Things to see and do
There’s lots for visitors to Boscobel House and The Royal Oak to explore on a day at this gorgeous, evocative property. Don’t miss the atmospheric trail around the house, where you can use modern-day ‘candles’ to guide you around the site and reveal more about the remarkable history of Boscobel. Outside, as well as the iconic Royal Oak tree, there’s more to explore with a Victorian farmyard, a pretty 17th-century garden, a playground, maze, willow tunnel and the all-important Tea Room for refreshments after your time playing history-inspired ‘hide and seek’!
Visit 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.
Today, the lost oak pasture has been restored including trees propagated from the original Royal Oak. The tallest oak you see here is the oldest descendant and beside it, is a replacement grown from an acorn of the oak, which was planted by the Prince of Wales in 2001, on the 350th anniversary of Charles’s visit.
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.
Explore the lodge by a modern version of ‘candlelight’ and learn about its history, including a priest hole where Charles II hid, with our interactive tour.
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.
Experience what life would have been like on a busy Victorian farm as you meet the resident animals including Ryeland Sheep and Tamworth pigs.
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.
Kids will also love adventuring through the grass maze and 28 metre-long willow tunnel which snakes through a field next to the garden. Planted in 2020, with the help of volunteers, the willow tunnel is a brilliant place for young visitors to 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.
Walk up the small mound, on top of which was a 'pretty arbour' where Charles is said to have spent a few hours reading in 1651.
Meet our Costumed Volunteers
On select days, our team of costumed volunteers will be out and about in the grounds, dressed in colourful attire inspired by the history of Bocobel House.
Hear fantastic stories from those who may have lived here when Charles II escaped to Boscobel in the 17th century, and from when the site was a working farm in the Victorian period.
Eating and shopping at Boscobel House
After exploring the house and gardens, escape to the tearoom at Boscobel House in the former stables. Inside, you’ll find a delicious selection of cakes and light lunches, sandwiches and soups made from seasonal ingredients.
Look out for daily specials featuring fresh ingredients from Boscobel's kitchen garden.
You can find allergen and nutritional information here
Don’t miss the chance to buy a souvenir of your visit to Boscobel House from the giftshop, located in the visitor centre. The English Heritage shop here sells a range of fun gifts, souvenirs, guidebooks and light snacks. Booklovers will also enjoy perusing the secondhand bookshop, located upstairs in the Dairy.
Thank you! Every cuppa, tasty treat, souvenir or secondhand book you buy helps the charity continue to look after England’s heritage.
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.
The pleasant, 20-minute walk from Boscobel to White Ladies Priory is a must-see for all visitors due to the spectacular views and fascinating ruins, once another hiding place of Charles II before he moved to Boscobel House.