Page 60 - The Ultimate Herefordshire Guide 2017

legends generations architecture
Castles & Houses
medieval great days out events
Visit some of Herefordshire’s stunning castles and houses and become enveloped
in their legends and history.
Eastnor Castle is a 19C revival castle built by the 2nd Baron (Lord) Somers, later 1st Earl, between 1810 and 1824, and this grade 1 listed building continues to be inhabited by his descendant. Now the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family, grandsons of Arthur Cocks, the 6th Baron Somers, it is surrounded by a beautiful arboretum and lake, with richly decorated interiors containing medieval armour, fine art and tapestries. Visitors are invited to enter the Castle through the magnificent main doors and can view the fine state rooms including the Great Hall, State Dining Room, Gothic Drawing Room, Octagon Saloon and a number of the opulent bedrooms. Within the Red Hall sits a medieval knight’s helmet which visitors are invited to try on.
Friendly, experienced and well informed guides host all of the rooms offering information and history on the Castle and visitors can purchase a wonderful souvenir guide book.
Eastnor Deer Park sits across the road from Eastnor Castle and is a 300 acre park, designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest where a herd of Red Deer graze freely.
Visitors are welcome to walk through the Deer Park but vehicles are not permitted, though dogs are welcome on a lead. Although the park is closed in the summer months for the many private events staged there, the Deer Park Campsite is open for camping on various dates between Easter and September. Eastnor Castle shares a proud heritage with Land Rover Experience, who have been based on the Eastnor Estate for over 50 years and a valuable relationship still remains in place to this day.
Swathed in a bloodthirsty history and changes of ownership, Hellens Manor is a beautiful historic house in Much Marcle, Herefordshire and is a living monument to much of England’s history.
58 The ULTIMATE Herefordshire Guide