News
2025, A Year in Review
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a truly memorable year at Montalto Estate.
It has been a year defined by connection, resilience, and community. From continuing to welcome a large number of visitors daily to navigating the challenges that nature can bring. Through it all, Montalto remained a place of warmth, beauty, and shared experiences.
What did 2025 bring?
This year, Montalto Estate was delighted to welcome a remarkable number of visitors through its gates. Families, couples, walkers, and explorers joined us from near and far, filling the estate with energy and life throughout every season. Seeing the grounds enjoyed by so many people was a powerful reminder of how special this place is and why it continues to be a much-loved destination.
Community sits at the heart of everything we do at Montalto, and 2025 gave us many opportunities to give back. Thanks to the generosity of our visitors and partners, we were proud to support a range of local charities throughout the year. Every donation, event, and initiative helped strengthen the ties between Montalto Estate and the wider community we are so grateful to be part of.
Meet the team who leant hands at the Cash for Kids warehouse this year HERE
This year also brought its challenges, with severe storms causing the loss of several trees across the estate, particularly at the hands of Storm Éowyn. While their absence is felt, we remain deeply committed to caring for the landscape and honouring its natural heritage. These moments reminded us of the power of nature and reinforced our ongoing dedication to conservation, restoration, and future planting.
See the lasting impact of Storm Éowyn HERE
Our café continued to be a hub of comfort and connection in 2025. From warming drinks on crisp mornings to relaxed lunches after long walks, the food and atmosphere brought people together. It was a joy to see visitors lingering, sharing stories, and making memories over great food and good company.
Explore our current offering HERE
One of the highlights of the year was the sheer number of dogs who joined their ‘hoomans’ on visits to Montalto. From muddy paws on woodland trails to well-earned rests beside café tables, our four-legged visitors brought endless smiles and character to the estate. Montalto remains a place where dogs are very much part of the experience.
Watch your canine companions meeting Santa Paws HERE
Group visits played a significant role in 2025, with schools, community groups, clubs, and organisations choosing Montalto as a place to gather and explore. These shared experiences, whether educational, social, or simply for enjoyment, added another layer of connection and purpose to the year.
Why not get involved with our Beginners Gardening Club, held monthly? Find out more HERE
None of this would have been possible without our incredible team. 2025 was a particularly busy year for staff across every department, from grounds and hospitality to events and visitor services. Their hard work, flexibility, and passion ensured that each guest experience remained welcoming and seamless, even during the busiest periods of the year. For them we are thankful, to them, we tip our hats.
“Reflecting on 2025, I am struck by the incredible sense of community that has defined this year at Montalto. It has been a powerful reminder that the estate is more than just a destination; it is a shared space for connection.
From the busy summer days that saw families reconnecting on our trails, to the way our visitors rallied around our charity initiatives, the spirit of this place has never been stronger. It has also been a year of resilience. Whether it was the quiet determination of our grounds team working to restore the landscape after Storm Éowyn, or our hospitality staff ensuring every guest felt at home, I have seen first-hand that operational excellence is about more than just maintaining standards; it is about creating a space where people feel truly welcome.
I want to extend a personal thank you to our entire team, whose hard work often goes unseen but is always felt, and of course to every visitor who chose to spend their time with us. We enter 2026 with renewed energy, deep gratitude, and excitement to share another exceptional year with you all.”
— Keith J. Reilly, Operations Director
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the future, we do so with gratitude and optimism. 2025 was a year of growth, challenge, and togetherness, and we are thankful to everyone who walked our paths, shared our tables, supported our causes, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Montalto Estate in 2026, ready to create even more moments worth remembering.
#ExploreMontalto