Fun for families at Croft Castle this summer

A group of children playing noughts and crosses in the Natural Play area

With ancient woodlands, secret gardens and a homely castle, Croft has everything you need for a fun family day out this summer.

Children's trail

Let of some steam with summer in the gardens with the children's trail, running everyday during the summer holiday. Follow the trail points and complete the fun activities to win your prize. 

The trail costs £2.50 and is available from Visitor Reception. 

Come out and play

Balmy summer days are not complete without a few games in the garden. In partnership with Sport England, we will be providing the opportunity for you to get active with self-led activities and games throughout the grounds, including quoits, cricket and skittles. 

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Get your kids closer to nature with ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do all year round, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art. Why not download a copy of the '50 things' guide to bring along with you? There are fifty activities to try as a family outdoors which can be used over and over again.

Create your own adventure in our mini-castle play area.
The mini-castle play area at Croft
Create your own adventure in our mini-castle play area.

Play areas 

There are two play areas at Croft, the mini-castle play area which is situated just outside the Carpenter’s tea-room and suitable for younger children to run, jump and climb around as they pretend to be the king of the castle. Families can also run wild in our natural play area, complete with stepping logs, a den building area, rope swing and noughts and crosses. 

Put your balance skills to the test with some Natural Play.
Two girls on a balance rope in the Natural Play area.
Put your balance skills to the test with some Natural Play.

Family walks

There are several walks which run through the 1500-acre estate. Families with younger children may wish to explore the newly revived Fishpool Valley where water cascades through the woods from pool-to-pool. Older children may enjoy the challenge of trekking up Croft Ambrey, an Iron-age hillfort, to enjoy the wonderful 360˚ views at the top.

Summer is the best time of year to spot butterflies, creepy crawlies and birds in Croft's parkland. Find out what wildlife to look out for this summer here.

The castle and garden 

Step back in time inside the castle and have a go at spotting trails during the school holidays. Our volunteers can show you some of the fascinating objects we look after. 

Play your own tune at Croft Castle and Parkland in Herefordshire
Child playing a toy flute under the piano at Croft Castle and Parkland in Herefordshire
Play your own tune at Croft Castle and Parkland in Herefordshire

Don't forget to explore the gardens, including the homely walled garden, and see who's checked into the giant bug hotel. Spot every colour of the rainbow in the beautiful flower beds and see if you can find bees and butterflies feasting on the nectar of flowers. 

This is the perfect spot for a picnic or to enjoy your takeaway snacks from the Carpenter's tea-room. You can also find all your favourite flavours of ice cream in the Ice House, served by the scoop to your order. 

Facilities

Baby-change facilities can be found in the disabled toilet near the tea-room. Please ask at the tea-room for the key. Breast feeding is welcome anywhere you feel comfortable, or if you'd like a little privacy, please ask.

There's lots to choose from for your little ones in the cosy Carpenter's tea-room, with smaller portions and high chairs also available.