As pub gardens open again at England’s nearly 500 Royal Oak pubs, Monday 12 April marks the opening of the home of the Royal Oak – hiding place of King Charles II - at Boscobel House in Shropshire following a major re-interpretation project by English Heritage.

A picturesque timber-framed house, Boscobel was a hiding place for persecuted Catholics during the English Civil War. Forced to flee for his life following defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles II famously took refuge from Cromwell’s armies in an oak tree at Boscobel, before spending the night in the house’s priest hole. As part of the work, the 17th century woodland landscape has been replanted using saplings propagated from the original tree. The charity has also re-introduced rare breed animals to Boscobel’s farmyard for the first time in over 100 years.

Liz Page, Territory Director for the West at English Heritage, said: "Boscobel is a unique site. It is a Civil War gem, vividly depicting one of the most iconic stories in English history. However, it later became a working farm after Charles II’s escapades and, as such, retains an extraordinary collection of Victorian farm buildings and machinery. This fantastic investment has enabled us to breathe life into both of these important stages in Boscobel’s history, with visitors able to explore the lodge, farmyard and gardens, as well as see a descendant of the Royal Oak in which the future king hid. There’s lots for families too, with the introduction of farmyard animals, a fun willow tunnel and an exciting new play area before the chance to enjoy refreshments in the refurbished tea room."

Highlights of the relaunch include:

• Replanting of the woodland that once surrounded the Royal Oak, using saplings propagated from the original. The Royal Oak has cut a solitary figure for more than 200 years but this lost oak pasture is gradually being restored and visitors will get a better sense of how it looked when Charles II hid there in the 17th century.
• The introduction of rare and local breed animals, including Tamworth pigs and Ryeland sheep, to the cobbled farmyard and period barns, making it look and feel as it would have done almost 170 years ago as a thriving Victorian farm.
• A new 'Hide and Seek' play area, made of natural materials and using traditional construction methods, plus a willow tunnel and grass maze. Designed by Davies White Landscape Architects, who created the RHS Back to Nature Garden for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 alongside the Duchess of Cambridge, the space works in harmony with nature and helps reconnect children and their families with the natural environment.

• The family friendly 'Hide and Seek' concept has been extended to the house. An all new interpretation tells the story of the property, evoking Charles II’s concealment from Cromwell’s soldiers. Visitors can explore all the nooks and crannies, discovering Boscobel’s secret priest holes.
• Recreation of the 17th century gardens, where Charles II is said to have relaxed after the soldiers departed. An orchard has been reintegrated into the grounds, as well as beds of plants used for medicine and dyes, period flowers and vegetables.
• Revamped facilities including a new and improved café offering, shop and toilets.

The grounds, gardens, farmyard and visitor facilities at Boscobel House and The Royal Oak will open on 12 April 2021, with the house interior opening on 17 May 2021 in accordance with Government Covid-19 guidelines. Entrance costs £11 per adult, £6.60 per child or £28.60 for a family of four. English Heritage members go free.

To find out more, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/boscobel-house-and-the-royal-oak/