Eastnor Castle, a statement of status, power and wealth in Herefordshire.
Address: Eastnor, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL.
Eastnor Castle, gracefully poised at the foot of the Malvern Hills in Herefordshire, is a fine exemplar of 19th-century Gothic Revival, marrying majesty with timeless charm. The castle was built between 1811 and 1820 for British politician John Cocks, the 1st Earl Somers. The Somers-Cocks family played an active role in British public life, and Eastnor was more than just a home for them. It became a statement of status, power, and wealth.
To build the castle, John Cocks hired the celebrated architect Robert Smirke, one of the leaders of Gothic Revival architecture and well known for designing the British Museum in London. Eastnor Castle was designed to evoke the image of a powerful medieval fortress, with its imposing towers, battlements, and symmetrical structure.
In the 1870s, primarily because of the agricultural depression, the family faced serious financial challenges. Further financial strain occurred when the family was burdened with a substantial death duty tax of £200,000 which is equivalent to approximately £8 million today. By the 20th century, like many large estates, it struggled with the cost of upkeep. But rather than fall into disrepair, it evolved.
The estate’s revival began in 1949 when Elizabeth Somers-Cocks and Benjamin Hervey-Bathurst moved into the castle. They initiated repairs funded by reinvesting estate income. Their son and the present owner, James Hervey-Bathurst, came to live in Eastnor in 1988. He accelerated the further restoration and internal repair of the castle. Since the 1980s, the castle has been open to the public. It quickly became a popular place for weddings, events, and has appeared on numerous TV shows and movies.
Today, Eastnor Castle remains privately owned by the same family, and visitors can explore its opulent interiors and even stay overnight in luxury accommodation. The surrounding parkland, complete with ancient trees and a tranquil lake, is inviting for quiet reflection and unhurried strolls. The Knight’s Maze nestled within the castle’s grounds challenges visitors to find their way through.
Dogs at Eastnor Castle
We want to applaud the castle’s owners for creating such a dog-friendly place! This is one of the few historic houses where dogs are welcomed both inside the house and around the grounds. There is also a dedicated ‘Dogs-Off-Leads Area’ where dogs are free to run amongst the trees!
Opening times
The castle is open to the public from April until September. Check the available dates on the castle website.
11:30 – 16:30 (Castle);
10:30 – 17:30 (Grounds).
Admission fee
£15.50 for adults and £9.50 for children (Castle & Grounds).
Parking
Free for visitors.
Website
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