Family fun at Croft Castle

Child on father's shoulders gazing at an apple tree with young fruit. — Visitors in the orchard | © James Dobson

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

Autumn adventures

As the weather cools, Croft turns into a wonderland of autumn shades, offering a captivating experience for families. Slip on your wellies and relish the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, challenge your friends to a conker match, and cozy up in the tea-room with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. This autumn, join us for:

Apple Picking

This autum, families can explore our orchard and handpick some delicious apples. Discover the diverse range of varieties that thrive in our orchard while relaxing in the garden.

Music on the lawn

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, we are joined by traditional folk band The Rotundas for a weekend of live music on the front lawn at Croft Castle.

'An Apple Gathering' exhibition: The Apple Art Hunt

Families can also enjoy The Apple Art Hunt, the second stage of Croft’s ‘An Apple Gathering’ exhibition. Seek the fruit in some surprising places around the castle, church, grounds, and gardens - within the pages of books, on mantlepieces, and even by using your nose.

Head to our events page to find out more about what’s on this summer and plan your next visit to Croft Castle.

Children balancing on logs in the wild play area at Croft Castle, Herefordshire — Children balancing on logs in the wild play area at Croft Castle | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Family-friendly things to do in the parkland

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Get your kids closer to nature with ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There are 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 50 activities to try as a family outdoors which can be used over and over again.

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 giant noughts and crosses.

A family playing outside at Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey — Explore the ancient woodland at Croft Castle | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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.

Family friendly things to do in 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.

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, including hot snacks and drinks to warm you up after you've explored the parkland and gardens.

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.