Bridgewater Monument — Attraction in Dacorum

Visited today and feel unless it's Bluebell season we won't bother again. The parking is ridiculous that it's already closed at 1pm on a winter's day. We parked elsewhere, half way on a circular walk we've done many times, and walked towards the monument area. The loos were open but the cafe is all closed down, not sure if a Covid victim or if NT are taking it over as they had a couple of small vans on the premises. The walk was stupidly muddy, very very sticky slippery mud on every area. We wondered if it's been made worse by NT vehicles perhaps driving there to do tree management? The woods are ancient trees but with as many fallen over as standing and no wildlife like squirrels or birds at all. We've been here a few times in the summer but then the problem is how busy it becomes and queues for the toilets or a coffee. Think we'll stick to some other woodlands nearer to home that are muddy too but less slippy mud and have wildlife and nice cafes. It didn't feel like a relaxing walk, more a...

Such an amazing monument to go up. It doesn’t look as high as it is from the ground, but the views are spectacular and you’ll feel on top of the world. You can see all the landscapes across Ashridge and beyond. In October you can see so many trees in different shades of red, yellow and green! It’s quite a demanding walk up the stairs but you’ll be glad you went up. Entry was £2.50 for adults, £1 for concessions and free for under 5s. Worth it! One thing I will mention is that the monument is home to thousands of ladybirds in the right season. Never seen so many in my life. Easily hundreds gathered at a time under lights...

Free parking all year round and a Café (coffee, tea and cake etc). Play area for kids made from fallen trees. Large grass area, good for picnics. Monument is open in spring and summer. It's national trust so free for members, small fee for non members. Popular with dog walkers and great for kids bikes etc.

Lots different walks for all ages and abilities. It is possible to walk to Ivinghoe Beacon but be warned its a few miles!

If you're lucky you can see deer in the woods also amazing bluebells when they bloom.

It can get very muddy if the weather is wet....