Brockhampton: damson orchards and Apple Core trail

Start in the Lower Brockhampton visitor car park beside the orchard trail. This 2.9 km circuit explores the old damson trees, the Apple Core orchard and the newer eastern orchard, with time to pause at the natural play spaces. Allow about 90 minutes for a leisurely visit. The mapped circuit includes more of the small orchard paths than the National Trust’s shorter blue trail.

Follow the pedestrian approach towards the manor, then take the orchard path on its right before reaching the moated house. At the first orchard fork, go left through the older damson trees. Continue into the young orchard and wind through the Apple Core planting. Follow the outer orchard path downhill into the eastern orchard, exploring the play-trail circuit before returning through the hedge gap. Pass back through the Apple Core area and use the more direct path through the old orchard to rejoin the approach to the car park. Follow current orchard waymarkers at the closely spaced junctions.

The orchard network includes hard-standing paths, gentle slopes and gates. The connecting approaches can still be uneven or wet, and fallen fruit can make the surface slippery in season. Wear shoes with grip and stay on the visitor paths. Keep dogs on leads throughout the orchards and parkland. Take care near the manor moat if adding a look at the house; this route does not require entering the house or walking around its moat. Ask reception about the most suitable accessible orchard route if you need a consistently firm surface.

National Trust admission applies to non-members entering the gardens and parkland. Check current prices and opening times before travelling; eligible members should bring their membership card. Arrive through the signed main entrance off the A44 near Bromyard, check in at the welcome kiosk, then follow the estate drive for about 1.5 miles to the lower visitor car park. Do not follow satnav directions onto alternative estate access roads. Toilets and the Granary food kiosk are available near the visitor area during opening hours. Phone reception can be poor, so save your route beforehand and return before the estate closes.

Route reference: the National Trust’s Brockhampton orchard walk, visitor map and current estate information.