Visit the enchanted forest of Ashridge Estate

These very different landscapes each support a rich variety of wildlife, including carpets of bluebells in spring, rare butterflies in summer, and the fallow deer that rut in autumn. Miles of footpaths and bridleways give you plenty of space to explore, so you can get lost in the splendour of nature. 

This 5,000 acre estate with ancient beech and oak woodlands was transformed into the Enchanted Forest, home to the vengeful fairy, Maleficent (2014 Disney film based on Sleeping Beauty). It has also appeared in the 2014 fantasy musical drama film, Into the Woods and the 2012 film, Les Misérables. Explore this vast magical estate on foot or by bike, where you’ll discover rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows, brimming with wildlife including rare butterflies and fallow deer.