National Trust - Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses image

National Trust - Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Tourist attraction Hiking area

One of the Best Places To Visits in South Staffordshire


Address

Holy Austin Rock House, Compton Rd, Kinver, Stourbridge DY7 6DL, United Kingdom

Website

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Contact

+44 1384 872553

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: houses (35) walk (28) visit (23) rock (21) views (16) great (14) lovely (14) site (13) cafe (12) worth (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 kevin m. 2 years ago on Google
    Parking is just off the main road and reasonably limited means at busy times you may have to park about 10 mins walk away. Site owned by national trust and therefore an entrance fee of around £6.50 . Site is really interesting, and you can go in to 2 refurbished rock houses. There are others unfurnished. Also a very good little cafe on site. A short but steep walk up to where the old hill fort will give you great views across 4 counties
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 s1fly 2 years ago on Google
    Spent 3 enjoyable hours at Kinver. It’s a National Trust site but it wasn’t expensive to get in. There are several rock houses to explore on the bottom level and the cafe on the upper level with some more rustic houses. What’s fascinating is that people lived here until the 1950s so there are audio recordings of their stories playing. Beyond the rock houses lies paths into the woods and surround lands. There’s a great circular walk to be had with some extra rock houses long since abandoned. Parking is a reasonably sized lay-by but I imagine it could get busy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna K. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous place. Worth to visit and bask at the atmosphere of cave houses. You have to buy a ticket to get into the houses but the price is fair. Lots of different trails at the place so definitely good for a day visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 vince r. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit, the rock houses are fascinating and restored to a very high standard, there is also a cafe and toilets located by them. You can then start one of the trails around the kinver edge reserve which will end there as well, there are a few to choose from depending on how emerge you are feeling, from around an hour to around three. We did the long walk and it is steep in places but the scenery is beautiful, keep an eye out for the caves inside the park along the trail they are well worth a look although you will need to climb to get onto them. It’s run by the national trust so free for members to see the houses
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kerry M. 11 months ago on Google
    Quite fascinating how the homes were carved in the rock, and how they made furniture fit by chopping away even more. Lovely tea room with friendly staff,tasty coffee and cakes there too. We went on the purple trail round the walk, on reaching the top of the iron age fort, the views were amazing, on the walk it was very up and down small hills, some had loose dirt and a little steep, so good shoes are a must. Overall a lovely few hours out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 irene Balmer (. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous afternoon out, firstly the young lady on the entrance was very polite and helpful. Peter told us all the information about the rock houses and it was very interesting. The house that was furnished was incredible. We then had a walk up to the site of the Fort. Plenty of walking but because the weather Was so nice it was great. Definitely worth a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rasiha M. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place. Tea room has the best scones I have ever tasted! We spent nearly four hours with our kids and they thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff very helpful and friendly as well. Will definitely visit again when the weather warms up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sandra H. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a lovely little weekend visit. The bottom gate is locked a hour before closing time, so make sure you get there with plenty of time so not to be disappointed. The top gate is left open to enter for a little longer. The staff were very welcoming. There were great information about the area and cottages. The cottage themselves were fantastic to look around. The toilet facilities were clean and well kept. There are some great walks within the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason D. 9 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing place to visit so quirky, tea room was nice also and very reasonably priced. Staff/ volunteers are amazing and have lots of information on the site and are very welcoming. The views are breathtaking and the wildlife is thriving too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gemma S. 1 year ago on Google
    Fascinating rock dwellings/houses believed to have been initially carved into the sandstone sometime in the 1600s and later formed into quaint accommodation for local workers. Visiting this site will give you an insight into living in the late 1800s. There is also a tea room and seating/eating area available at the upper level of the rock houses which are only accessible by steps. There are multiple woodland trails surrounding the rock houses that lead to more carved dwellings/caves which are explorable, dog friendly and a pleasant family day out. Some trails require a lot of up-hill walking so be mindful. They do lead to an area which was once an Iron Age hill fort. Multiple designated parking areas with ample parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca 8 months ago on Google
    We had a lovely couple of hours there exploring the rock houses. I love that you can listen to a recording of people’s memories in one of the houses. The cafe was reasonably priced. My daughter loved the salted caramel cake and enjoyed the nice coffee. Lovely people on hand to help.

