Croft Castle and Parkland
Explore 1500 acres of historic parkland, an evolving stately home, and beautiful gardens with deep family roots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bluebells and blooming gardens
Croft Castle and Parkland
Best Time
Bluebells and blooming gardens
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 1500 acres of historic parkland, an evolving stately home, and beautiful gardens with deep family roots.
"Fantastic scenery, undulating walks through woods, forests, pastures and around lakes. All clearly marked."
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The parkland is extensive and offers varied terrain. :athletic_shoe: Essential for enjoying the walks!
Allow Plenty of Time
With 1500 acres to explore, dedicate a full day to fully appreciate the castle and its grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Parkland and Woodland Trails
Extensive grounds
Wander through 1500 acres of diverse landscapes, from ancient trees to rolling pastures and riverside paths.
The Walled Garden
Adjacent to the castle
A beautifully maintained two-acre garden featuring a vineyard and a glasshouse, offering a tranquil escape.
Croft Castle Interior
The main house
Explore the historic rooms of this evolving stately home, showcasing family portraits and centuries of history.
Croft Ambrey Hillfort
Hilltop viewpoint
Hike to this ancient hillfort for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the castle estate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Parkland Walks
Discover the Evolving Home
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The parkland is extensive and offers varied terrain. :athletic_shoe: Essential for enjoying the walks!
Allow Plenty of Time
With 1500 acres to explore, dedicate a full day to fully appreciate the castle and its grounds.
Check for Events
The National Trust often hosts special events, talks, and guided walks.
Bring a Picnic
While there's a cafe, enjoying a picnic amidst the stunning scenery is a great option.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The parkland is extensive and offers varied terrain. :athletic_shoe: Essential for enjoying the walks!
Allow Plenty of Time
With 1500 acres to explore, dedicate a full day to fully appreciate the castle and its grounds.
Check for Events
The National Trust often hosts special events, talks, and guided walks.
Bring a Picnic
While there's a cafe, enjoying a picnic amidst the stunning scenery is a great option.
Dog-Friendly Parkland
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the parkland and woodland areas. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Croft Castle and Parkland for its stunning scenery, extensive walking opportunities, and the charm of its historic house and gardens. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with the quality of the on-site cafe, are frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors note that while it's called a castle, it functions more as an evolving stately home, which might differ from expectations of a traditional fortress.
"Well done yet again NT, today was a joy. If you enjoy your walking, you'll love Croft Castle and Parkland. Fantastic scenery, undulating walks through woods, forests, pastures and around lakes. All clearly marked, some easy, some quite testing but rewarding. Staff at the whole site were brilliant as always. The Castle (house) is lovely and very interesting, the walled garden with glasshouse is one of the best we've been in. Greatly recommended."
John Templeton
"Except for a 200-year period between 1746 to 1923, the Croft family has lived on site since 1085. The building has evolved over the centuries to what it is now, with the family still occupying apartments on the second story. The adjacent St. Michael’s Church dates to the 1400s and contains the tombs of some early Crofts.
Family portraits and framed photos enhance reinforce the image of the house as a family home. There’s ample parking, tea room and bookshop to round out your visit."
P W
"We had a fantastic day out at Croft castle. It’s more of an evolving stately home really if you’re picturing a castle. The volunteers and staff were very helpful and more than willing to tell you about the rooms and the history. As we are keen walkers we really enjoyed walking in the extensive parkland and woodland. The walk down by the river is worth the effort despite an initial steep section with huge ancient trees and even a man made cave All highly recommended"
Jed Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Croft Castle is located in Herefordshire, England. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available on site. For public transport, you can take a train to Hereford and then a bus service towards Leominster, followed by a taxi or a longer walk to the castle.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Croft Castle and Parkland.
Cycling is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside. While there aren't dedicated cycle paths directly to the castle, many visitors enjoy cycling through the scenic routes in Herefordshire.
The nearest train station is Hereford. From Hereford, you would need to arrange onward travel via bus or taxi to reach Croft Castle.
The parkland offers varied terrain, some of which can be challenging. The main house and walled garden are generally more accessible, but it's advisable to check with the National Trust for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's always a good idea to check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information on booking requirements and opening times before your visit.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official National Trust Croft Castle website for the current opening times for the house, gardens, and parkland.
Entry to Croft Castle and Parkland typically requires an admission fee unless you are a National Trust member. Membership offers free access to many National Trust properties.
Yes, guided tours are often available, providing in-depth insights into the history and architecture of the castle and its estate. Check the National Trust website for schedules.
Yes, the extensive parkland and woodland are a major draw, and you can often explore these areas even if you choose not to tour the interior of the house.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic castle interiors, wander through the beautiful walled garden, walk the extensive parkland and woodland trails, and visit the ancient Croft Ambrey Hillfort for stunning views.
Absolutely! Croft Castle offers numerous walking trails through its 1500 acres of parkland and woodland, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves delicious food and refreshments, perfect for a break during your visit.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions within the house or certain garden areas.
Croft Castle has a history dating back to the 11th century, with the Croft family owning it for most of that time. It has evolved significantly over the centuries, from a medieval stronghold to a stately home.
📸 📸 Photography
The walled garden, the ancient Spanish Chestnut walk, the views from Croft Ambrey Hillfort, and the castle exterior against the parkland are all fantastic for photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. It's best to confirm with the site directly.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photographing the castle and the parkland. Spring for bluebells and autumn for foliage also provide stunning backdrops.
Don't miss the Spanish Chestnut walk, especially in autumn, and the panoramic views from Croft Ambrey Hillfort. The walled garden is also a photographer's delight.
For professional or commercial photography, you will likely need to seek permission from the National Trust in advance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the sheep grazing in the fields and enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings. Consider bringing a ball or frisbee for extra fun in the open spaces. The cafe also offers kid-friendly options. 🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Don't miss the riverside path and the impressive Spanish Chestnut walk. +1 Pack sturdy walking shoes and water, and you're set for a day of exploration.🌳 Nature Enthusiasts
+1 In spring, the woodlands can be carpeted with bluebells, creating a magical atmosphere. Birdwatching opportunities are also present, and the varied landscapes provide a rich environment for observing nature. The walled garden, with its vineyard and glasshouse, adds another layer of botanical interest. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Parkland and Woodland
+1 Visitors can follow clearly marked trails that cater to various fitness levels, from gentle strolls around the lake to more challenging hikes up to the historic Croft Ambrey Hillfort. Key walking highlights include:
* The Spanish Chestnut Walk: Particularly stunning in autumn.
* Riverside Path: Offers beautiful views and a sense of discovery.
* Croft Ambrey Hillfort: Provides panoramic vistas of the estate and surrounding countryside.
Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as some paths can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
The History and Evolution of Croft Castle
While the family's direct ownership was interrupted for a period in the 18th century, they repurchased it in 1923, and it was later bequeathed to the National Trust in 1957. The building itself has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, reflecting changing architectural styles and family needs. Inside the house, you'll find rooms furnished to reflect its history as a family home, complete with family portraits and personal artifacts that reinforce this intimate connection.
The Enchanting Walled Garden
This garden is considered one of the best by many visitors, providing a tranquil retreat to explore. Within the garden, you can discover a variety of plant life, and it's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The presence of a glasshouse adds to its appeal, offering a glimpse into protected cultivation.
The garden is a testament to careful cultivation and provides a beautiful setting for reflection and appreciation of nature's artistry. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere after exploring the wider estate.
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