The National Trust has launched a new family-friendly multi-use woodland trail at Kingston Lacy in partnership with Sport England..

The site near Wimborne Minster passes through forest and along old carriage drives that were originally created by the Bankes family.

Walkers, runners, adapted wheelchair users and cylists of all ages and abilities are able to make use of the 4.7km flat route, which includes views of the house.

The trail is also ideal for families who can choose between a shorter route to the woodland play area and a longer loop for more confident adventurers.

Tim Turner, general manager at Kingston Lacy, said "We already have an established outdoor offer and the new Woodland Trail will benefit visitors who use the park for exercise and wellbeing - be it cyclists, walkers, those in adapted wheelchairs, families with pushchairs and those needing a little more reassurance underfoot."

The route at Kingston Lacy is one of eight new trails across the country that has been developed in association with Sport England thanks to £4.25 million joint funding; with the aim to enable visitors to ‘get active’ and to explore the great outdoors.

Mr Turner added: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sport England in this project which, thanks to National Lottery funding, has enabled us to help more people to get active and explore more of Kingston Lacy’s spectacular parkland.

"The woodland trail has opened up previously inaccessible areas of the estate and allows visitors to get closer to special habitats such as that of the protected species the great crested newt."

Dave Newton, Sport England’s director of mass markets, added: “Sport England is delighted to be able to use money raised by National Lottery players to help deliver the new Woodland Trail at Kingston Lacy. Now, not only can people visit the country house, they can explore the surrounding park lands and get some exercise too, which we know benefits people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“Developing urban and rural spaces to make them activity friendly – whether you want to stroll, ride, or jog – is a priority in Sport England’s strategy, Towards An Active Nation. We’re proud of our continued partnership with the National Trust which helps make it easier for people to get active outdoors.”

The Woodland Trail is open now to explore, and more information can be found on the property’s website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy