Kentchurch Estate

Tucked in the scenic Golden Valley in Herefordshire and sitting on English/Welsh border, these lands have been in the Scudamore family for almost 1,000 years. Today, we welcome visitors to wander around our beautiful gardens, dive into our history with a guided tour or stay in our Regency-styled home or historic lodges.

Almost 1,000 years of history began in 1042 when our ancestor, stonemason Ralph Scudamore, first arrived from Normandy to build a castle in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, for Edward the Confessor. Built to defend the English border from the Welsh, the castle was only the beginning of our family’s famous legacy as nearby land began to form the very early foundations of Kentchurch Estate.

Our rich family history weaves itself through Kentchurch’s timeline with many famous connections such as Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw. Since the creation of Kentchurch Court in the 14th Century, tales of rebellion, harboured fugitives, and a devastating flood all follow the generations of Scudamores to those of us who still call the estate home today.

Given to the Scudamores by William the Conqueror in 1066, our estate was named Sancta Keyna in the Domesday book.

Stretching across picturesque countryside, our land extends from Herefordshire into Monmouthshire on the Welsh border. Here in the magical Golden Valley, we’re surrounded by rolling hills, pretty meadows, big skies and ancient woodland.

Nearby, find striking castles, foodie pubs, wonderful walks and independent market towns as well as the small city of Hereford.

With its long legacy of Scudamores, Kentchurch Court remains a beloved family home to its current custodian Joss Lucas-Scudamore and his family. Visitors are invited to enjoy the gardens, stay within the ancient walls or learn about the Lucas-Scudamore’s treasured history in a group tour around their historic home.

Car show hosted at Kentchurch Estate
The gardens at Kentchurch
The gardens at Kentchurch
Lower Lodge Gatehouse
The walled garden at Kentchurch
The grounds of Kentchurch Estate