Family fun at Croft Castle

A family playing outside at Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey — Summer fun at Croft Castle and Parkland | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Are you ready for a Summer of Play? Here are just a few suggestions of how you can spend a fun-filled family day out in the 1500 acre estate including two play areas at Croft Castle this summer.

Summer of Play

20 July - 1 September

There are endless ways to play this summer at Croft Castle. Little ones can explore the natural world, burn off steam, and let their imaginations run wild with activities and games that encourage the whole family to get stuck in. Create your own adventure in the natural play area, get active with a whole host of garden games, and become king or queen of the mini castle play area. Try it all, find your favourite, come back again and again.

Play and sports equipment can be borrowed from the visitor welcome centre from 20 July - 1 September.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England.

The whimsical woods - summer holidays trail

20 July - 1 September

Explore the gardens and grounds this summer and discover what's been stirring amongst the ancient trees at Croft Castle. £3 per trail which includes an activity sheet, colouring pencils, and a prize (normal admission applies).

'The Enchanted Garden' interactive storytelling

6 August

Join Louby Lou Storytelling in 'The Enchanted Garden' interactive storytelling trail around the gardens at Croft Castle. £5 per child and booking is advisable (normal admission applies).

'Princesses, Knights & Dragons' interactive storytelling

20 August

Join Louby Lou Storytelling in a 'Princesses, Knights & Dragons' interactive storytelling trail around the gardens at Croft Castle. £5 per child and booking is advisable (normal admission applies).

Find out more about what's on and how to book events at Croft Castle this summer by following the link below.

Summer at Croft Castle

A colourful graphic with children at play, rainbows, butterflies, sunshine, bunting, musical notes and more. — Summer of Play in Herefordshire | © National Trust

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.

Two children and one adult with a ranger hunting for bugs on Wildlife Explorer Day at Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire — Explore the ancient woodland at Croft Castle | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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.