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Family fun at Croft Castle

Family holding hands approach the gatehouse at Croft Castle, Herefordshire.
Fun at Croft Castle and Parkland | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Adventure awaits with two play areas. The mini-castle play area invites younger children to run, jump, and climb as they pretend to be kings and queens. Meanwhile, the natural play area, featuring stepping logs, a den building zone, and a rope swing, lets them unleash their wild side.

Enchanted elves trail

16 November – 5 January

Explore the grounds of the magical Croft Castle looking for signs of elf life.

Look out for the adorable elf doorways hidden around the ground. Only by solving the poems will you find the elf's secret path to their festive homes. This enchanting trail captures the wonder of Christmas and brings the magic of Santa's helpers to life.

Purchase a trail for £3 from the visitor reception to take part in some festive fun and pick up your prize (normal admission applies).

Whole site closes 24, 25 and 26 December.

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. 

Child on father's shoulders gazing at an apple tree with young fruit.
Explore the ancient woodland at Croft Castle | © James Dobson

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.

Family walks

There are several walks which run through the 1500-acre estate. Families with younger children may wish to explore the 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. 

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. 

Close-up of a girl holding a sandwich close to her mouth
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Eating and shopping at Croft Castle 

Tuck into some lunch and light bites in the Carpenter’s tea-room at Croft Castle, or visit the second-hand bookshop to find yourself a pre-loved classic.

Dog walking in the woods at Quarry Bank
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Visiting Croft Castle with your dog 

Croft Castle is a two pawprint rated place. You and your dog can explore 1,500 acres of parkland and beautiful gardens at Croft Castle.

Family walking down staircase with Christmas decorations at Scotney Castle, Kent

Family-friendly places to visit 

Find the best family-friendly places to visit and discover the fun-filled activities on offer at the places in our care.

Family fun in the snow

Family-friendly places to visit in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

From adventures in nature, outdoor trails and welly wanders, to seasonally inspired crafts, activities and games, there are lots of events and activities on offer with the National Trust in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Child walking on a log at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.