Walks

Swan Pond walk

An easy, flat walk around the Swan Pond.

Toilet

There are toilets, baby changing and accessible facilities at the Swan Pond.

Café

Choose between the Swan Pond café and Aviary ice cream parlour (check website for opening times).

Car park

Car parks are situated at Home Farm, the Walled Garden and the Swan Pond. Parking is free for members.

Dog friendly

Dogs are very welcome but should be kept under control at all times.

Step 1
(1/4)

From the Swan Pond car park, take the path that leads past the Aviary coffee shop towards the pond.
When you reach the circular path around the pond, turn left and head in a clockwise direction.
Step 2
(2/4)

After about 80m, a path leads off to the left to the Pagoda – this beautiful structure was built by the 2nd Marquess of Ailsa and housed a range of exotic birds.
Continue all the way along the west bank of the pond, with lush woodland on your left. This is the slightly quieter side, so keep your eyes peeled for ducks, moorhens, coots, geese and swans. They often nest and shelter in the reeds here.
Step 3
(3/4)

At the far end of the pond, the path slightly leaves the banks to loop into the woodland.
Follow it round to the right by the ice house, the 18th-century version of a fridge-freezer for the Kennedy family.
The path now closely follows the east bank of the pond, all the way back to the Aviary.
Step 4
(4/4)

You’re now back at the Aviary, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink.
Or, if younger visitors still have lots of energy to burn, they can explore our amazing play areas: Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland.