Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire
UPDATE: Course open to members and visitors with social distancing measures. Designated as Herefordshire’s #1 golf course and listed among England’s Top 100 Golf Courses Kington Golf Club is blessed with a most incredible location, right in the heart of National Trust land, perched high up on Bradnor Hill in north east Herefordshire, it enjoys spectacular views both from the course and clubhouse. Only a short distance from the pretty market town of Kington, this award-winning golf course welcomes non-members too, so it is perfect for visitors to the area to pay-as-you-play and enjoy the comfortable clubhouse and its dining, lounge and bar areas, with the wonderful elevated terrace. Considered to be one of the finest, natural inland links courses in the country, Kington Golf Club is very attractive to golf Societies looking for somewhere new and unique to play, especially as the greens are open 12 months of the year. With a warm welcome to all ages, and encouraging the next generation to engage in the enjoyment of golf (who knows where the next Tiger Woods may come from?) Kington Golf Club is also available for private functions and celebrations, and for the casual passer-by to enjoy the facilities simply for […]
UPDATE: Open with social distancing measures in place. Newent Plant Centre is Hereford’s most inspirational plant centre where you will find creative displays all laid out to inspire you with planting ideas for your garden. Customers can be heard commenting on how gorgeous and effective this looks and many say what a delight it is to see somewhere that sets the plants out in a different fashion. More importantly they also say it’s great to see what plants will look like together once planted in the garden. These areas are changing constantly to reflect the plants being sold and to give different ideas each time you visit. At Newent Plant Centre there is a large stock of beautiful, well-kept and healthy plants. What sets us apart from many garden centres is the fact that we care – passionately – about the plants we stock. We know about them. We are very happy to talk about them, in fact we can talk all day about them. So pop along for a visit and take a little time out to relax and breathe in the wonderful displays. Open 7 days a week. RHS Gold Medalists.
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 […]
Home of the Mappa Mundi Hereford Cathedral is built on a place of worship used since Saxon times. It contains some of the finest examples of art and architecture from Norman times to the present day, including the famous Mappa Mundi, the medieval Chained Library and the Hereford Magna Carta. Hereford’s elegantly restored Cathedral Close sits at the heart of our historic city and diocese, with new social spaces, artworks and interpretation for you to enjoy. From Monday 27 July, the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition will be reopening for visitors with a brand new exhibition, The Two Thomases. Further details here Mappa Mundi The Mappa Mundi is a unique medieval treasure, recording how scholars interpreted the world over 700 years ago. More than a thousand drawings and inscriptions show cities and towns, Biblical events, plants, animals, birds, strange creatures and monstrous races. The map bears the name of its author ‘Richard of Haldingham or Lafford’ (Holdingham and Sleaford in Lincolnshire). Recent research suggests a date of about 1300 for the creation of the map. Mappa Mundi is drawn on a single sheet of vellum (calf skin) measuring 64″ by 52″ (1.58 x 1.33 metres), tapering towards the […]
UPDATE: 11-4 Mon- Sat The Lion Gallery was opened in 2005 in Leominster to provide a showcase for the best in contemporary craft work and fine art from the region and has since gone on to show nearly 500 makers. You’ll find a range of jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood and mixed media alongside original prints, photographs and some paintings. There is also a great selection of greetings cards and wrapping papers. There is a programme of regular exhibitions as well as an ever changing range of stock from makers young and old – new and well established national names. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact: Andrea Jackson for more information about what is on show. Telephone 01568 611898 or email info@liongallery.com
Charmingly located in the centre of “chocolate box village” Pembridge Pembridge is on the north Herefordshire’s picturesque Black and White Trail where Old Chapel Gallery occupies a wonderful former Victorian Chapel and sources the best in handmade British contemporary fine arts & crafts. From garden sculptures to objet’s d’art, jewellery to homeware, fine art, prints, woodcraft, ironwork, textiles and ceramics, these are made by both emerging and established artists and makers. Old Chapel Gallery is firmly established as a centre of excellence for casual browsers and serious collectors alike. Lovers of contemporary British arts and crafts can find work by local and nationally established artists and makers, alongside the innovative work of talented newcomers. Popular artists include Amanda Clark, Chrissie Nash, David England, Deborah Scaldwell, Frans Wesselman, Hilke MacIntyre, Iris Milward, James Donovan, Jemima Jameson, John Maltby, Lesley Strickland, Mary Ann Rogers, Philip Hearsey, Piers Browne, Robert Palmer and Tamsin Abbott. Work from every medium is commissionable and exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year in the upstairs gallery, in a variety of media, which provides the opportunity to introduce new young makers alongside well-known names. Opening times may vary throughout the seasons, please check website for up to date details.
