Red Deer

There are two deer parks (or enclosures) in the Estate for both Red and Fallow Deer. There is also at least one other wild species of Deer in Ashton Court, the Roe Deer but you will be very lucky if you see them.

If you do look for the Roe Deer, try the Estates quiet areas at quiet times. I have seen them in Rownham Plantation once and saw rapidly departing white tails before I could even lift my camera, so sorry no pictures.

Fortunately the other deer are often much easier to see.

Red Deer

Enter the estate on Kennel Lodge Road, the red deer park is immediately to the right as you pass the University of the West of England's - Arts, Media and Design campus in Bower Ashton. Parking is available in the Mansion car parks, very close to the deer park.

Access from Kennel Lodge Road.

The recent heritage restoration project has greatly improved your chances of getting closer to the deer. The restoration project has cleared many over grown areas that blocked views of the park and created unfenced footpaths that run through the red deer park.

The best points to see the deer are from two foot paths. These both share a common start from Kennel Lodge Road.

If you park near the mansion, walk back the way you drove in until the roadway takes a sharp downward turn, here walk left up the slope. A wide dirt track continues, this is moderately steep in places. The two walks below both take you into the deer park and may offer a good view of the deer -

1. Go straight up the track with Summerhouse Plantation on your left, passing the fattest oak on the estate quite quickly. This way is a wide dirt track that runs through the centre of the estate.

2. Go up the track briefly for about 10m (11 yards) with the fenced edge of the deer park on your right. Turn right through a gate, this track leads to Rownham Plantation (known for its bluebells).

   Inside the plantation the track splits into several foot paths that can be muddy, steep, a little over grown and uneven so take care. The foot paths lead up to Clifton Lodge or the driveway running from it (eventually).