
Where is the Ashridge Estate?
Located in the rolling UK countryside, very close to London, the Ashridge estate dates from 1283 and was both once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I and, more recently, the inspiration for the Harry Potter films.
What is Ashridge known for?
The estate comprises 5,000 acres (20 km 2) of woodlands (known as Ashridge Forest), commons and chalk downland which supports a rich variety of wildlife. Today, Ashridge is home to Hult International Business School 's Ashridge Executive Education program, as it has been since 1959.
Do you need a booking to visit Ashridge?
The whole estate is open for visitors and there is no booking required to visit Ashridge. The visitor centre, shop and toilets are open daily from 10am-5pm. The Bridgewater Monument is now open at weekends and bank holidays from 11am-4pm until 31 October, weather permitting.
What is it like to live in Ashridge?
The Ashridge Estate consists of 5,000 acres of woodland, chalk downlands and lush meadows. You can walk for miles and see a variety of wildlife such as Fallow deer and Muntjacs as well as the more common, foxes, badgers, squirrels etc.
How big is the Ashridge Estate?
5,000 acresAshridge Estate is a 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands.
Who owns the Ashridge Estate?
the National TrustToday, Ashridge is home to Hult International Business School's Ashridge Executive Education program, as it has been since 1959. The estate is currently owned by the National Trust.
Can you visit Ashridge House?
The whole estate is open for visitors and there is no booking required to visit Ashridge. The visitor centre, shop and toilets are open daily from 10am-5pm.
Why is Ashridge House significant?
With 700 years of fascinating history, there's a palpable sense of heritage at the heart of Ashridge House. Originally a monastery, it became a royal residence for both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. It has been a private house for long periods, as well as a military hospital during both World Wars.
What has been filmed at Ashridge Estate?
Ashridge Estate hit the silver screen in January 2012 as one of the locations in the hit film Les Misérables. Based on the long-running stage musical and classic novel by Victor Hugo, the film's stars include Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman.
Who lives in the Ashridge Estate?
Sir Thomas Egerton (Queen Elizabeth I's Lord Keeper) buys Ashridge. It becomes home to the Dukes and Earls of Bridgewater for 245 years.
Does Ashridge have a cafe?
We are delighted to announce the opening of The Bakehouse, our brand new café serving quality coffee, delicious savoury dishes and tempting sweet treats. Our opening hours are 8.30am-5pm.
Do you have to pay for parking at Ashridge?
Parking is Free. Parking address: Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT. The Ashridge Estate has a very long drive (maybe 300-400 metres?)
Are the bluebells out at Ashridge?
The plants will start to flower in mid-April and are normally at their best during the last week of April and first week of May.
When was Ashridge House built?
1814Originally built as a monastery in the 13th century, this great house near Berkhamsted has a long history with several royal associations. The present Ashridge House and gardens were completed in 1814 by the Earl of Bridgewater.
When was Ashridge House built?
1814Originally built as a monastery in the 13th century, this great house near Berkhamsted has a long history with several royal associations. The present Ashridge House and gardens were completed in 1814 by the Earl of Bridgewater.
When was Ashridge built?
Ashridge began life as a monastery founded by Edmund of Cornwall, nephew of Henry III, in 1283 to house a holy relic. The monks were known as Bonhommes or blue friars because of the colour of their robes.
What was the Ashridge House built on?
Ashridge house was built on the site of the 13th-Century priory building which had been demolished in 1800. Some parts of the old priory were incorporated into the house by James Wyatt, including the undercroft of the monastic refectory, featuring two aisles, seven bays and a rib-vaulted ceiling, which he repurposed as a beer cellar below the dining room and drawing room.
How big is Ashridge Commons?
Ashridge Commons & Woods ( grid reference#N#WikiMiniAtlas#N#SP975135) is a 640.1 hectare (1581.7 acre) Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The site was notified in 1987 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and lies on the Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire border and is home to much semi-natural vegetation. As well as this, the site has extensive areas of woodland, grass and plantations. The site supports bird-breeding community which as both country and national different species of birds. Ashridge Woods are also well known for their Bluebell woods.
What is Ashridge Chapel?
Ashridge is a noted example of early Gothic Revival architecture and features decorative crenellations. Architect James Wyatt. Ashridge chapel. Prior to his death, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater had begun to demolish the medieval Priory buildings in order to build a new country house.
When did Ashridge College merge with Hult?
In 1959 Ashridge College was re-launched to provide management training, and was named Ashridge Business School. In 2015, Ashridge Business School operationally merged with Hult International Business School, an American business school with campuses in seven cities around the world. As part of the merger, Ashridge Business School changed its name to Ashridge Executive Education.
How many acres are there in the Chiltern Hills?
The estate comprises 5,000 acres (20 km 2) of woodlands (known as Ashridge Forest), commons and chalk downland which supports a rich variety of wildlife.
When did Ashridge Golf Club become Ashridge Golf Club?
Part of the estate became Ashridge Golf Club in 1932, and had Henry Cotton as its club professional in the late 1930s, including his most successful year 1937. During the Second World War, the building and the lawn in front of it was used as a secondary site for Charing Cross Hospital.
Who founded Ashridge Priory?
In mediæval times Ashridge was the location of Ashridge Priory, a college of the monastic order of Bonhommes founded in 1283 by Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall, who had a palace here.
How many acres are there in Ashridge?
With 5,000 acres to explore, you'll never run out of walks with your dog on the Ashridge estate. Find out how to make the most of your visit with your dog.
What is Ashridge's history?
From Iron Age earthworks, monasteries and palaces to First World War practice trenches, Ashridge has a vast history.
What time does Ashridge Estate open?
