Castles and Country Houses

From National Trust to privately owned properties, Enjoy splendid castles and country houses in Herefordshire. Also enjoy our handy Great Combo Destinations in Herefordshire Guide.

Kentchurch Court, home of the Lucas-Scudamore family has survived for nearly 1000 years through political alliances, intrigue, advantageous marriages and strong women! Lying beneath Garway Hill in the Monnow valley, close to the city of Hereford, this beautiful historic house and gardens are not to be missed whilst visiting Herefordshire. Features of the gardens include a Rhododendron wood, walled garden and a vegetable garden. Around 250 deer live in The Deer Park, where examples of ancient trees including Yew, Chestnut and a number of large Maple trees can be found. Kentchurch Court is Steeped in history dating back as far as 1058. Read more about the house, family and history. The gardens are open to the public from Good Friday to 30 September. The house is available for group visits of 5 or more, by appointment only. Please check the calendar for opening times and days. Kentchurch Court is a perfect destination for walkers and cyclists to use as a base. Taking advantage of the tea room for their refreshments. Painting groups are welcome to use the gardens and house for inspiration and car clubs often include Kentchurch Court in their itineraries. Dogs are welcome on leads and most of […]

Kentchurch Court

Gardens, Historic House, Venue Golden Valley

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Westonbury Mill Water Gardens is beautiful and fun Garden and follies Westonbury Mill Water Gardens are set in the wonderful wild heart of Herefordshire close to the ‘black-and-white’ village of Pembridge. About half of its 3½ acres is filled with massed planting of vividly colourful moisture-lovers laid out around a tangle of streams and ponds, partly shaded by a backdrop of mature trees. Punctuating the garden are a number of fantastic follies, often featured on national television, which will fascinate and entertain you. Walking amongst the garden’s exuberant growth, you will find that it opens up slowly and provides new interest around each corner. There are lots of benches where you can relax for a long view. The other half of the garden is a wild flower meadow where you can walk alongside the Curl Brook among banks of shrubs and young trees, or climb the spiral path of the great mound in the middle of the meadow and enjoy splendid views of the garden, neighbouring farmland and distant hills. Cafe: There is an excellent cafe for coffee, lunches and teas Plant nursery: There is a wide selection of plants from the garden Information Open: every day from 1st April […]

Westonbury Mill Water Gardens

Gardens Pembridge

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The jewel in the crown of Herefordshire homes Hellens Manor still serves as a residence but is also open to the public, administered by the Pennington-Mellor-Munthe Charity Trust, and hosting tour groups as well as cultural events such as lectures, concerts, school field-trips, and literary discussions, forming a key part of the cultural life of Much Marcle. The inside of the manor is impressive with Tudor style architecture and fine delicacies. The manor was originally occupied by French Monks but a short while after in the year of 1096 the manor was granted to the De Balun family who became witnesses of the signing of the Magna Carta. In 1301 Hellens went to Lords Audley, a nephew James who was companion to the Black Prince rented the manor for a pair of silver spurs. Afterwards he then leased the manor to Walter De Helyon who then later gave his name to the house. Over the following centuries the manor passed through several hands including those of Richard Walwyn who became occupier of Hellens Manor in the late 14th century, in the 15th century the wealthy family made many changes to the house. The Audleys and Walwyns held court in the […]

Hellens Manor

Gardens, Historic House, Venue Ledbury

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A unique little garden centre with an astonishing range of plants – many locally grown. Inside we have a mesmerising selection of quality outdoor gifts, tools and wildlife products,as well as a wonderful large selection of wind chimes and garden ornaments. Part of The Hop Pocket Shopping Village

