Hartlebury Castle Grounds
Relax in the peaceful grounds of Hartlebury Castle as you stroll around the historic moat. Encounter the Castle’s wildlife, take in the floras’ colours of the seasons and discover the wonderful variety of fruits on site including our 280 year old mulberry tree and the Worcestershire black pear. The Perimeter walk offers beautiful views of the Castle taking you across the Sunken Garden, Orchard Terrace and around the moat, finishing in the peaceful Old Moat Coppice.
The Carriage Circle
The Carriage Circle creates a grand entrance to the Castle, offering a picture perfect moment. The wonderful variety of flowers and trees adds extra colour to the scene, changing with the seasons.
The Carriage Circle was created in 1750 by Bishop Johnson so that his coach and six horses could sweep round to the door and be ready to leave without needing to turn around. Today you can relax in this open space as you catch up with friends and family over a picnic and the children let off some steam. In summer, the Carriage Circle is also used for our open air events, including theatre, concerts and car shows.
Perimeter Walk
Stroll around the moat and enjoy beautiful views of the Castle before marvelling at the magnificent poplar trees. Learn about the history of the grounds through interpretation boards along the route.
The Perimeter walk begins in the Carriage Circle before taking you down to the historic Queen Elizabeth Walk, where you can discover our fire sphere sculpture and see the outside of the chapel’s stain glass window. Depending on the season, you may also catch site of the house martins swooping over the chapel roof.
After crossing the Sunken Garden (once part of the Castle moat), the orchard terrace offers a chance to discover our apple and mulberry trees, and provides a stunning viewing point of the moat.
See what wildlife you can spot on the water and listen to calming birdsong while enjoying the scenery, before entering our wooded boardwalk.
Adventure Playground
Our brand new adventure playground is now open!
Let the children burn off some steam as they climb through cargo nets and swing from ropes, zoom down the zip-wire and enjoy the slides. Relax in the beautiful woodland on the picnic benches or get involved, the playground is a brilliant addition to your visit.
Walk in the footsteps of Royalty
The bishops have welcomed many Royal visitors to their home at the Castle throughout history. Promenade along the Queen Elizabeth Walk, created for her visit in 1575 and stroll along the Orchard Terrace as King George III and Queen Charlotte once did in 1788.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hand sanitiser stations are located in the Carriage Circle and social distancing reminders are around the grounds. Masks must be worn in the reception and shop (open from 12th April) and toilets are restricted to one household at a time. For full details please visit our Covid Visitor Information page.
You do not need to book currently to visit the Castle or grounds, unless it is for an event and otherwise stated.
With information boards around the site and contactless trails that we will shortly be introducing, we recommend allowing 1 – 1.5hrs for your visit. A simple walk around the grounds takes approximately 45mins.
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the grounds provided that they are kept on a lead at all times.
Unfortunately due to the nature and age of our site, our grounds currently include stairs to the main walk and uneven surfaces.
There are benches in the Carriage Circle, Orchard Terrace and Old Moat Coppice for you to relax on. However, there are no benches along the walk around the moat due to the space of pathways.
Yes. Toilets will be open on site, operating a one household in at a time system. The toilets will be cleaned regularly by our staff.
Hayley’s Kitchen at Hartlebury Castle will be running a pop-up cafe in the Carriage Circle, where you can purchase takeaway hot drinks and delicious cakes.
You are also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy in the grounds, however please continue to maintain a social distance from other households while doing so.
Our Grounds admission costs are:
Adult – £5.00
Concession (over 60s & Students) -£4.50
Child (aged 5-16) – £3.50
Family (2 adults & 3 children) – £13.00
Under 5s Free