4 days ago
'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.
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"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.
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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.
