Visit the castle

The saloon at Croft Castle in Herefordshire

We're reopening the castle on Monday 5 October. Read on to discover what to expect on your next visit and don't forget to book by heading to our What's On page. Croft Castle sits deep in the heart of Herefordshire countryside surrounded by 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. Home to the Croft family for nearly 1000 years, this castle has many powerful stories to uncover.

We're reopening the castle on Monday 5 October. Don't forget to book your tickets before visiting by heading to the What's On section of our website.

  • There is no need to book separate tickets for the castle, simply head to the front of the house at a time that suits you, between the times of 11am and 3.30pm. The castle will then close at 4pm. 
  • Please be aware that there may be a short wait as we are limiting numbers inside the castle to ensure social distancing.
  • There is a one-way system around the ground floor; please follow the directional signage provided. 
  • The first floor is currently closed; we apologise for any disappointment this may cause. 
  • Please avoid touching any surfaces and sitting on the furniture.
  • Please remember to keep a safe distance from others while exploring the castle.
  • In line with government guidance, you will be required to wear a face covering while inside the castle; please bring one with you. 
  • We're following government guidance and supporting the NHS Test and Trace programme. This means that we'll ask to scan your membership cards or, if you're not a member, leave brief contact details. 

We've introduced advance booking to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing. 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.

Exploring the castle 

The first Bernard de Croft of Croft Castle was noted in the Domesday book in 1086 and the Crofts have fought to keep their home ever since. In the castle you can uncover stories about the key members of the family who played their part in influencing British political and military history.

You can find out more about the different rooms and the stories they tell by clicking on the PDFs below; you'll also be able to download these in each of the rooms by using the QR codes provided. 

Discover over 1000 years of power, politics and pleasure at Croft Castle
A view of Croft Castle in Herefordshire
Discover over 1000 years of power, politics and pleasure at Croft Castle

Our volunteers can give you the highlights such as Sir Richard Croft who fought with his Croft army during the Wars of the Roses alongside Edward Mortimer in 1461 at the 'Battle of Mortimer's Cross'. The Tudor Sir James Croft was imprisoned in the Tower of London during the 'Wyatt rebellion' and tortured because he wouldn't betray Elizabeth I; she later appointed him 'Comptroller' of her Royal household.

The tomb of Sir Richard and Dame Eleanor Croft in the church at Croft Castle
The early sixteenth-century tomb of Sir Richard & Dame Eleanor Croft in the Church of St Michael at Croft Castle
The tomb of Sir Richard and Dame Eleanor Croft in the church at Croft Castle

The castle volunteers will also tell you about a time when the Crofts lost their home in 1746 and eventually bought it back 177 years later. You can see the changes the 'Somerset Davies' and 'Kevill Davies' families made to the interiors and estate at Croft whilst the Crofts were away.

Find out about William Croft and the Civil War and what happened to the castle during this time and move right up to the twentieth century as we continue to research and share stories of Croft and its inhabitants. 

Portrait of Sir William Croft (1593-1645)
A portrait of Sir William Croft in the Entrance Hall at Croft Castle in Herefordshire
Portrait of Sir William Croft (1593-1645)

Step into the Saloon to find out about the life of James Croft and how the family bought back their home in 1923.

The Dining Room at Croft, where the family had lunch parties during the late-1950s
A table set for dinner in the 1930s dining room at Croft Castle and Parkland in Herefordshire
The Dining Room at Croft, where the family had lunch parties during the late-1950s

Look out for the stories of 'Here and Now', where you can discover the differences between who looked after Croft Castle in the past, and who looks after it now. 

A view of Croft Castle, Herefordshire Play Video