Eastnor Castle & Arboretum, Ledbury

Itinerary

Eastnor Castle

A 19th Century revival castle built by the 2nd Baron (Lord) Somers, between 1810 and 1824, today Eastnor Castle is the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family.

Enter the castle through the splendid main doors. Take a self-guided tour through the magnificent state rooms including the Great Hall, State Dining Room, Gothic Drawing Room, Octagon Saloon and a number of the opulent bedrooms. Friendly, experienced and well informed guides are in all of the rooms ready to share information and history about the Castle.

The Arboretum

Most of Eastnor Castle’s exotic trees were planted in the second half of the 19th century, at the height of the Victorian passion for plant collecting. The 2nd and 3rd Earls Somers collected seed on their travels. Many more plants came from botanical expeditions and from specialist nurseries where trees were raised from seed imported from all over the world.

Growing in the alkaline soil of the Malvern Hills, rather than in the acid soil where most other conifer collections are found, the trees in the arboretum are surprising for their beauty and exceptional size.

Follow one of trails to explore the arboretum. See the estate’s most important trees on the Eastnor Trail. The Tree Hunters’ Trek, is shaped by a group of Victorian explorers who travelled the world in search of precious seeds which were planted in gardens and estates throughout Victorian Britain.

The lake is an important part of the Castle’s landscape and was created shortly after the castle was finished by daming up two streams that ran through the valley. The remains of the original family house Castleditch, form the larger of two islands and the foundations of the house are still at the base of the lake.

Refreshments

The Castle Tea Room is set in the old castle kitchen and serves a delicious range of homemade snacks, light lunches, and home-made cakes, using the very best seasonal and locally-sourced produce.

Travel arrangements

Departing Ellesmere at 08.30 and Shrewsbury 09.30. Arriving back in Shrewsbury at 18.00 and Ellesmere at 18.45.

All timings are provisional and will be confirmed 7-days before travel and are dependent upon traffic on the day.

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel.

Booking your place

The tour price is £75 per person

Non-refundable deposit £30 per person payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Includes return coach travel and entry into Eastnor Castle & Arboretum.

Accessibility & Mobility Information: Accessibility at Eastnor Castle & Arboretum Follow the link for more information.

Eastnor Castle & Arboretum, Ledbury

Tour Information

Nestled in the Malvern Hills National Landscape, Eastnor Castle is just a few miles from the medieval market town of Ledbury in Herefordshire.

Included in the Tour

A tranquil autumn day out

Itinerary

Eastnor Castle

The Arboretum

Travel arrangements

Booking your place