The school holidays wouldn’t quite feel the same without a trip to a National Trust site. We’ve been members for years now and it genuinely remains one of the best investments we’ve made. Something we use time and time again, always getting real value from that monthly fee.
We recently visited Ascott House and Gardens, a place we’ve driven past countless times but never actually stopped to explore. With the sun shining, it felt like the perfect opportunity, close enough for an easy outing and somewhere I’d heard lovely things about. It’s always refreshing to swap our usual spots for somewhere new.
I have to say, it was incredibly easy to find and the drive up to the main car park and manor is beautifully scenic – one of those approaches that immediately sets the tone for the visit. For this first trip, we decided to keep things simple: just get a feel for the place and see if it was somewhere we’d want to return to.
Parking was plentiful when we arrived shortly after opening, though I can imagine it fills up quickly during peak times. We were welcomed by a lovely member of staff who handed us a map and pointed out a few highlights to enjoy, which is always a nice touch.
We headed straight towards the gardens, passing through the picnic area and the Pavilion Tea Rooms. We didn’t stop this time, but it’s definitely on the list for our next visit, perhaps for a well-earned treat. The Easter trails were still running, which are always a hit for little ones, but we had something simpler in mind: a relaxed walk, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the views.
Although we approached the manor, we didn’t go inside – another reason to come back. Instead, we continued into the gardens and honestly, we were completely taken aback by how beautiful everything was. From the delicate honeysuckle to the striking white tulips, the grounds felt nothing short of majestic.
There were plenty of thoughtfully placed seating areas, and we took a moment to sit and admire the view. It was one of those scenes you can’t help but romanticise: morning sunshine, birdsong in the air, the warmth of spring and that unmistakable fresh, floral scent. You find a quiet corner, open your book, and simply exist in the moment. I could very easily get used to a life like that.
After a little daydreaming, we carried on exploring. The gardens seemed full of surprises, with winding paths and hidden steps leading to new areas at every turn. Daffodils were everywhere, adding splashes of cheerful colour throughout. We covered a good portion of the grounds, though I’m certain we missed plenty – it’s the kind of place that invites you back again and again.
By the end of our visit, we were all in agreement: we’ll definitely be returning, perhaps next time with a picnic in the summer.
Whilst we were there, I set the girls a little challenge – whoever captured the best photo would have their picture featured on the blog. They both did such a brilliant job that I couldn’t choose between them, so I’ve included one from each. Can you guess which one belongs to who?
