Visiting Croft: what to expect from your visit

Arrival and parking

Please have your tickets and membership cards close to hand as you arrive. Once you've parked, follow the signs to Visitor Reception where one of our friendly team members will check your booking and provide you with the information you need to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Feel free to pick up a map with information about our one-way routes or download one here.

Please arrive within your half-hour timeslot, to help maintain social distancing. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like until closing time at 5pm. The car park and gates will be locked shortly after. 

Staying safe

To help keep everyone safe, please follow social distancing and government guidance when you visit. Look out for signs while you’re here which will explain any changes to how you can access different parts of the site, and any one-way systems we have in place.

You’ll find sinks for hand washing in the toilets, as well as hand sanitiser on entry and exit.

In line with government guidance you're required to wear a face covering in the tea-room. Please bring one with you.

If you’re showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you've been in contact with anyone that has the virus in the last 14 days, please don’t visit.

What can I see and do?

You can explore the gardens and go for a wintery walk through the parkland. We have three different way-marked routes you can follow. Please be aware that Fishpool Valley is currently closed while we undertake necessary felling work to trees suffering from ash dieback. Find out more here. 

Following government guidelines, the castle is closed. We advise visitors to follow government guidelines and only visit if you live locally. You will need to book your ticket in advance before visiting. The shop, second-hand bookshop, natural play area and castle play area also remain closed. 

Facilities

Toilets - including access and baby change facilities - are available near the tea-room, and are operating on a one-out, one-in basis. These are all sanitised by our team throughout the day.

The Carpenters tea-room is open from 10am to 5pm serving a limited menu of hot drinks, cakes and light bites. We’ve introduced new safety measures including screens at our till and collection points and way-marked, one-way routes. We’ll also only be accepting card payment. In line with government guidelines you're required to wear a face covering in our café, so please bring one with you. 

There are plenty of spots around the gardens and parkland for you to enjoy a picnic, as well as a few benches around the gardens. We hope you have a lovely visit - thank you for helping us to stay open safely.