Eastnor Castle
UK England West Midlands Herefordshire Ledbury
You know you’re in the heart of the country when you can crawl from your tent in the morning and find yourself gazing into the eyes of a young stag – not the bleary-eyed groom-to-be variety, but a real red deer. Camp at the top of Eastnor Castle’s 23- acre camping field – right next to their deer park – and there’s every chance it could happen to you.
An arboretum, a lake, and a road away from the impressive castle lies the deer park where you’ll be pitching your tent for the night. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Scientific Interest, it’s a sweeping vista of rolling hills and hidden pockets of woodland nooks and crannies.
The whole vibe about the place is pretty chilled. You just pitch up, literally, and settle in. The park warden will wander by to collect your money and he serves as a security measure, too, as the park is open to the public during the day and several footpaths criss-cross the park.
If you time your arrival right, there are some pretty fantastic places to pitch at the foot of the field. Veiled in trees on the slopes opposite, Eastnor Castle itself is a fairy-tale confection built in the early 19th century.There’s a maze and a great playground for kids with a mock wooden castle and suspension bridge and tractor.The absolutely unmissable experience, though, is climbing the hill through the deer park to the obelisk at the summit. It offers an even better view of the Malvern Hills than that afforded at the campsite, so take a camera along.
The absence of toilets and showers at Eastnor explains why there are more caravanners than campers here. So, why not even out the numbers and bring a tent, your own portable chemical toilet and, if you can cope with alfresco ablutions, a solar- powered shower? Not many showers boast a castle view – reason enough to visit!
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Details
Facilities
Few facilities on the 23-acre site – just some standpipes and a CDP and, most importantly no loos; campers are obliged to bring their own. Fishing in the lake is free. The castle has its own gift shop and café. No campfires.
Suitable For
Tents, campervans, caravans, dogs (on leads), big groups, young groups (with an organisation) – yes.
Nearby
The castle holds events such as open-air theatre, and is very child-friendly. Campers can get a family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) for half-price (£12.50).
Food & Drink
Also on Ledbury’s High Street is Ceci Paulo – a cooking emporium on three floors with an exquisite Italian deli, restaurant, fashions and cooking lessons (01531 632976). Ledbury is home to swish café-deli Cameron & Swan (01531 636791), and also the timber frame hotel, The Feathers (01531 635266), which has a welcoming brasserie and restaurant.Opening Times
End of March–end of September - please check website for specific opening times due to summer events programme.The Owner Says
Open on selected dates between Easter and September.
Please see our website for details of opening times and prices.
Book online http://eastnorcastle.com/stay/deer-park-campsite/ or simply turn up and our Park Warden will take payment from you on his rounds!
Location
Contact Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RL
Getting There
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 1 reviews
A real gem
Loved this site, probably our favourite yet so spacious, so beautiful and completely relaxing. Shame it's not open all year
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