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Croft Castle and Parkland
1000 years of power, politics and pleasure in an intimate family home
Yarpole, near Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9PW
Important notice
On Monday 4 December, Croft Castle's entrance drive will be closed for essential tree safety work. Please access the property via the exit drive located around 1 mile west along the B4362 from the entrance drive, opposite Croft Lane.
Opening times for 8 December 2023
Asset Opening time Castle Closed Garden 10:00 - 16:00 Park 10:00 - 16:00 Tea-room 10:00 - 15:30 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 16:00 Last entry to the castle is 30 minutes before closing. On weekdays from November 6 2023 to December 22nd 2023, the castle will be open for guided tours only.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £15.40 £14.00 Child £7.70 £7.00 Family £38.50 £35.00 Family one adult £23.10 £21.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
Tea room
Car park
Toilet
Dogs
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the garden and parkland. Dogs are not allowed in the house.
Partly accessible grounds, loose gravel paths, cobbles and some steps. Blue Badge parking and drop-off point. Accessible toilet. Ground floor of castle accessible. Mobility scooters for hire.
Accessible route and/or map
Accessible maps can be collected from visitor reception.
Level access to food outlet
Accessible toilet
There are two unisex accessible toilets on site. One near the main tea-room and another inside the castle.
Powered mobility vehicle available
There are two single-seater powered mobility vehicles. Booking is essential for both; you can book by calling 01568 780246.
Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guides are available in the castle.
Steps/uneven terrain
The first floor of the castle can only be accessed by a staircase. Parts of the parkland have uneven terrain, natural paths and steps.
Designated parking
Separate mobility parking, 30 metres from Visit Reception
Transfer available
Shuttle service from Visitor Reception to tea-room, castle and second-hand bookshop
Drop-off point
Virtual tour
To book a virtual tour session, please call 01568 780246.
Induction loop
Wheelchairs available
There is one manual wheelchair available for loan and two single-seater powered mobility vehicles. Booking is essential for both; you can book by calling 01568 780246.
Large print (guide or menu)
Large print guides are available in the castle.
By road
Approach from B4362, turning north at Cock Gate between Bircher and Mortimer's Cross: signposted from Ludlow to Leominster road (A49) and from A4110 at Mortimer's Cross.
Parking: 100 yards
Sat Nav: use HR6 0BL
By train
Leominster 7 miles
By bus
from Ludlow to Hereford (passing close Ludlow train station and Leominster), alight Gorbett Bank, 2¼ miles
By bicycle
Planning your visit
Winter hours at Croft Castle
From 6 November, Croft will be open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. For the castle, only guided pre-booked tours are available. Fully open on weekends. For detailed information, please check the 'Opening Times' tab at the top of this page.
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Visiting Croft Castle with your dog
Croft Castle is a two pawprint rated place. You and your dog can explore 1,500 acres of parkland and beautiful gardens at Croft Castle.
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Group and school visits at Croft Castle
With over a thousand years of history, a cosy walled garden and 1,500 acres of parkland, there’s so much to discover and learn on a group visit.
Highlights
Castle
Castellated 17th-century manor house and home to the Croft family for many centuries, including present day.
Gardens
Colourful herbaceous borders, secret garden and walled garden, complete with small working vineyard, historic apple trees and glasshouse.
Parkland
1,500 acres of historic parkland, with woodland, farmland, picturesque Fishpool Valley, Iron Age hillfort and ancient trees.
Castle play area and natural play area
Castle play area for younger explorers opposite the tea-room. Natural play area in the parkland, complete with rope swings and balance beams.
Church
St Michael and All Angels church is opposite the castle and still used today as a parish church. Parts of the church date back to the 12th century.
Carpenter's tea-room
Light and airy tea-room serving snacks, sandwiches, cakes, pasties, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. Seating indoor and out. Dogs welcome in glazed area.
Second-hand bookshop
Bookshop in the stables, packed full of pre-loved fiction, non-fiction, DVDs and children's books.
Spotlight events
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Illuminate at Croft Castle
Make your Christmas magical with our after dark winter lights show at Croft Castle in Herefordshire.
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Christmas at Croft Castle
Experience a traditional Christmas at Croft this year with twinkling trees and cosy décor inside the castle and winter illuminations throughout the garden.
Storytelling with Father Christmas
Join us for an enchanting group storytelling session with Father Christmas on either Saturday, December 16, or Sunday, December 17. Each child will receive a small gift.
