Educational Visits
Hawkstone Park Follies is an 18th Century masterpiece in a Grade 1 listed landscape of unusual splendour that covers 100 acres and is dotted with a collection of Victorian Follies.
In the 18th and 19th centuries it was ranked as one of the principal attractions in England, drawing legions of visitors who soon became admirers of its eccentric beauty.
When Dr Samuel Johnson visited Hawkstone in 1774 he wrote: `By the extent of its prospects, the awfulness of its shades, the horrors of its precipices, the verdure of its hollows, and the loftiness of its rocks, the ideas which it forces upon the mind are the sublime, the dreadful and the vast’.
Children and adults find the park an exhilarating adventure that leads through caves and tunnels under archways over cliffs, across bridges and all the way up to the monument of 1795 from where 13 counties can be viewed on a clear day.
The full route takes up to 3.5 hours, however shorter routes can be taken, and treasure hunts incorporated if desired.
Children’s educational booklets are available, they have been designed to stimulate the senses and cover many topics including geology, ornithology, historical figures and events related to the park's history.
The Duke of Wellington was a regular visitor to the park in the 18th Century, as a guest of its creator Sir Rowland Hill. It is also claimed that the park was the final resting place of the valiant King Arthur.
Guided tours can be arranged in advance.
For further details on educational visits contact Roger Whitehouse, Head Park Warden or the Reservations office Telephone 01939 200611 or complete the contact us form
Special notes
- The full circuit can easily take 3 hours, however shorter routes can be taken. Please advise your group to wear sensible shoes and clothing and to bring a torch for the caves and tunnels. (A limited number are available for hire from the gift shop)
- The park is not wholly suitable for pushchairs, the elderly or disabled due to the hilly terrain
- Free admission is given to wheelchair users, but access is limited to the Tearoom and Grand Valley areas of the park due to its hilly terrain.
- We regret there will be no reduction in tariff due to inclement weather or park maintenance
- Occasionally events are held in the park, which may cause alterations to the route and access to certain Follies.
Admission discounts
Educational trips are just £2.95 per child
One adult may enter free of charge with every 10 children
