The estate's Iron Age hill fort, Croft Ambrey, contains earthworks dating back to 500 BC.
The ancient parkland contains veteran oak trees, some of which are estimated to be over 400 years old.
The Croft family has held the estate for almost 1,000 years, with the exception of a brief period in the 18th century.
The estate includes a rare 17th-century Spanish chestnut avenue, which is considered one of the finest in Britain.
The church located on the site, St Michael and All Angels, features a 15th-century nave and a 16th-century tower.
During the Second World War, the castle served as a boarding school for evacuated girls from London.
The parkland provides a habitat for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a protected species in the UK.
The castle gardens were significantly influenced by the Picturesque movement, popular in the 18th century.
Croft Castle is an 11th-century fortified manor house situated within 1,500 acres of working farmland and historic parkland in Herefordshire. The current structure, primarily dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, has been the ancestral seat of the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years. The estate features a rare 'Spanish' chestnut avenue planted in the 17th century. The surrounding Iron Age hill fort, Croft Ambrey, predates the castle and offers extensive earthworks. The parkland serves as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its ancient wood pasture and veteran tree population. Interior highlights include a Georgian-style staircase and a collection of 18th-century decorative arts. Visitors can access the 15th-century St Michael and All Angels church located within the estate grounds. The site is managed by the National Trust and includes a walled garden restored to its mid-19th-century layout.
The view looking up the long avenue of ancient Spanish chestnut trees toward the castle.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain of the Iron Age hill fort and wooded parkland.
Check the National Trust website before arrival for seasonal trail closures or livestock grazing updates.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in spotting the site's diverse bird and bat populations.
Attempting to walk the entire 1,500-acre estate without a map, as the perimeter paths are extensive and can be strenuous.
The property typically operates on seasonal hours, with reduced accessibility to the house interior during winter months.
Maintain clear paths on the walking trails and keep dogs on leads in areas with livestock.
