The Follies

Throughout the parks history numerous Follies have been added to the landscape, providing new discoveries around every corner. Take a look at our map to explore some of these fascinating features of Hawkstone Park.

Map

Greenhouse

Greenhouse

A gothic style building built for visitors to enjoy refreshments half way around the original walks. Now includes the visitor centre entrance and Orangery Gifts.

Menagerie

Menagerie

Carved into the rocks, these openings once homed exotic birds and monkeys.

Urn

Urn

Placed in commemoration of a family member was thought to have been lost, but was found in the undergrowth during restoration in the 1990s.

White tower

White tower

A turret style shelter for winter walkers during bad weather, the now red tower originally was white washed and included a fireplace for use in bad weather. Restored from a dilapidated state to its internal original splendour, it is now a Grade 2 listed building.

Monument

Monument

A 150 step, 100ft tall, spiral stair case column. Erected to commemorate Sir Rowland Hill, the first protestant Lord Mayor of London. On a clear day visitors can see up to thirteen counties from the top.

Swiss Bridge

Swiss Bridge

A rustic bridge designed as part of a Scene from Switzerland. The rotten husk was rebuilt in the 1990s.

Gothic Arch

Gothic Arch

A true ‘folly’ built above the Grotto roof as an artificial ruin. Designed as an eyecatcher for the spectacular views towards the Citadel in the distance.

Grotto

Grotto

A series of caves and passages excavated from the soft sandstone. With windows originally glazed in stained glass and walls that were once encrusted with shells and fossils.

Gingerbread Hall

Gingerbread Hall

Originally known as the Temple of Patience where visitors would wait for their guide and have refreshments.

Hermitage

Hermitage

Once home to “The Venerable barefooted Father France” who was then superseded by an automaton which was operated by the guide.

Red Castle

Red Castle

Built in 1227 for the Lords of the Welsh Marches, the ruins were a focus of the original Hawkstone Walks. Currently non-accessible. (Located in the grey area to the left of the Grand Valley)

Ravens Shelf

Ravens Shelf

An outcrop of rock giving incredible views of Shropshire and into Wales.

Cleft

Cleft

Unearthed in later 1700s to connect to a long entrance tunnel into the Grotto.

Stone Arch

Stone Arch

Excavated from the hill to create a grand entrance to Hawkstone Hall.

Grand Valley

Grand Valley

A sweeping valley between Terrace Hill and Elysian Hill. Now the perfect location for a picnic, Outdoor Cinema or Theatre.

Terrace Arboretum

Terrace Arboretum

A wide and long walkway along the ridge, planted with Monkey Puzzles and giant Redwoods.

Car Park

Car Park

A short walk from here up the hill to the Greenhouse entrance. Please note the Park is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. For further information see accessibility.