Hop Pocket Garden Centre

Garden shop Bromyard

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Eastnor Castle is a great day out for the whole family! Open to visitors on selected days from Easter until the end of September, there is plenty to entertain and amuse visitors of all ages, including dogs who are most welcome. Visitors can explore the state rooms within Eastnor Castle where guides are on hand in every room to pass on their expert knowledge on the fascinating history of the castle. The beautiful grounds are home to a spectacular arboretum and a magnificent lake where visitors can walk freely or follow set trails and walks to discover some breath taking views and landscapes. A special children’s booklet is given to all children on arrival to encourage them to see and take part in the many fun activities such as the Adventure Playground, Knight’s Maze, Junior Assault Course and Land Rover Mini Off-Roaders. A varied and exciting events programme is put on throughout the year and these events are all included in the entrance price. There is a Gift Shop, Ice Cream Parlour and Tea Room offering hot and cold food, drinks and snacks. There are also picnic benches scattered all around the grounds so picnics can be enjoyed with a […]

Eastnor Castle

Historic Castle Ledbury

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Hergest Croft gardens is in the heart of beautiful North Herefordshire countryside and sits alongside Hergest Ridge at Kington. The gardens are as lovingly cared for today as they always have been and maintained in the Banks Family. Lawrence Banks and his wife, Elizabeth have managed the Gardens since 1988. He is the former Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society and she is a noted landscape architect and the RHS President since 2011. They have continued the tradition of planting newly introduced plants, particularly in the Maple Grove, which have been a feature of the garden since 1900. There is so much to discover at Hergest Croft, every visit can be like a first one! The gardens extend over 70 acres with more than 5000 rare trees and shrubs described as ‘one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs with over 85 Champion Trees’.There are five distinct areas: Hergest Croft Garden The Kitchen Garden with Spring and Herbaceous borders The Azalea Garden the Maple Grove The ParkWood There is a wonderful tea room in the old dining room which offers beautiful views while you relax with traditional home cooked food. In the hall is a gift shop, selling local wares and traditional gifts and a plant […]

Hergest Croft Gardens

A garden for all seasons Kington

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Brobury House is a charming Victorian building Brobury House and gardens is on the banks of the River Wye in Herefordshire near Bredwardine. The house is a charming Victorian building which the current owners Keith and Pru Cartright have renovated. There are eight acres of garden which have been nurtured to retain the original Victorian character. Set in the peace and tranquility of Brobury countryside, it is an ideal place to explore the city of Hereford, the Welsh Marches and the book lovers paradise of Hay on Wye. It is a place to relax and unwind. All are welcome, especially nature lovers, gardeners, artists, photographers and those who would just like to sit and picnic in beautiful surroundings. Bed & Breakfast at Brobury House offers modern en suite rooms with stunning views across the gardens. Breakfast is served in the conservatory and offers a full range of foods from full English to continental. Free WI-FI is available. If you are planning a longer stay, why not consider one of the beautifully peaceful cottages set within the 8 acres of Brobury House Gardens. A perfect rural retreat in the heart of Herefordshire countryside. Each cottage offers spacious kitchen, dining and living room […]

Brobury House & Gardens

Accommodation and Gardens Hay on Wye

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Croft Castle sits deep in the heart of Herefordshire countryside surrounded by 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. This intimate house became the Croft family home before the Domesday Book. 2019 marks 75 years since D-Day and 80 years since the start of the Second World War. To commemorate these significant anniversaries, we’re sharing the stories of the Croft family from 1939-45. Families can step back in time and discover what life was like at Croft when it was a school for evacuated children during the war, with dressing up and games in the Family Room. In the castle you can live life as Sir James Croft and find out how the family bought back their home in 1923. Explore the family photographs or sit and read through the auction catalogues. Look out for the 1950s photographs and memorabilia which detail how Croft was at risk of demolition before 1957 and what it was like here then. Step outside and explore the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and 1908 glasshouse. Find out more about our project to restore the glasshouse and how you can support our work. Look out for the Georgian stable block and […]

