Hawkstone Park Follies
Explore a magical 18th-century landscape garden with rugged sandstone hills, caves, tunnels, and dramatic follies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Hawkstone Park Follies
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a magical 18th-century landscape garden with rugged sandstone hills, caves, tunnels, and dramatic follies.
"A truly magical place and a hidden gem with so much to see and explore!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating steep, uneven terrain and steps. Hiking boots recommended!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on your adventure. A drink and ice cream hut is available at the top.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monument
Grotto Hill
Climb 150 steps for breathtaking panoramic views from 100ft up. A true test of endurance with a spectacular reward.
Mysterious Caves & Tunnels
Throughout the park
Explore a labyrinth of natural sandstone caves, tunnels, and hidden grottoes that spark the imagination.
The 'Fairytale' Landscape
The entire park
Wander through a unique 18th-century landscape garden with dramatic cliffs, winding trails, and whimsical follies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wear Your Best Walking Shoes
Plan Your Visit Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating steep, uneven terrain and steps. Hiking boots recommended!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on your adventure. A drink and ice cream hut is available at the top.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Trails
Look out for troll and fairy trails, making it fun for younger explorers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your adventure on the trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating steep, uneven terrain and steps. Hiking boots recommended!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on your adventure. A drink and ice cream hut is available at the top.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Trails
Look out for troll and fairy trails, making it fun for younger explorers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your adventure on the trails.
📸 Capture the Magic
The dramatic landscapes and unique follies offer incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hawkstone Park Follies, calling it a 'magical place' and a 'hidden gem' with breathtaking views and a unique adventure. The challenging terrain and numerous steps are a highlight for many, offering a rewarding physical experience. While some find the ticket prices a bit high for children, the overall consensus is that it's a fantastic day out for families, couples, and active explorers.
"It took us just nearly 4hrs to walk all around, including some sit down breaks and time to enjoy the views. We were blessed with a wonderful weather to enjoy the beautiful views. We had great time. Make sure you have wear comply footwear or even hiking boots as some of it was quite hard going and our feet and legs were hurting by the end. I would recommend and will most likely return it the future."
Aquallis Plumbing Ltd
"Such a lovely day out. The steps were definitely a welcomed challenge, but the sights are so lovely, so going a pace is easy so you can stop and enjoy the views. Next time, we will definitely be sampling the cafe offerings."
Abbie Fletcher
"Lovely place but charging the same price for kids over the age of 4 is a bit much. Possibly why it was quiet for the summer hols on a beautiful day.
The place is great for a good adventure but you definitely need to be fairly fit and able bodied as it's NOT for the feint hearted!! It's very physical with a lot of up and down steep slopes and steps."
Emma Trow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hawkstone Park Follies is located near Shrewsbury in Shropshire. It's accessible by car, with free parking available on site.
Yes, there is free parking available on site for visitors.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Hawkstone Park Follies directly. Driving is the most convenient method.
The postcode for Hawkstone Park Follies is SY4 5JY.
Due to the rugged and uneven terrain, including steep slopes and steps, Hawkstone Park Follies is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults starts around £10.50, and for children over 4, it's around £8.50. Children aged 4 and under are free.
Yes, discounts are sometimes offered, such as 50% off admission during specific periods like February.
Hawkstone Park Follies is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 3 pm. They are open Friday through Sunday and during school holidays.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, but popular times and days, especially for special events like the Follies Safari, can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for families with kids, offering troll and fairy trails, caves, and plenty of space to explore. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Explore a magical landscape of caves, tunnels, cliffs, and follies. Climb the Monument for stunning views, discover hidden grottoes, and enjoy the winding woodland trails.
A full exploration, including breaks and enjoying the views, can take around 2.5 to 4 hours. Some visitors opt for extended walks.
The walk is considered challenging in places, with many steep slopes and steps. It's physically demanding but rewarding.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome to explore the park with their owners.
The views are breathtaking, especially from the top of the Monument, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Shropshire countryside.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the entrance offering refreshments and lunch options. There's also a drink and ice cream hut at the top of the hill (cash only).
Yes, there are plenty of picnic areas available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family picnic.
The cafe offers typical refreshments and light meals suitable for a day out.
Information on specific dietary options is not widely available, but it's advisable to check with the cafe directly upon arrival.
Yes, there's a drink and ice cream hut located at the top of the hill for refreshments during your exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The Monument offers stunning panoramic views, while the caves, tunnels, and dramatic rock formations provide unique and atmospheric shots.
Absolutely. The varied terrain, from rugged cliffs to lush woodlands, creates dynamic and picturesque landscapes perfect for photography.
Yes, you can take photos inside the caves, but be mindful of lighting conditions and any safety guidelines.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects, especially on the rock formations and through the trees.
There is no specific information available regarding drone usage. It's best to check with the park management directly before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's a cafe on-site for refreshments and plenty of picnic spots if you prefer to bring your own food.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Hiking boots are highly recommended to navigate the terrain safely and comfortably. The reward for your efforts is the stunning scenery and the thrill of discovering hidden caves, tunnels, and dramatic viewpoints.
The park is also dog-friendly, so your canine companions can join in on the adventure. 📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Capture the rugged sandstone formations, the mysterious caves, and the panoramic views from the Monument. The overgrown nature of parts of the park adds a sense of mystery and historical depth. For history buffs, understanding the park's transformation from a medieval castle site to a romantic landscape garden provides a fascinating glimpse into historical land use and design.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Magic of the Follies
The park was left to nature for a period, allowing it to become overgrown and even more mysterious. This natural reclamation has added to its 'hidden gem' appeal, with visitors constantly rediscovering its archaeological features and unique beauty.
The site even served as a filming location for the BBC's adaptation of Narnia in 1988, further cementing its magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Today, Hawkstone Park Follies offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. It's a place where you can step back in time, explore hidden passages, and let your imagination run wild, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable footwear, such as hiking boots, as the uneven ground can be tough on the feet and legs.
Despite the physical demands, the effort is consistently described as worthwhile due to the stunning views and the sheer joy of discovery.
Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Adventures
+1Younger visitors will particularly enjoy the troll and fairy trails, adding an element of enchantment to their exploration.
With ample space to roam and explore, Hawkstone Park Follies provides a healthy and engaging outdoor activity for the whole family. The on-site cafe and picnic areas also make it convenient for a full day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit