National Trust - Croome Reviews Summary

House and Exhibitions

Pros:

• "The house itself is absorbing and well worth spending a couple of hours enjoying."
• "Stunning house & magnificent grounds by Capability Brown, his first landscaped estate."
• "Most of the house is accessible but no furnishings, but well worth a look."
• "The Great Hall is the finest part. The Adam Plasterwork there, and throughout, is worth the visit."
• "A well preserved house. Love the exhibition insides."
• "Unique exhibitions include the archive initiative which gave us glimpses into the lives of the residents in an accessible and innovative way using 3d archive boxes arranged in an incredible optical illusion."
• "The artistic installations which tell Croome's story are engaging and every room is a surprise."

Cons:

• "I was disappointed that the house wasn’t furnished with period furniture, just some bits in a couple of rooms."
• "The house is basically empty of any original furniture or riches as it was sold off."
• "The house is just a shell as all the furniture has been sold off at some point."
• "Property lacks furniture and is not in its full glory but the buildings and grounds are very well maintained."
• "I expected rooms full of picturesque paintings and expensive furniture but when I read that everything was sold to Victoria and Albert museum in London and a museum in New York I was disappointed."
• "Very little furniture, and it's all a bit underwhelming."
• "The house is stunning in design but as it has been to let go inside some of the rooms are bare."

Grounds and Walks

Pros:

• "An absolutely brilliant day... one of our best at a NT property."
• "Wonderful walks around the estate with views across the river and plenty of opportunities for photos."
• "It is really stunning, walked around the river and it was lovely and quiet wear walking shoes or wellies as it's really wet."
• "Beautiful walks, great for picnic and to give the kids some outdoor exercise."
• "The actual setting and the various walks around the grounds were in fact the best part of the day."
• "Gorgeous grounds, so well kept."
• "The grounds are beautiful and there is plenty of space for a good walk and taking in the breathe taking views of malvern and the surrounding area."

Cons:

• "No gardens and a long walk from the car park to the church, Court and greenhouse and back to the carpark, we walked approx 3 miles."
• "The volume of wasps made it difficult to relax in this area."
• "Hugely disappointing. We're not sure what the NT spend our £14 each admission charge on??"
• "The only disappointment was the house. It seems to be a lost cause in need of investment."
• "The grounds were a pleasure to walk round but the house... needs a lot of work to restore it."
• "The only criticism is that there were no waste bins."
• "I would say that they need to have a few more dog waste bins dotted around the path."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "The car park is easily accessible and the food in the canteen is alright."
• "For less able-bodied, a regular shuttle bus is available, or the hire of a personal battery buggy, but this must be pre booked."
• "For the less able there was a motorised buggy giving lifts around the grounds."
• "The facilities include excellent car parking and a pleasant cafe."
• "Trampers (go anywhere mobility scooter) available to book."
• "The house is far from the car parks but a shuttle service is provided for those that can't walk or are disabled."
• "Buggy rides are available and those with mobility issues should take advantage."

Cons:

• "Just got here and the park looks great. However, trying to have a cup of tea and found all the washed cups are still dirty and stained, especially the rim of the cup where you drink from."
• "The only criticism I have is that the manager of the site took it upon himself to block off 7 disabled parking spots so a coach could park there for hours waiting for his passengers."
• "The cafe was crammed solid with generally only one of the two serving points operating."
• "A long queue at the cafe."
• "Cafe was a bit slow and cake selection not amazing."
• "Disappointed to find that the walled gardens have an additional charge (when open)."
• "The only criticism I have was the rather impolite and unfriendly staff at reception."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "Very friendly helpful staff in all areas."
• "All the staff was very knowledgeable."
• "Fabulous place to visit. Amazing volunteers who go out of their way to make you welcome."
• "Fantastic helpful and friendly staff."
• "The staff on site are extremely welcoming and helpful."
• "Friendly and knowledgeable staff."
• "The volunteers were exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful."

Cons:

• "The guides/stewards sadly are presenting a ghostly sad house which it shouldn’t be."
• "The only criticism I have was the rather impolite and unfriendly staff at reception."
• "Just room after room totally stripped of almost all decoration and furnishings."
• "Many of the rooms still left undecorated with paint peeling walls."
• "The father-in-law loved the information the guide was able to tell us."
• "The volunteer guides were so knowledgeable and eager to share this knowledge with me."
• "The attentiveness and care shown by Ann made this trip all the better."