Public access
Badminton Estate is a private Estate and working farm, that also hosts many events throughout the year, therefore access to the land is only possible via the public footpaths.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside in a safe and responsible way by keeping to the marked footpaths and by keeping dogs on short leads, especially through the Deer Park.
We ask that all visitors to the area park at Badminton Village Hall car park.
Please be extra vigilant in the Autumn when rutting (mating) season begins in the Deer Park, the stags can feel threatened and you are best to keep your distance.
Suggested public route
There is a suggested 5-mile circular route below, starting at Badminton Village Hall and heading towards Little Badminton. A more detailed route can be downloaded here: Badminton-MWS-Final-v2.pdf (cotswoldsaonb.org.uk)
Further information and other local walks
To continue your walking in the area you could try the circular Sherston Walk. This visits the nearby village of Luckington and the 16th century Luckington Court which was used to represent Longbourn, the Bennet family home, in the BBC’s 1995 TV series Pride and Prejudice.
Just to the west there’s the interesting market town of Chipping Sodbury. The Chipping Sodbury Walk starts from the town and visits the historic villages of Little Sodbury and Old Sodbury where there’s a fine old church and hall to see. Just to the northwest you could pick up the circular Hawkesbury Upton Walk and visit the National Trust’s Horton Court.
The Grade I listed manor house dates back to the 16th century and is surrounded by some pretty gardens. In the area there’s also a historic 400-year-old pub and the Somerset Monument to visit. For more walking ideas in the area see the Cotswolds Walks page.
Bridleways
You may ride or lead a horse or ride a bicycle through a bridleway.
Public bridleways can be located using the local OS map and can be seen below in green:
Badminton Airstrip
Badminton Estate has a private unlicensed airstrip. Landings can be arranged with prior permission and a fee will be charged. Please contact estateoffice@badmintonestate.com to discuss.
Professional & Semi-Professional Photographers
Badminton Estate does not permit photography or filming on its property for commercial use, photo shoots, promotional activity, or commercial filming without prior consent.
Photographers will be asked to remove any images or filming if they do not have permission and charges will apply. Legal action could follow if required or deemed necessary given the exposure and/or use of the location in commercial photography.
If you are interested in photographing or filming on the Estate please contact estateoffice@badmintonestate.com to discuss your project. Any charitable requests will be taken into consideration.
Visitors and residents are welcome to take photographs for their own personal (non-commercial) or educational use, when walking along the public access routes and we encourage visitors’ photography when attending a Badminton Estate event. You can share your moments with #badmintonestate.
Press Photography
With the exception of organised press events at Badminton Estate, all requests for access to Badminton Estate for press photography should be directed to the estateoffice@badmintonestate.com
Badminton Estate Drone Policy
Drones or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are not permitted to fly over Badminton Estate, unless prior written approval is granted. This is to ensure we protect the land and buildings and ensure the safety of wildlife and privacy of residents.
If you are interested in flying a drone/UAV for filming on the Badminton Estate, please contact estateoffice@badmintonestate.com to discuss your project.
All operators must hold the following:
A current and valid CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) ‘Permission for Commercial Operations’ (PFCO) licence.
Evidence of valid insurance cover with a minimum of £5million cover.
A risk assessment for the proposed flight.
A method statement outlining what equipment will be used.
A flight plan outlining where flying is proposed.
All drone operations must be conducted strictly in accordance with CAA legislation and regulations, two elements to draw attention to below:
UAVs/drones are not permitted to be flown within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft.
UAVs/drones should not be flown within 50 metres of any person except during take-off or landing or within 30 metres of any person except for the person in charge of the aircraft.
Please note: For all projects including commercial and personal filming use, drone/UAV flying will be treated as a commercial hire and fees will apply as appropriate.