  • 4/5 Mark A. 1 year ago on Google
    Intresting place , think it was £7 for non members which I think is a bit steep tbh. But it's one of those things to encourage you to sign up to national trust. Fascinating place with a small cafe on site with an incredible seating area . Toilets on site , you will need to be physically able to climb steps to see all. There is a nice area around to go for a walk as well & parking is free. Kinder village is worth a look as well.

  • 5/5 Adam J. 10 months ago on Google
    We decided to have a day out and had never visited before so gave it a try. Really glad we did. The houses in the rocks are really worth a visit. Difficult to believe they were lived in until the 1960s. There is a small 'Rock Cafe' which is quaint and there is outdoor seating with amazing views. After a visit to the houses and a cup of tea we had a lovely walk around the area (wooded areas and some great view points)

  • 5/5 Waynes T. 10 months ago on Google
    Great place for walking, lots of different trails. Nice views up on the top worth the effort to get up. Be mindful that lots of the trails have slopes that are quite long and some steep inclines in places. Lots of parking in different areas. The national trust staff who look after the rock houses and tea room were very friendly and made it a pleasure to visit. Look forward to going back again.

  • 3/5 Nick T. 1 year ago on Google
    Easy parking on site or hike up from the town. Limited visiting out of season but still good to explore when shut down. Sign boards throughout the site and plenty of trails to walk if you have time. I thought the climb to the ridge and hill fort behind the rock houses with the great views was well worth it.

  • 5/5 H. R. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely walk that's well sign posted and mapped out so it's easy to follow. Tells you all about the steepness of the walk, terrain type and how long it takes before you choose your path which is helpful. Parking is free just outside the entrance and it's a lovely and clean, litter free route.

  • 5/5 Natalie E. 4 months ago on Google
    Beautiful little place. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Perfect views and lovely walks nearby. Will definitely return in the summer!

  • 5/5 Paul C. 5 months ago on Google
    Great place to spend few hours on a weekend! Definitely recommend to check out the cafe and try the sandwiches and a hot chocolate. The book store is also a great place to visit.

  • 5/5 Zee N. 5 months ago on Google
    A sight worth seeing! Very interesting quirky houses built into rocks. Lovely staff. One of the volunteers told us a lot about the history. Helen was particularly helpful and kind. Nice tea room including soup and pastries. There are stairs from the rock houses up to the tea room but speak to the staff at the entrance if you need help as there is a back entrance with no stairs. There are only two small houses so doesn't take long to see but it's quite unique and well worth the visit. Parking is by the road just a short walk. Grounds seemed popular with joggers.

  • 5/5 Omar K. 6 months ago on Google
    Very special. Guides in all the rooms to explain the history. And after u can have some tea in the cafe or go for a walk along one of three routes. We did the orange route, which goes to the top and back to the car park from there. Dog loved it.

  • 5/5 Oliver N. 7 months ago on Google
    Great National trust site to visit for a couple of hours. £17.50 for a family of 4. The cave houses and history around them are fascinating. Dogs allowed on leads. Great cafe too with lovely sandwiches and fresh baked cakes with indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views.

  • 5/5 Diane T. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely little place full of history. Great information from the guide too. The walk all round the hills is perfect and well signed so you can't get lost! The scones are the best !

  • 5/5 Katherine W. 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic historical site with beautiful views over the local area. The rock houses are so unique and a lovely site. The cafe is based in the old upper rock houses and has the most amazing homemade lemon cake! Definitely worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Riitta C. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a beautiful day to attempt the 5 mile purple walk. Definitely not for the fainthearted though! It was a tough walk but so happy to have done it! Beautiful views, amazing caves and rocks!!!

