Name: Boscobel House and The Royal Oak
Rating: 5.0

Boscobel House and The Royal Oak

Bishop's Wood, Stafford, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Boscobel House and its Royal Oak tree played a starring role in English history when, in 1651, it became a refuge for Charles II. He was fleeing for his life after his Civil War defeat at the Battle of Worcester.

You’ll learn how Charles hid for 14 hours in the Royal Oak before spending a cramped night in a still-visible priest’s hole. There are lots of fun interactive touches to help families follow the king’s story.

Price starts from £11.50 for Adults, £7.00 for Children(5-17 yrs) and £18.50 for Family(1 adult, up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Royal Oak: Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son, also called Charles, made a brave attempt to regain the throne. In 1651, the young Charles’s hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Following the defeat, Charles was forced to flee for his life towards the River Severn. Finding his way blocked by Cromwell's patrols he sought refuge instead at Boscobel, hiding first in a tree, which is now known as The Royal Oak.
Explore Boscobel House: Built in about 1632, Boscobel House, originally a timber-framed farmhouse, was converted into a hunting lodge by John Giffard of Whiteladies. The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution. It’s thought that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for sheltering Catholics in times of need.
Examine the Victorian Farmyard: Boscobel's farmyard is a well-preserved example of a 19th-century small 'planned farm'. The farm buildings here feature agricultural exhibits where you can learn more about Boscobel's history as a farmyard as you explore the dairy, cowshed and farmyard.
Play in the gardens and play area: Continuing the 'hide and seek theme', our play area is great for children visiting Boscobel House. Young visitors will have fun hiding in the replica priest holes and letting off steam exploring the climbing frame, slide and swing. Located next to the cafe, parents can enjoy a hot drink and cake while their children play.
Relax in the 17th-century garden: Boscobel’s garden is typical of the type which would have been at the house in the 17th-century, complete with characteristic box hedging and plants such as peonies and artemisias, commonly found in parterre gardens at the time.
Discover magical creatures: Looking for an adventure with your little ones? Uncover English folklore with our Folktale Creature Trails, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends.
Explore further at White Ladies Priory: The origins of White Ladies Priory are unknown, but its first recorded reference is in 1186 and the unusual dedication to St Leonard – the patron saint of captives – has led us to believe it may have been built by local gentry, in thanks for a release from captivity.
Gardens: Relaxing walled and knot gardens. Access is by paths across cobbled areas. There is a pleasant walk to the Royal Oak tree and also a permissive path to White Ladies Priory (another of Charles's hiding places) which is approximately 1 mile away. No ball games, please.

Facilities

Parking: On-site parking is free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. £3 for non-members. Disabled parking spaces available.
Food And Drink: The Tearoom offers a seasonal menu of daily specials together with homemade scones, cakes and hot and cold drinks.
Toilets: Male, female and disabled toilets plus baby changing available.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only. Assistance dogs welcome across the site.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £11.50 With donation & £10.40 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £7.00 With donation & £6.30 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £30.00 With donation & £27.10 Without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £18.50 With donation & £16.70 Without donation.
Concession: £10.00 With donation & £9.00 Without donation.
Member: Free.

On the day tickets:

Adult: £14.00 With donation & £12.70 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £8.50 With donation & £7.70 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £36.50 With donation & £33.10 Without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £22.50 With donation & £20.40 Without donation.
Concession: £12.00 With donation & £10.90 Without donation.
Member: Free.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/boscobel-house-and-the-royal-oak/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open Daily: 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm)

Address: Bishop's Wood, Stafford, UK

Post Code: ST19 9AR

Council: South Staffordshire

County: Staffordshire

Road Access: You’ll find Boscobel House 8 miles north-west of Wolverhampton. The site is on a minor road off A41 Whitchurch Road, 5 minutes’ drive north of M54 Junction 3. Turn right at The Bell Inn, then after 3 miles turn right again at Bishop’s Wood Village Hall.
Bus Access: Coastal Liner 17 (Wed only); Arriva Midlands services 88/88A to Bishopswood then 1 mile walk.
Train Access: Cosford station is 3 miles from Boscobel House.
Bicycle Access: Find your cycling route to Boscobel House and The Royal Oak at sustrans.org.uk, the National Cycle Network. Bike racks are available.
Parking: On-site parking is free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. £3 for non-members. Disabled parking spaces available.