Ampthill Park and Houghton House
Bedfordshire
Ampthill Park is a Capability Brown landscape set on the Greensand Ridge, and it wears its history well — a lakeside, veteran oaks, the Katherine's Cross memorial to Catherine of Aragon, and a ridgeline with views across the Bedfordshire plain that the queen herself once looked out over. The 6.4 km walk extends north beyond the park to the windswept ruins of Houghton House, a 17th-century mansion linked to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, before looping back via open field paths.
The sandy Greensand underfoot drains fast and stays walkable through most of the winter when clay-vale routes nearby are difficult. Dogs are welcome off-lead across the majority of the park — leads are needed at the café area and car park, and on the return field paths where cattle may graze. The ridge path in summer carries the warm smell of pine and bracken, and rabbit warrens along the top tend to slow most dogs down considerably.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Café at Ampthill Hub in the park; no facilities at Houghton House
- Parking
- Ampthill Park car park, Woburn Street, Ampthill, MK45 2HX. Small charge applies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ampthill Park and Houghton House dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are very welcome here. The 6.4 km route takes you through Capability Brown parkland, along a ridgeline with sweeping views across Bedfordshire, and out to the ruins of Houghton House , it's a genuinely rewarding walk for dogs and owners alike. There's also a café at the Ampthill Hub in the park if you fancy a stop along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Ampthill Park and Houghton House?
Dogs can be off lead across the majority of the park, which gives them plenty of room to roam , the rabbit warrens along the ridge are a particular hit. Leads are required around the café area and car park, and on the return field paths where cattle may be grazing.
What should I know before visiting Ampthill Park and Houghton House with my dog?
The sandy Greensand soil drains quickly, so the paths stay in good condition through most of the winter , handy when muddy clay-vale routes nearby become difficult. Keep leads on near the café, car park, and any field paths where cattle are present, and be prepared for your dog to take a keen interest in the rabbit warrens along the ridge. Parking is available at Ampthill Park car park on Woburn Street (MK45 2HX), with a small charge applying.
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