Discover more at Brockhampton
Find out when Brockhampton is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at Brockhampton
The moated manor house may be the highlight of the Brockhampton estate, but did you know there’s plenty to see and discover in the wider parkland? The estate at Brockhampton covers 1,700 acres and includes wooded valleys, streams and woodlands, all changing with the seasons.
Things to see in the parkland
The parkland at Brockhampton was converted from farmland into the picturesque landscape style made popular by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Here are some highlights to look out for while you explore the outdoors.
Walking at Brockhampton
There are four waymarked walks to choose from at Brockhampton where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The walks include a mix of accessible paths and off road paths. Discover orchards, both old and new, natural woodland, parkland and a circular walk with breathtaking views across the Herefordshire countryside.
Herefordshire views - red trail
Enjoy sweeping views across the county and beyond, to Bringsty Common, the Clee Hills, Cotswolds and Malvern Hills. This short walk takes you on a circular route around the top of the estate, taking in the church, Park Pond and glimpses of what used to be the walled garden for the Georgian house.
Woodland walk - green trail
Explore the natural green space on a trail through the woodland with the family. The woodland was once part of the Leggett-inspired parkland. Some of the large older specimen trees were planted in the late 1700s as part of this re-design. Why not see how many native trees you can spot during your walk? Just remember to pop on your wellies, as the paths are very muddy at this time of year
Orchard walk - blue trail
Explore the accessible paths through the young and old orchards, which are home to rare wildlife with something of interest in every season. Spring blossom displays give way to boughs laden with autumn fruit. Mistletoe thrives in the older fruit trees which can easily be seen in winter. This 1½-mile return walk is a treat for the senses whatever time of year you visit.
Parkland walk - yellow trail
This is a challenging but enjoyable walk around the Brockhampton estate's Grade II-listed parkland. The many veteran trees here are home to a variety of wildlife, while work has been carried out around the lawn pool to open up some of the original views to and from the Georgian mansion house.
Come prepared - This route can get quite muddy in wet weather, so make sure you bring suitable footwear.
An overview showing all the walks is available
Winter on the estate
Bare trees and scattered dew gives a whole new beauty to Brockhampton. See nature in a different light when visiting this winter.
The sweeping views as you enter Brockhampton are pretty impressive. The clear and crisp winter skies allow you to look out over hills and dingles.
Winter wildlife watching
Winter is the ideal time of year to watch wildlife. Ducks are in their colourful winter plumage; keep an eye out for winter migratory birds such as tufted ducks and pochards on the pools as well as mallards, sitting pretty on the moat.
Songbirds such as thrush, starlings and redwing can be spotted throughout the orchards and estate, looking impressive in their winter-finery. See if you can spot a jay; these colourful birds are easier to spot in winter with the branches being bare. You often hear jays before you see them, with their laughter-like call.
Walking through the woods, look out for deer: muntjac, roe and fallow can be seen on the estate. Throughout the colder months, deer search for food and can sometimes be spotted stripping bark from trees.
In the new year snowdrops will begin to appear, letting us all know spring is just around the corner.
The estate at Brockhampton is dog-friendly with. Find out all you need to know here: Bringing your dog to Brockhampton
Wander through ancient woodland
Brockhampton boasts an impressive 700 acres of woodland containing over 32 species of trees. Clustered in steep-sided valleys next to the streams, and to the north of the estate, are pockets of semi-natural ancient woodland. To be classed as ‘ancient’ the area must have been continuously wooded since 1600 and some of the wide-bottomed oaks are at least 500 years old.
Whilst walking through the woods, depending on the time of year you may see bluebells, snowdrops, daffodils, primroses and sweet woodruff. Less commonly seen, though still present, are wood spurge and dog’s mercury.
Once trees have died or fallen, we leave the decaying trunks that make great habitats for insects, fungi and lichens.
Relax by Lawn Pool
Records show that Lawn Pool has existed here since around 1769 when Leggett designed the parkland surrounding the mansion. It would have provided the perfect spot for the Barnebys to fish and shoot, and in the 1800s it also had its own boathouse.
Today, Lawn Pool is a wildlife haven where you can enjoy watching carp, frogs and coots. If you’re really lucky you may spot a kingfisher.
Brockhampton chapel
At the top of the estate near the welcome kiosk stands Brockhampton Chapel. This Chapel was was built between the years 1790-1810 as a replacement for the Old Noman Chapel, which is now a ruin situated next to the moated Manor House at Lower Brockhampton.
The present Chapel takes the form of an ‘Early Gothic Revival’ stone church predating any such church in Hereford and London by 20 years, with tower and pinnacles, buttresses with saddleback heads and an embattled parapet. The Chapel is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm, and you are welcome to head in an explore durning your visit.
Traditional orchards at Brockhampton
The estate is home to approximately 145 acres of traditional orchards. Whatever the season, don't miss the impressive elderly fruit trees which engulf the medieval manor house and beyond.
Surrounding the house is an orchard full of Shropshire prune damson trees which erupt into cloud-like blossom around early April, followed by laden boughs of sweet fruit by late summer.
Head through the gate and the damson trees begin to intermingle with apples, many local heritage varieties grow here such as the Onibury Pippin and Worcester Pearmain.
Other fruit on the estate include cherries, pears and the not-so-common medlar fruit which dates back to the Roman times. You have to wait for this fruit to ‘blett’ or rot, before it is sweet and soft enough to eat.
As the weather turns cooler, resident farmer James Hawkins grazes his Hebrides sheep here to help manage the orchards organically.
Reimagining the orchards
Archaeological investigations in 2015 confirmed knowledge that a large orchard, spanning over 21 acres once stood in the grazing fields behind the manor house.
In 2019, we began reinstating these lost Victorian orchards but with a modern twist. Bristol-based artist, Walter Jack, was commissioned to help create an orchard with the enjoyment of visitors at the heart of its design.
Working alongside landscape architects, Rathbourne Partnership, Walter developed a concept of the orchards which will span across three fields.
Planting modern orchards
The first of the orchards was planted in winter 2019 and can now be explored by visitors. This orchard features five ‘circular rooms’ surrounded by lowland meadow.
Each ‘room’ features unusual and rare varieties of fruit, specially chosen to tell the story of the history of the eating apple, from its origins in Kazakhstan to the traditional Herefordshire cider apple.
The story of the apple will also be told through different means of interpretation and art, the first installation being the 'Hereford Bull' trow (type of cargo boat) which can be discovered in the new orchards. After exploring the trow, follow the accessible paths along the orchard play trail, spot the orchard wildlife sculptures and find out more about the importance of these priority habitats.
Not only are orchards significant to Herefordshire’s past, but they also create wonderful habitats which is why the National Trust is working hard towards preserving and maintaining the orchards at special places in Herefordshire.
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Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
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Walks at Brockhampton PDF
Click here for a PDF version of the Croft Castle walks map. All walks and trail routes can be found in the 'Things to see and do' section of our website.