Boscobel House and the Royal Oak
Shropshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
Pinpoint
Brewood, Bishop's Wood, Stafford ST19 9AR
Telephone 01902 850244
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Boscobel House is a timber-framed 17th-century house where Charles II hid in a priest's hole after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Reviewers describe a fairly small site where the story does most of the work, helped by staff many found very well informed. Opinions differ on how that story is delivered: some visitors valued having the history explained room by room, while others would have preferred to explore at their own pace.
Worth the trip
The hiding-place story told in the rooms where it happened, with the owner's contemporary diary among the things reviewers mention seeing on display.
Before you go
Reviewers say tickets are cheaper booked online, there is a decent car park with easy access from the A5, and many pair the visit with the walk out to White Ladies Priory.
Reviewers come for the story of Charles II hiding here and the Royal Oak, and most say the staff and volunteers bring it to life well, although one visitor who prefers to look round at their own pace found being approached in every room intrusive. The furnished rooms, the diary on display, the 17th-century garden and the willow walk are all mentioned favourably, along with views over the countryside. Several describe the walk of about 20 minutes across the fields to White Ladies Priory as pleasant, while noting there is not much to see at the priory itself. The tearoom in the cow byre gets good comments for hot chocolate, scones and hot food served until mid-afternoon. Practical points that recur include ample parking, cheaper tickets booked online, closure on Mondays and Tuesdays, and steep stairs inside the house that some say make it difficult for those with mobility problems. Estimates of how long to allow range from about an hour and a half to a half day.
Timber-framed 17th-century house where Charles II hid in a priest's hole after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
“Visited as had a free voucher to use, otherwise normal English heritage prices apply.”- Ade Smith, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Visted with 2 young children and 4 adults and was honestly amazing parking was ample amd accessible and close to the entrance.” - amber P
- How long to allow
- “In all, we spent a pleasant 4 hours there.” - Briimo
- Terrain & accessibility
- “There are some very steep stairs in the house so not great if you have a mobility issue.” - Candida Brand
- Facilities
- “So much for the kids to do without it being overwhelming the cafe served great drinks and cakes the park kept the kids entertained for hours and was well looked after.” - amber P
Common questions about Boscobel House and the Royal Oak
Where is Boscobel House and the Royal Oak?
Boscobel House and the Royal Oak is in Shropshire, England, at Brewood, Bishop's Wood, Stafford ST19 9AR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Boscobel House and the Royal Oak?
Yes - Boscobel House and the Royal Oak is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Boscobel House and the Royal Oak?
The hiding-place story told in the rooms where it happened, with the owner's contemporary diary among the things reviewers mention seeing on display.
Is Boscobel House and the Royal Oak a ruin or still intact?
Boscobel House and the Royal Oak is largely intact - Timber-framed 17th-century house where Charles II hid in a priest's hole after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
