Latest news with #CroftCastle
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Wildlife haven' National Trust castle near Birmingham with vineyard and secret garden
In summer, the grounds of Croft Castle come to life with the colour of roses and wisteria, a change from the springtime daffodils and the traditional (and rare) apples that fill the fruit trees in autumn. Situated right on the border where England meets Wales, this castle is a real gem in Herefordshire, less than 50 miles from Birmingham city centre and a spot that you should put on your National Trust to-do list if you're planning summer days out near the Midlands. As visitor Vitor Santiago explained on Google when he gave it five stars: "Super well preserved castle with lots of history to tell. Read more: I visited the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition and one surprise was more precious than 100 Grammys Read more: All the Birmingham places heavy metal fans need to visit during Black Sabbath weekend "And impressive parkland with different routes for different experiences, centuries-old trees, farm animals roaming free in the pasture. "Without a doubt a worthwhile visit for lovers of nature and English history." Croft Castle isn't an ancient fortress, it's a 17th century manor house with its own vineyard, secret garden and walled garden which produces vegetables and fruit for visitors to enjoy in the Carpenters tea-room on site. Phoenix grapes are grown at Croft, used to made a white table wine that's described as 'refreshing and crisp', though vines have to be nurtured to flourish in the walled garden. READ MORE: Photos show the 'quiet, ancient' National Trust castle a day trip from Birmingham The apples we mentioned at the start of this story are pressed come autumn, and visitors can go and take part in picking. The apple trees in the field near Croft are very old and twisted, though they still produce fruit. Some trees lie on their sides, their small green fruits bearing a 'somewhat ancient' peppery flavour. Most of the apple trees were planted in the 1920s though, with old Herefordshire varieties like Adam's Pearmain, Doctor Hare, King's Acre Bountiful, Herefordshire Beefing, Brown Snout and Downton Pippin. Other plants in the walled garden in summer include blue globe thistles, yellow giant scabious, white Shasta daisies and purple acanthus. The old fashioned roses are loved by insects who buzz around Sweet Juliet, Ludlow Castle and Zephirine Drouhin varieties. The National Trust describes Croft as a 'quiet, ancient place, steeped in British history and politics'. The best way to learn about that history is by visiting. There are lots of walking trails including a stroll to the picturesque old pumphouse in the Fishpool Valley on the estate. The garden paths at Croft Castle are described as fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs and dogs are permitted in the walled garden too, if you wanted to take the whole family. Kids will love climbing trees and playing in the castle-themed play area. You'll find Croft Castle at Yarpole, near Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9PW.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Croft Castle: National Trust plans to demolish farm buildings
The National Trust has put forward plans to demolish four farm buildings on a castle estate in the structures are said to be "redundant" at Croft Castle and apparently built since charity said the plan was prompted by damage to a neighbouring threshing barn, which holds "significant heritage value for the Croft estate", from a fallen tree last plans stated: "The planned removal of the four modern agricultural buildings surrounding the threshing barn will enable its careful restoration and help preserve its historical integrity." Bat checks planned The buildings are listed as cattle sheds; a Dutch barn (a timber structure used to store hay); an implement shed (a building used to store equipment); and a silage clamp, which is a structure used to store crops and make are all part of the Home Farm near Leominster, which is north of the Grade I-listed castle and neighbouring church, and they are not normally accessible to visitors, the application charity said they should not be seen as part of the "curtilage", or the area around the neighbouring heritage-listed buildings, and it said listed building consent would not be required for added removing the structures "will better reveal the traditional buildings in the vicinity" and enhance the would be checked for the presence of protected bats and birds prior to demolition, documents Council is expected to decide on the application by 8 June. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
