Castles and Country Houses

Westonbury Mill Water Gardens is beautiful and fun Garden and follies Westonbury Mill Water Gardens are set in the wonderful wild heart of Herefordshire close to the ‘black-and-white’ village of Pembridge. About half of its 3½ acres is filled with massed planting of vividly colourful moisture-lovers laid out around a tangle of streams and ponds, partly shaded by a backdrop of mature trees. Punctuating the garden are a  number of  fantastic follies, often featured on national television, which will fascinate and entertain you. Walking amongst the garden’s exuberant growth, you  will find that it opens up slowly and provides new interest around each corner. There are lots of benches where you can relax for a long view. The other half of the garden is a wild flower meadow where you can walk alongside the Curl Brook among banks of shrubs and young trees, or climb the spiral path of the great mound in the middle of the meadow and  enjoy splendid views of the garden, neighbouring farmland and distant hills. Cafe: There is an excellent cafe for coffee, lunches and teas Plant nursery: There is a wide selection of plants from the garden Information Open: every day from 1st April […]

Hellens Manor is an old beautiful private home Still serving as a residence but is also open to the public, administered by the Pennington-Mellor-Munthe Charity Trust, and hosting tour groups as well as cultural events such as lectures, concerts, school field-trips, and literary discussions, forming a key part of the cultural life of Much Marcle. The inside of the manor is impressive with Tudor style architecture and fine delicacies. The manor was originally occupied by French Monks but a short while after in the year of 1096 the manor was granted to the De Balun family who became witnesses of the signing of the Magna Carta.  In 1301 Hellens went to Lords Audley, a nephew James who was companion to the Black Prince rented the manor for a pair of silver spurs. Afterwards he then leased the manor to Walter De Helyon who then later gave his name to the house. Over the following centuries the manor passed through several hands including those of Richard Walwyn who became occupier of Hellens Manor in the late 14th century, in the 15th century the wealthy family made many changes to the house. The Audleys and Walwyns held court in the stone hall, […]

Hergest Croft gardens is in the heart of beautiful North Herefordshire countryside and sits alongside Hergest Ridge at Kington. The gardens are as lovingly cared for today as they always have been and maintained in the Banks Family. Lawrence Banks and his wife, Elizabeth have managed the Gardens since 1988.  He is the former Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society and she is a noted landscape architect and the RHS President since 2011. They have continued the tradition of planting newly introduced plants, particularly in the Maple Grove, which have been a feature of the garden since 1900. There is so much to discover at Hergest Croft, every visit can be like a first one! The gardens extend over 70 acres with more than 5000 rare trees and shrubs described as ‘one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs with over 85 Champion Trees’.There are five distinct areas: Hergest Croft Garden The Kitchen Garden with Spring and Herbaceous borders The Azalea Garden the Maple Grove The ParkWood There is a wonderful tea room in the old dining room which offers beautiful views while you relax with traditional home cooked food. In the hall is a gift shop, selling local wares and traditional gifts and a plant […]

Brobury House is a charming Victorian building Brobury House and gardens is on the banks of the River Wye in Herefordshire near Bredwardine. The house is a charming Victorian building which the current owners Keith and Pru Cartright have renovated. There are eight acres of garden which have been nurtured to retain the original Victorian character. Set in the peace and tranquility of Brobury countryside, it is an ideal place to explore the city of Hereford, the Welsh Marches and the book lovers paradise of Hay on Wye. It is a place to relax and unwind. All are welcome, especially nature lovers, gardeners, artists, photographers and those who would just like to sit and picnic in beautiful surroundings. Bed & Breakfast at Brobury House offers modern en suite rooms with stunning views across the gardens. Breakfast is served in the conservatory and offers a full range of foods from full English to continental.  Free WI-FI is available. If you are planning a longer stay, why not consider one of the beautifully peaceful cottages set within the 8 acres of Brobury House Gardens. A perfect rural retreat in the heart of Herefordshire countryside. Each cottage offers spacious kitchen, dining and living room […]

Escape to the spectacular Weir Gardens riverside garden and be absorbed by natural beauty. Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir Gardens sits within unspoilt Herefordshire countryside and has many historical secrets to uncover. For centuries this site has been used as a pleasure ground for fishing, boating and swimming. It is managed in a natural way to create a varied habitat for wildlife. In spring see carpets of bulbs littered between ancient trees, in summer enjoy a picnic by the river to watch the wildlife and in autumn visit the walled garden bursting with seasonal produce. Visit the garden any time of year to find out why this location has appealed to so many and enjoy exploring this tranquil haven. Please note: only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens, all other dogs can be exercised in the car park picnic area. For more information about opening times, admission prices and what’s on, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-weir-garden