A visit to Croft Castle
Early January, when my parents were visiting for the holidays, we took a day trip to Croft Castle. It was a chilly day, but a really lovely place to walk around and have some lunch in the cafe too. It was still decorated for Christmas, which is perhaps a bit odd for a February post; but nevertheless, here they are. Many pictures ahead in this post!
The gateway to the car park for the Castle grounds.
CROFT CASTLE HISTORY
The site of Croft Castle was originally a Norman stronghold on the border of Wales. Croft Castle is a country mansion that has been in the Croft family since around 1085, briefly leaving their hands in the 18th century due to financial issues, but reacquired in 1923 by the family. It was then bequeathed to the National Trust in 1957. Some of the family still live in parts of the upper floors. The first Croft owner of the estate was Bernard de Croft who is mentioned in the Domesday Book – another fascinating piece of history if you care for a rabbit hole deep dive.
St Michael church on the left, Croft Castle on the right
Croft Castle
The Christmas tree in the foyer of the Castle.
Fabric Collage of Croft Castle by Frances Kay, 1960. This was really incredible to study in detail. Fabric and embroidery and so immensely detailed.
The library was easily a favorite room.
I very much wanted to grab a book and sit in an armchair by the fire.
This was my favorite tree in the house. So simple, yet full and really beautiful.
The front turrets of the castle have tiny rooms in them, so tiny I’m not even sure “room” is an appropriate label. This one off the library was covered walls and ceiling in this charming 1920s wallpaper.
The next room was huge and so ornate in detail.
There was a beautiful Baby Blüthner Grand Piano on display that you could ask a staff member permission to play.
I really loved this view from one room to the dining room + tree.
The dining room
Another gorgeous room, and it’s green!
Looks like a spot out of the movies.
The stairwell to the second floor.
There are only a couple rooms open upstairs to see, but this handwritten family tree hangs in the hallway.
Perhaps my favorite room in the Castle, the nursery! Absolutely huge and so stunning. Loved the wallpaper, the color palette, the tiny beds….
Just look at those beds! And the drapes!
Last one from the nursery. I just loved the colors and patterns together.
Leaving the Castle, this is the view to the right, as you walk the few steps into St. Michael’s.
Outside of Croft Castle, we stepped into St Michael’s church which still has services for a small congregation in the area.
Inside St. Michael’s church next to Croft Castle.
The rafters in St. Michael’s.
Inside part of the old stables, there is a little secondhand bookstore. Found some great stuff there!
Out to the walled garden for a quick look. Though it is definitely winter and nothing blooming, it was still lovely to see. I hope to revisit in the spring and see it in its fullness.
A list of the varieties of apple trees in the orchard.
All of the gates within the walled garden were painted a vibrant blue. So quirky and fun.
A path back towards the Castle.
A fun little area off of one of the garden houses.
A perfect fit.
Details I love.
There are two playgrounds around Croft Castle. This is the first which sits near the cafe. It was unfortunately limited to under 12s.
The other playground was a long walk from the Castle. But the 1,500 acres are full of epic trees like this one.
The other playground is a Nature Playground. Lots of unique carved items to play on and in, some tree forts,…
and also a couple huge tree swings!
The wooden Glockenspiel at the Nature Playground.
It was a lovely visit to Croft Castle. I look forward to going again in a different season and experiencing the gardens and Nature Playground further. There are lots of walks around the acres of Croft too.
A dragon statue spotted on the drive back home.