Visited August 2010

Location	Eastnor, Near Ledbury, Hereford
Entrance Fee	Yes
Railway Station	Ledbury - approx 2 miles
Parking	Yes
Facilities	Toilets, Cafe,Picnic Area, Adventure Playground, Maze, Arboretum
Map

Review

If you are a medieval purist, I suggest you go back to the homepage at this point, as you will be disappointed. However, if you are a parent looking for a good day out with the children, read on!

Eastnor Castle was started in 1810 by the 1st Earl Somers, whose family had owned the land for generations. It was built in the style of Norman Revival, that is to mimic the Norman castles which were originally built around Herefordshire by the Marcher Lords to control the Welsh. Lord Somers clearly wanted to demonstrate his wealth and standing by creating a status symbol with turrets!!It was meant to look like a Norman castle, but clearly is not any age at all in castle terms, hence my comment about medieval purists.

The castle is still inhabited by the descendants of the same family, rescued from disrepair by the present owners James & Sarah Hervey-Bathurst. Their restored rooms of the castle are open to the public- there is a children's trail to follow through the house, which my children really enjoyed- but I was amazed to be asked to pay 50p for them to take part- I have never had to pay for a trail before, it is usually all included in the entrance fee!

The bulk of the attractions on offer at the castle are outside- a castle-themed adventure playground (big success- could not drag the children away) an arboretum, a maze, an assault course, a lake and woodland walk, and a picnic area. All this will keep the children occupied pretty much all day, and justify the entrance fee (£22.50 for a family ticket at the time of our visit) All in all it was a very pleasant visit to a beautiful, child-friendly castle!

As a post-script, Eastnor Castle grounds are used to test drive Land Rovers, and 'Land Rover Experience' days are available for those who are into off-roading.  The castle grounds are approx. 5,000 acres so the Land Rovers have plenty of room to be completely separate from the castle visitors.

More info:  Eastnor Castle Landrover Experience