington estate falls under a historic tenancy to the Cawley family who graze their livestock here.