Our shop is open daily between 10am and 5pm and offers something for everyone. It's through your purchases that we are able to continue looking after Ashridge Estate for everyone, for ever.
Why are the paths at Ashridge so muddy?
The footpaths at Ashridge are very muddy due to the wet clay soils and the paths are becoming wider as people try to avoid the worst of the mud. The result is compacted ground and plants, wildflowers and trees struggling.
What is the chalk grassland on Ivinghoe Hills?
The chalk grassland on the Ivinghoe Hills is home to an incredibly rich and diverse range of plant and insect life. In summer the air is filled with the aromatic scent of the many colourful wildflowers, and bees and butterflies abound. This is an ancient landscape, where people lived during the Iron Age, some of whom were buried in the barrows that are dotted across the hilltops.
Is Ashridge wheelchair accessible?
There are several surfaced paths at Ashridge that are suitable for wheelchairs. This includes the Meadley’s Meadow track (0.8 miles) and Duncombe Terrace (2.5 miles).
Does Ashridge have litter bins?
There are no litter bins onsite so we ask you to please take all of your litter home with you to keep Ashridge special for everyone.
Is Ashridge Estate seeing visitors?
We are seeing very high number of visitors at Ashridge Estate, as we have throughout the last year, so please be patient, and follow the signs and instructions from our staff and volunteers.
Can you park on a roadside verge?
Please only park in designated parking areas. If any of our car parks are full, please return at another time and do not park on roadside verges as this can lead to road safety incidents and causes considerable damage to verge habitats.
Is Ashridge muddy?
The footpaths at Ashridge can become very muddy after wet weather. This has led to the widening of paths and compacting of the ground which impacts on wildflowers and trees. Please make sure you bring sturdy footwear or wellies so that you can stick to the designated footpaths.
How many acres are there in Ashridge Estate?
About. The Ashridge Estate consists of 5,000 acres of woodland, chalk downlands and lush meadows. You can walk for miles and see a variety of wildlife such as Fallow deer and Muntjacs as well as the more common, foxes, badgers, squirrels etc.
Is Ashridge Estate open?
Ashridge Estate is open: Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
What is the Ashridge Model?
The Ashridge Model is a framework and tool for drawing up a mission statement. It includes four dimensions for mission statements, namely strategy, values, behavioural norms, and goals.
Purpose of a mission statement
First of all, a mission statement consists of a description of why the organisation exists—i.e. what its purpose is. Many organisations have difficulty describing this aspect. The authors of the Ashridge model found three types of organisations, with each type having a similar kind of purpose.
Ashridge Model: essential Functions of a mission statement
According to the Ashridge model, a good mission must relate to the four elements explained above. Only then will the mission be inspiring and provide direction for employees.
Where is the Ashridge House?
The beautiful Ashridge House is our main campus for executive education and home to our dedicated group of expert faculty. Located in the rolling UK countryside, very close to London, the Ashridge estate dates from 1283 and was both once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I and, more recently, the inspiration for the Harry Potter films. The opportunity to escape from the demands of the office, to reflect, to learn and to challenge oneself in these stunning surroundings is one that our participants never forget.
Is Ashridge Business School a global school?
For the last nearly 18 years, Ashridge has been consistently ranked as one of the top 20 global business schools. In 2015, Ashridge formed an alliance with the Hult International Business School, combining Ashridge’s expertise in executive research and development with Hult’s global reach, innovation and scale.

Overview
Ashridge is a country estate and stately home in Hertfordshire, England in the United Kingdom. It is situated in the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Berkhamsted and 23 miles (37 km) north west of London. The estate comprises 5,000 acres (20 km ) of woodlands (known as Ashridge Forest), commons and chalk downland which supports a r…
History
In mediæval times Ashridge was the location of Ashridge Priory, a college of the monastic order of Bonhommes founded in 1283 by Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall, whose palace was at nearby Berkhamsted Castle. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries the priory was surrendered to the crown and King Henry VIII used it to house his children, namely Prince Edward and the Princesses Mary and Elizabeth. Eventually he bequeathed the property to his daughter Elizabeth. The priory churc…
Estate
Prior to his death, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater had begun to demolish the medieval Priory buildings in order to build a new country house. His successor, the 7th Earl of Bridgewater commissioned the architect James Wyatt to build his new home, Ashridge House. The foundation stone for the new house was laid by the 7th Earl's wife, Charlotte Catherine Anne, Countess of Bridgewater, on 25 O…
Filming location
Ashridge Common has been featured many times in film and television series due to its distinction as an area of natural beauty. Scenes for Maleficent, Plotlands, Sleepy Hollow, Jonathan Creek and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were filmed in Ashridge's Frithsden Beeches wood. The Ashridge House, which is now Ashridge Business School, has been featured in films such as The Dirty Dozen.
Sources
• Pevsner, Pevsner (2002). Cherry, Bridget (ed.). Hertfordshire (2nd ed.). New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300096118.
• Sanecki, Kay (1996). Ashridge – A Living History. Phillimore. ISBN 978-1-86077-020-3.
• Way, Dr Twigs (2013). Virgins, Weeders and Queens. History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-9578-1. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
Further reading
• "Ashridge Management College, Little Gaddesden". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
• Berthezène, Clarisse (2015). Training minds for the war of ideas. Ashridge College, the Conservative Party and the cultural politics of Britain, 1929-54. Manchester: Manchester University Press. ISBN 978-0-7190-8649-6.
External links
• Ashridge Estate information at the National Trust
• Ashridge Business School Archived 28 November 2004 at the Wayback Machine
• Ashridge (A Guide to Old Hertfordshire)