Hawkstone Park Follies, the UK's Narnia-inspired park, opens for limited autumn visits

Hawkstone Park Follies in Shropshire is reopening for a limited autumn run as a destination that echoes a fairy-tale landscape. The 100-acre site, famed for its labyrinth of tunnels, caves and stone stairways, was a filming location for the BBC adaptation of a classic fantasy in 1988 and has drawn visitors with its dreamlike terrain. The park will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, with winter closures except for select dates.

Visitors navigate a landscape of rock formations, monuments, the Swiss Bridge, and a grotto that features multiple entrances. The grounds weave through historic woodland and rhododendron thickets, with views across a landscape centered on the ruins of a medieval red castle that is not accessible to visitors. An entire circuit typically takes around three hours for those who want to see all the sites.

After a century of neglect, a restoration program began in 1990, and the park reopened to the public in 1993. It is now Grade I listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, a designation acknowledging its landscape design and historical significance.

Practical details include admission of £10.50 per person, with children four and under free; a 12-month pass is available for £31.50. Parking is free. Visitors are advised to arrive between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with the site closing at 5 p.m. The grounds are described as an outdoor nature attraction with uneven terrain and some steep stairs, so sensible footwear is advised. The park recently attracted renewed attention when a travel creator shared a TikTok clip showing its stone stairs, tunnels and viewpoints, garnering tens of thousands of views. On TripAdvisor, Hawkstone Park Follies has a 4.6 out of 5 rating from more than 1,000 reviews, with praise for scenery and the length of the walk, though some note the terrain can be challenging. One visitor described the walk ending at a cash-only ice cream hut.

Even with limited openings, the park remains a seasonal draw for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want a cinematic backdrop for a day hike. The recommended 2.5 to 3 hour circuit, combined with the weekend-only schedule in autumn, suggests visitors should check the official timetable before planning a trip.