Eastnor Castle, England

Eastnor Castle is a 19th century mock castle, founded by John Cocks, 1st Earl Somers as his stately home and is still inhabited by his descendants.

The castle was constructed between 1812-20 at a cost of £85,000. From a distance, Eastnor was intended to create the impression of a medieval fortress guarding the Welsh Borders.

Despite the huge expenditure on Eastnor, the family fortunes flourished. By the 1870's, the estate exceeded 13,000 acres However, the agricultural depression of the 1870's caused a decline in the family wealth, affecting them as it did others who lacked income from urban property or coal. By 1920, when the last Lord Somers inherited the estate - the earldom became extinct in 1883 - much of the land had been sold and the art collection from the Castle had been divided between him and his cousin. The castle's revival was instigated by Hon. Elizabeth Somers Cocks and Benjamin Hervey-Bathurst, the parents of the present owner. In spite of being hit with over £200,000 inheritance tax, they moved into the Castle in 1949, and began the slow process of reinhabiting the rooms and attending to various outbreaks of dry rot and other long-neglected repairs. This was financed by sales from the collection and the reinvestment of almost all income from the estate.

In 1984, both the band Slade and the BBC made use of the castle. The 1986 film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost was shot here. The grounds are also the location of the Land Rover vehicle test track. and each year in June Eastnor castle is host to the Landrover World Event and offers visitors the chance to try off roading. Eastnor is licensed to hold weddings and is also available for corporate events.

Opening Times

Opening days and times vary - please check the website below.

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Ticket Prices

Castle & Grounds
Adults £8.75
Seniors £7.75
Children (3-15) £5.75
Family : 2Adults + 3 children £23.25
Privilege Pass - Adults £22.00

Grounds Only
Adults £5.75
Seniors £4.75
Children (3-15) £3.75
Family : 2 + 3 £15.25

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01531 633160
Email: enquiries@eastnorcastle.com

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