Croft Castle

National Trust Castle and Parkland Leominster

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Standing proud and strong, this fine Georgian mansion sits within Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s final garden and landscape. This year, we’re embarking on our ambitious Garden Project. This aims to restore, revive and reimagine ‘Capability’ Brown’s iconic walled garden and pleasure grounds for future generations. We’re working in partnership with local community groups to ensure the vision for the gardens are co-created and beneficial for the local community. We need to raise £200,000 to repair the garden walls, including the rare curved section, which is one of only two left surviving in this style. From July 2019, you’ll be able to step inside and explore this area for the first time. Find out how you can support the project on your next visit and ask the team about the various fundraising events and gardening workshops we have planned for the coming year. In the centre of the walled garden, you can discover ‘LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!’, a bold contemporary pavilion designed by internationally renowned artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. Inspired by Berrington’s Georgian origins and eighteenth-century culture, this 8-metre-tall by 8-metre-wide pink structure inhabits the walled garden; highlighting the importance of this piece of ‘living history’ as the final masterpiece of ‘Capability’ […]

Berrington Hall

National Trust Estate and Garden Leominster

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Escape to the spectacular Weir Garden riverside and be absorbed by natural beauty. Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir Garden sits within unspoilt Herefordshire countryside and has many historical secrets to uncover. For centuries this site has been used as a pleasure ground for fishing, boating and swimming. It is managed in a natural way to create a varied habitat for wildlife. In spring see carpets of bulbs littered between ancient trees, in summer enjoy a picnic by the river to watch the wildlife and in autumn visit the walled garden bursting with seasonal produce. Visit the garden any time of year to find out why this location has appealed to so many and enjoy exploring this tranquil haven. Please note: only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens, all other dogs can be exercised in the car park picnic area. For more information about opening times, admission prices and what’s on, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-weir-garden

Weir Garden

National Trust Riverside Garden Hereford

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Brockhampton Invites visitors to discover more about key figures from the past At the heart of this 687-hectare (1700-acre) farmed estate lies Lower Brockhampton , a romantic timber-framed manor house dating back to the late 14th century. The house is surrounded by a moat and is entered via a charming timber-framed gatehouse, built 1530-40. There are miles of walks through orchards, park and woodland, featuring ancient trees, historic damson and apple orchards and the picturesque Lawn Pool. Brockhampton is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from rare bugs and beetles in our ancient orchards to a wide range of bird species which you might spot from our wildlife hide. Steeped in history, Brockhampton has witnessed many changes. Inside the manor house, explore 600 years of history and discover the families which have made this special place home. Each room takes you to a different era of history; from the wealthy landowners of medieval times to the Georgian gentleman who lived here before building a mansion house at the top of the hill. More recently the manor house was home to farming families including Mr and Mrs Dennett the gamekeeper and his wife and Val and Marion Freegard. Discover the […]

Brockhampton Estate

National Trust Estate and Gardens Bromyard

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One of England’s best kept secrets, Hampton Court Castle is genuinely one of the most romantic houses in England The forerunner to the internationally renowned Hampton Court Palace in Surrey by some 80 years. Situated in the very heart of the Herefordshire, English countryside, the 15th Century Grade One Listed Castle is set in over 1000 acres of estate. The tastefully-appointed State Rooms, including the magnificent Ballroom and exquisitely hand-painted Chapel, are now open to the public for tours. The Castle also boasts 24 sumptuous bedrooms, with feature bathrooms, four of which can be viewed on our Castle tours. The original Victorian Walled Garden now contains breathtaking displays of flower beds, ornamental walkways, waterways, fountains, island pavilions, and cascades. The legendary wisteria tunnel is said to be almost 200 years old and leads to the Castle lawns and beyond to the secret garden and waterfall. Over a thousand yew trees have been planted to create a maze with a gothic tower at its centre offering panoramic views of the gardens. The ornamental kitchen garden includes fruits & vegetables all organically managed. Lunch or afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Joseph Paxton designed Orangery Café where produce from the kitchen […]