Eastnor Castle

Martin and Sue were invited to a function to celebrate the 225th Anniversary of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust at Eastnor Castle on the 2nd July and I was included too.  Martin was invited due to his involvement with the canals and the function was to launch the fundraising for restoring the canal, a total of 34 miles and 34 locks, that runs from Gloucester to Hereford.

View of the front entrance to Eastnor Castle

The castle is a modern castle not far west of Gloucester, built in 1812, 200 years ago in Gothic style and is situated on a 5,000 acre estate.  It was derelict some 60 years ago and the owner then was going to demolish it, but the cost of doing this was too high.  Instead another member of the Bathhurst family took it over and the present owners, James and Lucy Hervey-Bathurst have restored much of it, especially the Great Hall, Circular Reception Room and Drawing Room and furnished it as much as they could with original furniture.  These were the only rooms that we saw.  They live at the castle.

Front of the Eastnor Castle taken from the entrance gates in the evening sun as we were leaving

The property is now a commercial business with weddings and functions booked in the castle and grounds, a deer farm with camping area in it and various outdoor activities, especially geared around families and children.  There is a large lake on view from the castle and superb grounds.

View of the grounds and estate from the back of the castle

View of the lake from the back of the castle

I had to dress up for the function, champagne and canapés and be on my best behaviour !!  Its not very often one is invited to a function like that !

You can see more of the inside of the castle by clicking onto www.eastnorcastle.com and clicking onto the arrow on the right to the end where it says "Find out more about the castle".


Sue and myself on the balcony at the back of the castle.