National Trust - Croome — Attraction in Malvern Hills

This National Trust location has the potential to be a 5-star experience, offering everything from expansive parkland and a walled garden to a grand house, chapel, and even a small war museum. However, I was disappointed with my visit.

Despite having all these elements, the place feels lackluster and lifeless. The walled garden now requires an additional fee, and the house is in poor condition, stripped of furniture except for an odd 90s-style bathroom on the upper floor. The parklands have a few randomly placed seating areas and poorly arranged family activities that don't quite hit the mark.

The house, though impressive from the outside, is underwhelming once inside. It looks majestic as you approach it, set beautifully in the parkland, but there's very little to see beyond the ornate ceilings. On previous visits, I remember more art installations that helped fill the empty space, but now they are sparse and unimpressive.

Given the parkland’s potential as a major draw, it's disappointing that more isn't done to enhance the experience. There are a few nice spots with deck chairs, but they feel randomly placed. The main restaurant is near the entrance, and the café by the house, after a 15-minute walk, is tucked away in a cellar with no views. Even the ice cream seller only offers pots instead of proper scoops. The orangerie, with its beautiful views, offers just a few seats and no café—just a folly with a few plants.

In summary, while this National Trust property is undeniably beautiful, there is so much more that could be done to make it an engaging and enjoyable visit beyond just a scenic walk. I hope that in the coming years, with planned improvements, it can live up to its potential and become one...

We visited Croome this morning (30112024) with friends. Upon arrival, volunteers were organising and directing parking in the main and overflow car parks, thereby preventing any holdups. At the visitor reception area, staff had established a"fast track" system to manage the entry of NT members. This was great from a visitor perspective and no doubt reduced queues in the reception area. Our first port of call was the RAF Defford Museum. It was an interesting museum, but made all the more enjoyable by the excellent volunteer, Robin, who welcomed us and shared his enthusiasm for the subject. Whilst walking to the house, we stopped at St Mary's Magdelene Church to listen to a very good festive choir where we enjoyed a cover of Shakin Steven's Christmas hit and a song from "Sister Act". On arrival at the house, we were fortunate to speak to a volunteer named Peter - who conducts the Boys School House tours. Though he was not conducting a tour that day, he took the time to give us an overview of the house and share some of his experiences dating back to when he was a pupil at Croome in mid 1960s. The house was open, but only at ground floor and basement level. We enjoyed the festive decorations and finished with hot drinks and cake in the basement cafe. Following a walk back to the reception centre through the grounds, we visited the shop and second-hand book shop, both of which were very good and well stocked. This is an excellent National Trust location that was staffed by friendly and enthusiastic volunteers. Thank you for a...

Beautiful house and gardens, breathtaking views across Worcestershire and beyond towards Malvern hill the grounds were designed by Capability Brown, a lovely river and woodland walks, great architecture of the house and the conservatory, plus a few notable features within the grounds,statues,a bridge over the river walled garden area, a beautiful small church. Within the house their is quite a few of Robert Adams fireplaces, chairs,beds etc.. The house is quite bare..compared with other National trust properties, they do show many feathers of the stairs cases, panelled room, plaster fresco with gold leaf on some of the ceiling and walls, Today they had used many rooms to display art and textiles designs, which is quite refreshing. Also within the grounds plenty of outdoor activities for children to play. Down stairs in the original work area for the house, you can find a welcoming cafe and restrooms, also 2 rooms set aside for children to play, paint,draw, paper crafting etc.. Also within the croome park you can find the RAF museum great displays also a RAF plane, plants for sale, small gift shop,outdoor play ground, slides, climbing, swings etc.. Plus cafe that serves hot, cold, food and drinks, plenty of choice for everyone.. Plus you can always use the hop on buggy..to take you down the hill to the house and return again.. Definitely will...