1000 years of power, politics and pleasure in an intimate family home
More than 135 gardens and parks are now open through advance booking, as well as hundreds of coast and countryside places. A number of houses are also open in England and Northern Ireland. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.
Situated on the English-Welsh border, Croft is a quiet, ancient place steeped in British history and politics with a picturesque castle and medieval parkland re-fashioned during the 18th century.
Surrounded by 1,500 acres of woods, park and farmland, Croft became home to a resilient and prominent family, beginning with Bernard de Croft in the 11th century. Later, Sir Richard Croft fought in the Wars of the Roses while Sir James Croft was rewarded with high office for his loyalty to Elizabeth I.
You will find portraits in the castle and memorials in the nearby parish church which record the many members of the Croft dynasty who served in later political and colonial positions.
Sir Archer Croft’s failed investment in the South Sea Company – which traded in African slaves – fuelled the family’s debts and eventually resulted in the Crofts losing their home. Croft was then sold to the ambitious Johnes family who installed elegant Georgian Gothick rooms overlooking the ancient parkland and built a walled garden, now housing a glasshouse, orchard and productive vineyard.
Walks and carriage rides created through the wider picturesque pleasure grounds of Fishpool Valley with its deep quiet pools, mill and grotto are all now undergoing an ambitious programme of restoration. Wider walks lead to the Iron Age hill fort of Croft Ambrey with magnificent far-reaching views to the Welsh Mountains.
Bought back by the Croft family in the 20th century, the castle briefly became a family home once more, even hosting a school during the Second World War. In 1956 it was secured for the nation. Today you will find a varied collection on display showing the many aspects of Croft’s history.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | N/A | £8.00 |
| Child | N/A | £4.00 |
| Family | N/A | £20.00 |
| 1 adult, 3 children | N/A | £12.00 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. However, where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking may not always be necessary. If you do not book we cannot guarantee admission.
To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. However, where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking may not always be necessary. If you do not book we cannot guarantee admission.
