Croome Park

Commissioned by the 6th Earl of Coventry in 1751, Croome Park was ‘Capability’ Brown’s first complete landscape design and made his reputation.

The park near Pershore is a delightful landscape with trails and walks for people of all ages. There are elegant temples, statues and wrought iron bridges to admire, acres of parkland and lakeside gardens to explore and a lively programme of events to entertain all the family.

Visitors can enjoy walking alongside the lake and what is believed to be the longest man-made river of its kind in England.  A relaxing circular path around the Pleasure Garden offers walkers the chance to see the Temple Greenhouse, pavilion and grotto, and walks into the wider estate provide spectacular views across to the “eye-catchers” and the Malvern Hills.

This year, there are plans to restore former RAF buildings into new visitor facilities for Croome. The wartime sick quarters will be transformed into a shop and café retaining original features, such as hand-painted signs. Work is due to start in spring 2007 and visitors will get the chance to view the buildings as the restoration project progresses.

Croome’s events programme includes themed walks looking at the botany and wildlife of the park as well as the popular Pooches ‘n’ Croome dog show on 22 April and a 1940s weekend on 14 and 15 July.

Croome Park is open from Wednesday through to Sunday from 2 March to 29 April and from 5 September to 28 October and daily from 30 April to 2 September. The park opens during weekends from 3 November to 30 December.  For admission prices and more information, call 01905 371006.

For general details about opening times and events please call the National Trust on 01743 708100 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.