Lambing time: Please keep dogs on leads. 🐑

Staunton Harold Estate

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 7.53 miles

Embark on a delightful walking adventure at Staunton Harold, where the journey begins conveniently at the Ferrers Centre car park. While parking charges may apply, the accessibility of this starting point makes it ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature. From the car park, walkers seamlessly transition onto the well-maintained National Forest path, a route that caters to both casual strollers and avid hikers. This initial section of the walk provides an easy-going introduction, with smooth trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery.

As the path meanders onwards, it gracefully shifts from well-made trails to more rustic, muddy tracks. This transition adds an element of adventure, particularly during wetter periods, when the paths transform into a muddy playground. Therefore, it is strongly advised that walkers equip themselves with sensible, waterproof footwear to fully enjoy the experience. While the walk offers a sense of peacefulness, it's important to note that it's not entirely secluded. A short segment of the route runs alongside a minor road, providing a brief reminder of the outside world. However, this is just a small portion of the overall experience.

The true charm of this Staunton Harold walk lies in its diverse scenery. Walkers will be treated to a captivating blend of landscapes, including enchanting wooded areas that offer shade and a sense of tranquillity. The varied terrain and picturesque views make this route particularly appealing to dog owners, as there are ample opportunities for dogs to roam off-leash, provided they remain under close control.

When the walk is completed, the Staunton Stables Tearooms offer a very welcome place to relax, and refresh. Thus making this location a great place to visit for all of the family.

Further Information

The Staunton Harold Estate is a country estate in North West Leicestershire. It is home to Staunton Harold Hall, a Jacobean-Palladian country house, and Holy Trinity Church, a 17th-century church built by Sir Robert Shirley. The estate has been owned by the Shirley family for over 500 years, and it has a rich and varied history.

The estate was originally owned by the Staunton family, but it was acquired by the Shirley family in 1423. The Shirleys were a prominent family in Leicestershire, and they played a significant role in the English Civil War. Sir Robert Shirley, a staunch royalist, built Holy Trinity Church in 1653 in defiance of Oliver Cromwell. He was imprisoned six times for his political beliefs, and he died in the Tower of London in 1666.

The present Staunton Harold Hall was built in the early 17th century for Robert Shirley, 1st Earl Ferrers. The hall was enlarged in the 18th century, and it remained the family seat until the 20th century. In 1954, the 12th Earl Ferrers sold the hall and the estate, and it was used as a Cheshire Home and a Sue Ryder Care home. In 2003, the estate was bought by the current owners, who have restored it to its former glory.

The Staunton Harold Estate is a beautiful and historic place. It is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy the gardens, the church, and the walks and cycle routes on the estate.