Hampton Castle

Hampton Court Castle stands in the Herefordshire countryside four miles south of Leominster. A Grade I listed building, it is a castellated country house built on an estate granted to Sir Rowland Lenthall in the early 15th century. His quadrangular courtyard house still forms the core of the present building. The castle has been altered many times, most notably by James Wyatt for the 5th Earl of Essex and later by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville for Richard Arkwright. A conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton was added in the 19th century.

The house has been home to noble families including the Coningsbys and the Arkwrights. The gardens, created largely by the Van Kampens, include a kitchen garden, a maze, a secret tunnel and island pavilions. Paintings by J.M.W. Turner show the house in earlier centuries. The grounds were used for filming the first season of the 1970s BBC series Survivors.

Visitors walk through the castle grounds and gardens. The maze and wisteria arch draw many guests. The Dutch garden and island pavilions offer quiet spots. Special events such as outdoor theatre and family days take place in summer. The gardens remain open daily during the season while the castle itself is now used mainly for weddings.