Croome National Trust
Explore a Capability Brown landscape, a house in restoration with contemporary art, and fascinating RAF history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for gardens
Croome National Trust
Best Time
Best light for gardens
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a Capability Brown landscape, a house in restoration with contemporary art, and fascinating RAF history.
"A lovely day out with stunning grounds and an interestingly presented house."
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
A shuttle runs from the car park to the house, great for those with mobility issues.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the parkland, perfect for a family outing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Capability Brown Parkland
Estate grounds
Wander through 18th-century landscaped gardens with lakes, follies, and stunning views. Perfect for walks and picnics.
Croome Court House
Main house
Explore rooms in restoration, featuring contemporary art installations and historical family stories.
RAF Defford Museum
Near the house
Discover fascinating wartime history and the site's role in radar development.
Temple Greenhouse & Grotto
Gardens
Admire the elegant architecture of this restored 18th-century greenhouse and its accompanying grotto.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
House Restoration & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
A shuttle runs from the car park to the house, great for those with mobility issues.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the parkland, perfect for a family outing.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious food and drinks at the cafe with ample outdoor seating.
🚶♀️ Explore the Circular Walk
A lovely route covers the church, lake, and most of the estate.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
A shuttle runs from the car park to the house, great for those with mobility issues.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the parkland, perfect for a family outing.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious food and drinks at the cafe with ample outdoor seating.
🚶♀️ Explore the Circular Walk
A lovely route covers the church, lake, and most of the estate.
🖼️ Art & History Mix
Appreciate the blend of historical house features and contemporary art installations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Croome National Trust for its stunning Capability Brown parkland and the engaging blend of historical house elements with contemporary art installations. The RAF Defford Museum and the Temple Greenhouse are also highlighted as points of interest. While the house is in restoration, the grounds and overall experience are considered well worth a visit, with friendly staff and good cafe facilities. +1
"Lovely NT property, gorgeous grounds and a very interestingly presented house. The landscape gardens are superb although some of the original views of further-out follies have been a little bit blocked by trees - not the Trust's fault really, just a shame (e.g. of Dunstall Castle from the Rotunda, where you can only see the top of the walls). Otherwise there's a lovely circular walk from the car park around past the church, the lake, and the house that covers most of the estate. I didn't venture out to the Park Seat or any of the other distant eye-catchers due to time which was a shame but you could see a couple.
The house was quite interestingly presented - much of the furniture was sold off in the last century or so, so there's not much left - one room is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York even. Because of that a lot of the house is filled with contemporary exhibitions and installations which is quite good.
Well worth a visit, definitely would be happy to return."
Adam White
"I made a spontaneous visit in February as we had lovely weather & it was absolutely spectacular! Friendly & helpful staff & as it's a bit of a walk downhill to the house, there is a regular shuttle. I didn't tour the house on this visit. If you go to the orangery, follow the path to the side as I walked up to the front & it was a very uneven field & a huge moat that you can't cross when you get there! Highly recommend visiting this site as the views are beautiful. There are also numerous trails you can walk here"
Claire Dragon
"Beautiful parkland designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century, historic house and church. RAF wartime connections. Large cafe with extensive outdoor seating, shop and plant sales. Restored Temple Greenhouse designed by Robert Adam. Easy access from the nearby M5 and well worth a detour if passing."
Nigel Powlson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Croome is easily accessible from the M5 motorway. There is free parking for National Trust members, and paid parking for non-members.
While public transport options might be limited, checking local bus routes is advisable. Many visitors opt for car travel due to its convenient location near the M5.
Parking is available on-site. National Trust members usually receive free parking, while non-members will have a parking fee.
The grounds offer accessible paths, and a shuttle service is available to help visitors reach the house. Accessible toilets are also on-site.
Cycling routes may be available in the surrounding Worcestershire countryside. Check local cycling maps for routes leading to Croome.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, with adult entry typically around £17-£18.70 (with Gift Aid). National Trust members get free entry.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to guarantee entry. Check the National Trust website for current booking requirements.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust Croome website for the most up-to-date information on opening times for the house, gardens, and cafe.
