Hampton Court Castle

Where

Off the A417 at Hope under Dinmore, Herefordshire

What’s on offer

A fine 15th century castle packed with suits of armour, set in beautiful Herefordshire parkland and with an enchanting walled garden where stunning flower displays are divided by canals and island pavilions and a kitchen garden with fruit and vegetables is managed organically and supplies produce to the castle’s Orangery Cafe.

How to get there

From Worcester, take the Bromyard Road an d join the A4103 signposted Hereford, then the A417 signposted Leominster. Hampton Court Castle is on an unnamed road left off the A417 not far from the turning to Shortwood Farm and is well signposted.

Opening times

It is advisable to ring 01568 797777 if you are planning a tour of the castle, as it is closed to the public when in use for private events such as weddings. From June 1 toAugust 31 the castle is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm, and from September 1 to October from 10.30-5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Prices

Prices an d times may vary on special event days, so ring in advance to check. Gardens: Adults £6.50 senior citizens £5.50 (both including free garden admission on a second midweek visit); children aged 5-16, £3: children under five years old, free; Family ticket (two adults, three children maximum) £16.50. Castle and gardens: Adults £10; senior citizens £8.50 (both including free garden admission on second midweek visit); children aged 5-16, £4.50; children under five, free; family ticket, £25 (two adults three children maximum).

Review

The castle, gardens and parkland are an amazing attraction in their own right. Sited on the meadows of the River Lugg, the castle is backed by a steep wooded escarpment, surrounded by woodland an d set in grounds of 1,000 acres. Founded by King Henry in the early 15th century, the castle has been completely restored. The gardens are a delight and there is a maze of a thousand yews with a gothic tower at the centre, giving views over the gardens. Go underground and a tunnel leads to a waterfall in a sunken garden. A 150-year-old wisteria tunnel leads to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the castle and the Orangery Cafe in a grand conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton. The attraction is well worth a visit, catering for both adults an d children. It is the venue for wedding fairs and has also hosted the Herefordshire Country Fair. Family and children’s events are held regularly during the school holidays. A recent Aztec event íncluded air rifle and laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, canoe kayak and paddle boat trips on the lake, frisbee golf, rock climbing, face painting and a bouncy castle. Check because such events usually carry an activity wristband charge in addition to normal admission fees. Jousting and stunt riding is planned for Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29 and the Chapterhouse Theatre Company are staging Snow White there on Thursday, August 25th at 6.30pm.