Things to see and do
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The castle at Croft Castle
Croft Castle was noted in the Domesday book in 1086 and the Croft family have played a part influencing British political and military history ever since. Uncover their stories in the castle.
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The garden at Croft Castle
Discover the garden at Croft Castle, taking in the historic orchard within the walled garden, or listen to the birds in the church garden.
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Exploring the parkland at Croft Castle
Explore 1,500 acres of wood, farm and parkland including the 'Picturesque' Fishpool Valley and an Iron Age hillfort at Croft Castle.
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Family fun at Croft Castle
With ancient woodlands, secret gardens and a homely castle, Croft has everything you need for a fun family day out.
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Volunteer opportunities at Croft Castle
Join the great team of volunteers bringing the stories of Croft’s historic castle and parkland to life.
Top trails
Trail
Croft Castle Pokehouse Wood walk
A long woodland walk taking in the River Lugg – a Site of Special Scientific Interest – some ancient trees and the old bridge that was part of the original approach to the castle.
Trail
Croft Ambrey walk at Croft Castle
A ramble through fields and woodland, a circuit of Croft Ambrey Iron Age hillfort, then back to your starting point via the outskirts of the picturesque Fishpool Valley.
Trail
Croft Castle Fishpool Valley walk
Discover this historic landscaped valley with its chain of dams and pools, carefully planted trees and architecture such as the icehouse, grotto, pumphouse and limekiln.
Trail
Highwood and Fishpool walk at Croft Castle
Explore the historic paths and woodland of Fishpool Valley, take in views over the landscaped pools and visit the remains of the summerhouse, icehouse and Gothic pumphouse.
Trail
Croft Castle ancient tree walk
An enjoyable stroll through the fields, taking in ancient trees including an avenue of chestnuts and the 1,000-year-old Quarry Oak, as well as a medieval church.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Croft Castle
Tuck into some lunch and light bites in the Carpenter’s tea-room at Croft Castle, or visit the second-hand bookshop to find yourself a pre-loved classic.
Places to stay
Croft Garden Cottage
A gothic-style former gardener’s cottage tucked away in the walled garden of Croft Castle.
The Triumphal Arch
Making up half of the arch, this unique holiday cottage has views across Capability Brown designed gardens.
Ambrey Cottage
Surrounded by woodland, this spacious cottage is the perfect spot for a peaceful break.
Upcoming events
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Croft's 1920s Christmas trail
From glittering decorations to favourite toys, discover how Christmas was celebrated 100 years ago along this winter trail
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Christmas at Croft Castle
From Saturday 18 November, join us for a 1920s Christmas party at Croft Castle.
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The Courtyard Christmas shopping weekend
Join us on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December for an artisan shopping weekend where you can shop for unique Christmas gifts inside the festively decorated castle.
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Carol singing at Croft Castle
Get into the festive spirit and enjoy carols in the castle this winter at Croft.
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Parish of Croft and Yarpole Carol Service
Join us for a heart-warming Christmas experience at the church during your visit to Croft Castle.
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Winter weekday guided house tours
On winter weekdays from November 6, join our knowledgeable volunteers for a guided tour of the castle.
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Storytelling with Father Christmas
Get into the festive spirit with some group storytelling sessions with Father Christmas in the castle.
About Croft Castle and Parkland
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. Take a way marked walk to discover an abundance of nature at this special place.
The two acre walled garden is a wildlife haven, attracting butterflies, bees, birds and insects. It is the perfect place to enjoy the changing seasons, with daffodils and blossom in spring, roses and wisteria in summer and apples in autumn.
History
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The history of Croft Castle
Find out how the Croft family played their part in major historical events, and how Croft Castle eventually passed to the National Trust.
Art and collections
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Portrait of Elizabeth Croft at Croft Castle
Discover more about an oil painting by John Constable of Elizabeth Lewis, the second wife of Rev. Sir Herbert Croft, 5th Baronet and how it came to be at Croft Castle.
Our work
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Our work in the castle at Croft
Discover the conservation work preserving the historic castle at Croft.
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Our work in the parkland at Croft Castle
Vital work is ongoing to conserve Croft’s historic parkland for future generations.
Project
Project
Fishpool Valley restoration project at Croft Castle
Learn how the ‘Picturesque’ Fishpool Valley at Croft Castle was restored to its former natural glories.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Croft Castle
Join the great team of volunteers bringing the stories of Croft’s historic castle and parkland to life.