Hawkstone Park, Shropshire
Originally the residence of the Hawkstone family, the estate became the property of the Hill family in 1556, who retained the park through numerous generations over a period of 340 years. It was the Hill family who were responsible for some of the most notable changes to this magnificent Park.
Today the park consists of 100 acres (40 ha) of follies and landscaped parkland grounds and rocky outcrops, based around the ruins of the medieval Red Castle.
A climax in the development of the landscape is considered to be associated with the work of Richard Hill (1655–1727), also known as “The Great Hill”, circa 1707. The follies, estate and reputation were further enhanced by his nephew and heir Sir Rowland Hill, 1st Baronet Hill of Hawkstone (1705–1783) and then Sir Richard Hill, 2nd Baronet (1733–1808) during the 18th century.
The park endured a century of neglect and decay until an ongoing programme of restoration was started in 1990, enabling it to be re-opened in 1993. It is now scheduled as Grade-1 listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. It takes a 2.5 – 5 hours hiking tour to completely see each folly and their landscapes (a reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is required and there are many steps, ascents and descents). At some times of the year, not all site trails are accessible.
Hawkstone Park Follies includes hiking up steep inclines and breathtaking scenery and well worth spending a day on it for those who want to experience something off the beaten track that is only open two months of the year and due to its lack of broad marketing, attracts just a few visitors daily. This is a massive advantage in being able to take your time to enjoy nature, the thrill of a challenging climb and descent throughout the day and the bonus of caves, viewpoints, ancient woods, dauntingly tall redwood trees, scintillating sheer drops, follies and rewarding vistas all day long!
The park is attached to a country house hotel and golf course of the same name and part of a group of hotels which all offer something interesting for guests to do though this park is open to the general-public.
My wife Shannon is my discovery and hiking partner, and as a couple we absolutely loved the dynamic and changing facets of this park which took us about 5 hours to complete at a fairly relaxed pace, taking lots of photos and some vlogging, and all the trails are very well marked. On the hike around we were usually offered two options, easy and strenuous and we opted for the strenuous option at every choice! I dare say the easy route for the less adventurous would take around two and a half hours as indicated by the park itself. Our reward of a steaming hot cup of tea and delicious cake in the on-site coffee shop was so very welcome. There is also a small giftshop and clean bathrooms at the entrance and parking was free. Entrance fee was very reasonable at £ 10.50 for adults and very small visitors pay only the princely sum of one pound!
Sporty footwear with very good grips or hiking boots are a must, no crocs or flipflops! A small back-pack with water and snack, though there is a loo and drinking water faucet on the way round. A good camera with variable lenses will help you capture the ever changing landscapes, caves and follies as you tootle around. We highly rate this day tour and it can easily be included in a Tour Britain itinerary on request.
Date of tour – July 2025