  • 5/5 Lesley P. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed going to look at the cave houses last weekend. All the staff where knowledgeable and friendly. There's toilets and a tea room. We didn't have any cake but the portions looked generous and tasty. We then went on the red walk after getting an ice cream from the van at the bottom it was beautiful, as well as well signposted and maintained.

  • 5/5 Mark P. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent, not your usual National Trust manor house with galleries of paintings. This is modern day Flintstones, the last person to leave was in the mid 1960's. Also worth a short steep walk to the earthwork castle on the top of the hill. Great viewpoint. Plus, if you have a bit longer, take the trail walk to Nannies Cave.

  • 5/5 Annette C. 1 year ago on Google
    A fascinating place to visit. Parking is on a lay-by situated off the road about a 5min walk. It's a large area with lots of spaces to park. A short walk up to the houses and you can see the chimneys within the rock. The houses are lovely that were recreated from images. The Fletcher house was done from an early 1900s painting of the Fletchers and the Martindale's house was recreated from a photograph. Walk in to the Fletcher's house where you will find a lovely fire, a table with a painting and other traditional items. Take a visit to the Martindale's where you will see a large dresser unit, a pantry area and a bedroom that included some traditional toys that children (or adults) could have a go.

  • 5/5 Katrina 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit. Lovely walks & beautiful views. When you get to the top there's a little cafe. It was also interesting to see & learn about the rock houses too.

  • 5/5 Elaine D. 1 year ago on Google
    What an amazing place unbelievable that people lived here not to long ago. Volunteers were well informed and entertaining,and to have a fabulous chat to Mr Reeves who's father actually lived there when he was a boy.The surroundings are stunning too .some fab walks in beautiful countryside with beautiful views STRONGLY RECOMMEND a visit

  • 5/5 Dr W. 1 year ago on Google
    If you fancy somewhere a little different, a great small cafe and a lovely walk, then this is the place for you! Visit houses built into the side of a cliff, lived in until the 1960's! Guides are friendly and easy talk to. Toilets next to cafe and others at the end of your walk. Lovely countryside to stroll through or a big more strenuous walk to the top of the iron age hill fort. Free car parking as well!

  • 5/5 Musa S. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting place worth the visit great to explore the caves and nanny rock The houses themselves were wonderfully restored giving you a real sense of what it was like to live there in the late 30s The staff were friendly, helpful and informative A lovely day out and can't wait to return for another visit

  • 5/5 Andrew B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great circular walk or if you're into mountain bikingg.. knock your socks off, dedicated routes just for you adrenaline junkies!Did the Purple route with some stunning views but with great views comes great inclines but well worth it especially when the walk finishes with perfect views of the rock houses from the entrance side. As as Annie said...I'll be back!!❤

  • 5/5 Gareth W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting place and good walks around the place. Also a really good tea room there

  • 4/5 Alex M. 2 years ago on Google
    A mix of a nice forested park and a history. The cave houses and witches cave are a nice attraction to visit and the park itself offers some great views. The walk can be a bit steep in places though so be careful

  • 5/5 Martin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing was the one word description, a must visit for all ages although there are quite a few steps and uneven sandstone pathways. To do the whole site requires plenty of ascents and descents but best on a sunny day for these as you can get a better view. Very Misty when I went! Quite difficult to find depending on your Sat Nav! Car SatNav was useless, Google Maps a lot better returned using M6 NB - Now opens @11:00 last admission 15:00 closed Tuesday/Wednesday

  • 5/5 binny k. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful walks all around the houses, great to explore the woods and rocks, nanny rock. The houses themselves were wonderfully restored giving you a real sense of what it was like to live there. The staff were friendly, helpful and informative, and the cake from the tearooms was very yummy. A lovely day out and can't wait to return for another visit.


Call +44 1384 872553 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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