Queenswood Arboretum & Croft Castle, Herefordshire

Tour Information

The evenings might be drawing in but there is still time for just one more day trip before winter is really upon us.

With surfaced paths running throughout the 47 acres of the Queenswood Arboretum and Parkland this day trip is an ideal way to enjoy the vibrant autumn colour of the oaks and maples.

After a stroll in the Arboretum we will head off to National Trust Croft Castle and Parkland, a 17th-century manor house with 1,500 acres of historic parkland, gardens and of course a light, airy café for when you need refreshment.

Traveling from Shrewsbury with Lakeside Coaches our route takes us – check this A49 scenic drive taking in Church Stretton and ??? …..

Included in the Tour

Entry to Queenswood Arboretum and National Trust Croft Castle

This tour is accompanied by sisters Jacky & Sue, Wisteria Tours

Coach travel with award winning Lakeside Coaches of Ellesmere.

Find out about the Itinerary…

The East staircase showing the Hafod etchings at Croft Castle, Herefordshire. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson
The Dining Room at Croft Castle, Herefordshire. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson
The rear of Croft Castle from the Walled Garden, Herefordshire. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson
Entrance to the walled garden at Croft Castle, Herefordshire. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson

A gentle Autumn day out

£54 National Trust members, £68 non-members

24^th October 2024

Ellesmere, Shrewsbury

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08.15 Departing Lakeside Coach Yard, Ellesmere

09.15 Departing Abbey Foregate car park, Shrewsbury

10.30 – 12.15 Arrive Queenswood Arboretum

12.45 – 16.00 Croft Castle

17.15 Arriving back Shrewsbury

Timings to be confirmed 7 days before travel.

Booking your place

A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person is payable when booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Itinerary

Tour Details

Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park

Queenswood is a fragment of the vast ancient oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond. It now comprises 123 acres of ancient native woodland. The Arboretum is famed for both spring blossom and autumn colour while the surrounding ancient woodland (designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest) offers walks through acres of wildlife-rich habitat.

There are a number of waymarked trails of differing lengths at Queenswood. Some of them feature easy access stone or woodchip surfaced paths which are suitable for disabled access in addition to the many paths for more intrepid explorers. A comprehensive map and trail guide is available to purchase from the Café.

Held by the crown on and off throughout the ages, its name was changed from ‘Kings Wood’ to ‘Queenswood’ in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Today Herefordshire Wildlife Trust manages the site as a nature reserve. With its focus on sustainability supplies for the café are sourced mainly from local suppliers, using plant-based packaging and reducing waste.

Croft Castle & Parkland, National Trust

This quiet, ancient place is steeped in British history and politics and home to the Croft family for many centuries, including present day. Its picturesque castle and medieval parkland re-fashioned during the 18th century is surrounded by 1,500 acres of woods, park and farmland.

The Croft family have been key players and confidantes to England’s leaders since 1055. From Edward the Confessor to Winston Churchill. Ask the expert guides in each room to learn about the role the family played in major historical events, and how Croft Castle was eventually passed to the National Trust.

Outside, explore the two acre walled garden which is a wildlife haven, attracting butterflies, bees, birds and insects and is a perfect place to enjoy the changing seasons. If you are up for more walking you can explore the historic parkland, with woodland, farmland, picturesque Fishpool Valley, Iron Age hillfort and ancient trees.

St Michael and All Angels church is opposite the castle and still used today as a parish church. Parts of the church date back to the 12th century. For book lovers visit the Bookshop in the stables for pre-loved fiction, non-fiction, DVDs and children’s books.

Accessibility & Mobility Information

Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park

Click here for the Woodland Trust Page website and scroll down the page for information on walking trails, access and facilities.

Croft Castle & Parkland

Brief details regarding accessibility can be found by clicking here, scroll down the page a little and select the ‘Accessibility’ tab.

For a more detailed explanation follow this link to see the NT’s full statement for this property and the grounds.

Book Online

Queenswood Arboretum & Country Park with Croft Castle & Parkland

Tour Information

The evenings might be drawing in but there is still time for just one more day trip before winter is really upon us.

Included in the Tour

Entry to Queenswood Arboretum and National Trust Croft Castle

This tour is accompanied by sisters Jacky & Sue, Wisteria Tours

Coach travel with award winning Lakeside Coaches of Ellesmere.

A gentle Autumn day out

Itinerary

Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park

Croft Castle & Parkland, National Trust

Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park

Croft Castle & Parkland