Hawkstone Park

Hawkstone Park is a wonderful place to visit for a good traditional family day out. It holds several themed events throughout the year but Hawkstone Park Follies is more than just a park. This year it was placed 14th in the Sunday Times ‘Britain’s Best 50 Days Out feature. Surprisingly, quite a few people from the West Midlands are unaware of its very existence.

When Samuel Johson wrote about the Follies of Hawkstone Park in 1774 he described it as a park with ‘Striking scenes and terrific grandeur. The same is true today and little will have changed in this fantasy land of natural cliffs, caves and woodland.

The Follies had fallen into years of neglect but were restored and opened again in 1993. English Heritage named it as Family Attraction of the Year in 2004. A walk around the park features places with names such as Grotto Hill, a network of old mines cut deep into the cliff face. Swiss Bridge perched high over a deep gorge, and the Monument, a large 100 foot high column on top of the hill with views across spectacular countryside.

Twisting and windy paths along the cliff face take the walker to various tunnels and structures that will keep the kids amused for hours. Children and adults alike will find this park magical and full of adventure. Let them run around and enjoy themselves. Some of the routes are fairly steep and pushchairs, the elderly, or very young children may struggle negotiating the route. The guide recommends allowing three hours but you could easily make a day of this if you took a picnic lunch and explored everything in a leisurely manner.

There are picnic tables available and refreshments on route with a dedicated cafeteria near the entrance at the Greenhouse Tearoom and Visitor Centre.

Nearby places might include Haughmond Hill Abbey and Attingham Park. Reviews on both of these places can be found on the website ( use the search box ) Hawkstone Park Follies also has a Gold Course and a Hotel.

The landscaped grounds of Hawkstone Park were originally established by Richard Hill of Hawkstone in 1655 and then developed by subsequent members of the Hill family. Sir Rowland Hill of Hawkstone ( 1705-1783 ) was mainly responsible for the works on the estate. Hawkstone Park is now being restored and is protected as a Grade I historic park.

Hawkstone Park, Weston-Under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY4 5UY. 

Tel: 01948 841700

Photos of Hawkstone Park and Shropshire