National Trust membership provides free entry. Look out for potential offers like the Summer Reading Challenge voucher mentioned, which grants free entry for a child and adult.
Typically, your entry ticket grants access to the house, gardens, and parkland. However, specific access to certain areas like private gardens might require an additional charge or be restricted to specific days.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the Capability Brown parkland, visit the partially restored Croome Court house with its art installations, discover the RAF Defford Museum, and admire the Temple Greenhouse.
Yes, Croome offers plenty for families, including open spaces for running, playgrounds, and engaging historical exhibits.
Dogs are welcome in the parkland and gardens, but must be kept on a lead. They are generally not permitted inside the house or cafe.
There are numerous walking trails, including a popular circular route around the lake and past the church. The parkland offers varied terrain.
Croome often hosts seasonal events, exhibitions, and family activities. Check their website for current listings, especially around holidays like Christmas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Croome has a large cafe offering a range of food and drinks, with extensive outdoor seating available.
The cafe typically serves light meals, snacks, cakes, and hot and cold beverages. Visitors have praised the quality of the food.
Picnicking is usually permitted in designated areas of the parkland. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery.
Most National Trust cafes offer a selection of vegetarian and often vegan options. It's advisable to check the menu on the day or inquire with staff.
Yes, there is a National Trust shop selling gifts, books, and often local produce and plants.
📸 📸 Photography
The Capability Brown landscape, the exterior of Croome Court, the Temple Greenhouse, and the lake offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific site's drone policy before flying.
Photography is usually allowed inside the house, but flash photography may be prohibited to protect the exhibits and artwork. Check for signage.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Autumn colours also provide stunning photo opportunities.
The Rotunda, the Temple Greenhouse designed by Robert Adam, and the intricate plasterwork inside the house are notable architectural highlights. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1The house offers a unique experience with its contemporary art installations, which can be surprisingly engaging for children. The RAF Defford Museum also provides an interesting historical element. Plus, the cafe is a great spot for a family treat.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, they are generally not permitted inside the house or the cafe. Remember to bring water for your pet and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
Delve into the site's military history at the RAF Defford Museum, and admire the architectural gems like the Temple Greenhouse designed by Robert Adam. The Capability Brown landscape itself is a historical masterpiece, showcasing 18th-century landscape design principles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Capability Brown
Brown's design at Croome was revolutionary for its time, moving away from the rigid symmetry of earlier gardens. He believed in 'letting the land speak for itself,' using gentle contours and naturalistic planting to enhance the existing landscape. The estate's layout encourages exploration, with hidden pathways and vistas designed to surprise and delight.
While the landscape has evolved over centuries, the core principles of Brown's design remain evident. The National Trust works to maintain and restore these elements, ensuring that visitors can still connect with the genius of this renowned landscape architect. The expansive views and sense of tranquility are testaments to his enduring legacy.
Croome Court: A House in Transition
This approach offers a fresh perspective on the house, allowing visitors to engage with its history through modern artistic interpretations. You can explore rooms that showcase the family's past alongside thought-provoking art, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The beautiful plasterwork in certain rooms remains a significant historical feature, offering a glimpse into the house's former grandeur.
The house also tells the story of its wartime role as the RAF Defford base, with a small but informative museum dedicated to its operations. This adds another layer of historical significance to the visit, highlighting Croome's contribution during World War II.
Family Adventures at Croome
+1Beyond the open spaces, the house itself provides engaging elements for younger visitors. The contemporary art installations can spark curiosity, and the RAF Defford Museum offers a glimpse into a different era of history that might appeal to older children. The opportunity to collect conkers or jump in puddles during autumn adds to the seasonal charm.
+1Parents often appreciate the amenities like the cafe, which offers a place to refuel, and the availability of a shuttle service for easier access to the house. The overall experience is designed to be enjoyable for all ages, making it a popular choice for a family day out.
+1
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