The tree currently on-site is a direct genetic descendant of the original Royal Oak that sheltered the King.
King Charles II disguised himself as a woodcutter to evade capture while staying at the house.
The house contained a 'priest hole' concealed behind wainscoting in the floor, which doubled as a hiding spot for the King.
After the Battle of Worcester, Charles II traveled over 400 miles to reach safety in France.
The site includes a rare 17th-century 'staircase' that leads to the hiding places in the upper floors.
The farmstead demonstrates the transition from a lodge to a working agricultural site during the Industrial Revolution.
A descendant of the original Royal Oak was planted by King Charles II's own descendant, the Prince of Wales, in 2001.
Boscobel translates from Italian as 'beautiful woods'.
The house remained in the private possession of the Giffard family, who were staunch Royalists, for generations.
The site features a traditional 'topiary' garden layout representative of the mid-19th century.
Boscobel House is a 17th-century timber-framed hunting lodge famously associated with the escape of King Charles II following the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The current grounds house a descendant of the original Royal Oak tree where the King hid from Parliamentary forces. The site features a priest hole, a hidden compartment used to conceal Catholic priests during the Reformation. The interior showcases period furnishings and displays detailing the monarch's flight, including the 'Royal Escape' route. The grounds include a traditional farmyard, a restored 19th-century barn, and a Victorian-style garden. It is managed by English Heritage as a historical site preserving both royal history and agricultural architecture. Visitors can explore the multi-story structure and the surrounding woodlands.
The bench directly facing the Royal Oak descendant tree provides the most iconic frame of the site.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain of the farm and woodland areas.
Check the upper floors early in your visit, as the staircases are narrow and can become congested.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the Royal Oak descendant.
Attempting to climb the fenced-off Royal Oak tree or straying into the restricted agricultural fields.
Generally open seasonally; frequently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during off-peak months. Always verify current operating status via the English Heritage website before travel.
No photography inside the priest holes for conservation reasons; remain on marked pathways in the gardens.