UPDATE: you can now visit Brockhampton without pre booking, keep up to date on their Facebook page. Brockhampton Invites visitors to discover more about key figures from the past At the heart of this 687-hectare (1700-acre) farmed estate lies Lower Brockhampton , a romantic timber-framed manor house dating back to the late 14th century. The house is surrounded by a moat and is entered via a charming timber-framed gatehouse, built 1530-40. There are miles of walks through orchards, park and woodland, featuring ancient trees, historic damson and apple orchards and the picturesque Lawn Pool. Brockhampton is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from rare bugs and beetles in our ancient orchards to a wide range of bird species which you might spot from our wildlife hide. Steeped in history, Brockhampton has witnessed many changes. Inside the manor house, explore 600 years of history and discover the families which have made this special place home. Each room takes you to a different era of history; from the wealthy landowners of medieval times to the Georgian gentleman who lived here before building a mansion house at the top of the hill. More recently the manor house was home to farming families […]
The garden will be open from Saturday 13 June until 29 August 2020 on Fridays and Saturdays from 11.00 – 5.00 with social distancing. Click here for further information on visiting the garden and the National Garden Scheme. The garden at Rhodds Farm has been developed since 2005 and is now maturing nicely. It sits between a hillside of 13 acres of overhanging woodland, full of bluebells, and pasture to the south with far reaching views to the Malvern Hills and Black Mountains. Created by the owner, a professional garden designer, the garden includes an extensive range of interesting trees and shrubs, large areas of perennials, wild-flower meadows, hot borders, a gravel garden, formal garden, 3 ponds and a new arboretum. This is a natural garden which fits well within its setting and was described in a Country Life article as ‘a romantic, timeless garden’. Open every Friday and Saturday May – August 11.00 – 5.00. From A44 take a small turning 1 mile east of Kington opposite Penrhos Farm. Continue for 1 mile and garden is straight ahead as road turns to left. Also See Rhodds Barn
Brobury House Garden is open every day, all year round. Set on the banks of The River Wye, the gardens offer an idyllic setting for this Victorian style terraced garden. The panoramic views of the surrounding Herefordshire countryside really complement the formal gardens. The magnificent trees give structure to the garden and showcase the original design providing a focal point for the gardens. The present owners, Keith and Pru Cartwright have been at Brobury since 2001 and have embarked on a programme of restoration and development in conjunction with their garden designer Peter Antonius. It is a garden for all seasons. whether you visit for the first flush of Spring blossom or the spectacular late Autumn blaze…and beyond into the pale light of Winter, there is always interest and beauty. There are three formal water features which have been intertwined into the original terraces – a bog garden has now been established at the bottom of the specimen tree walk and from this paths follow a stream through woodland, leading finally to the two acre water-meadow beyond. The most recent water feature is a Lutyens-inspired pool with steps and an ornamental arrangement of flower beds. Opening times: The gardens are […]
UPDATE: Grounds and cafe open with limited takeaway menu only. Must pre book online. PLEASE READ THE CORONAVIRUS UPDATE FROM THE NATIONAL TRUST: nationaltrust.org.uk/press-release/the-national-trusts-latest-statement-on-coronavirus-covid-19 Croft Castle sits deep in the heart of Herefordshire countryside surrounded by 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. This intimate house became the Croft family home before the Domesday Book. 2019 marks 75 years since D-Day and 80 years since the start of the Second World War. To commemorate these significant anniversaries, we’re sharing the stories of the Croft family from 1939-45. Families can step back in time and discover what life was like at Croft when it was a school for evacuated children during the war, with dressing up and games in the Family Room. In the castle you can live life as Sir James Croft and find out how the family bought back their home in 1923. Explore the family photographs or sit and read through the auction catalogues. Look out for the 1950s photographs and memorabilia which detail how Croft was at risk of demolition before 1957 and what it was like here then. Step outside and explore the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and 1908 glasshouse. Find […]
Sometimes the simplest things in life give you the most pleasure! Ever thought of keeping poultry or livestock in your garden or orchard? Not sure where to start? At Wynnes of Dinmore you will find everything you need including:- Livestock, Housing, Equipment, Feed, Bedding, Health & Hygiene Products, Books and Free Advice. What could be better than a few bantams, laying hens or ducks wandering around exploring in your garden for their next special treat? Not only will you find your family get enormous pleasure watching these delightful creatures but in exchange for good housing, premium feed & clean water they will reward you with the most delicious fresh and tasty eggs. Is this not the most productive pet? Or perhaps you would like a few friendly playful pygmy goat kids jumping around or gentle alpacas, or even a few lambs? At Wynnes of Dinmore they help to make your dreams reality, so why not Pop up and see what is on offer and how you can take the next step in choosing your next family member. Livestock includes: all types of poultry (laying hens, bantams, ducks, geese, quail, guinea fowl, peacocks) sheep, pigs, alpacas, pygmy goats. Open to the […]
UPDATE: We are delighted to tell you that our spacious showrooms and extensive outdoor courtyards are open again. We’ll keep the numbers in our showrooms reassuringly small and will be implementing clear bio-security and social distancing measures to keep you and our staff safe. If there are already too many customers with us when you arrive, we’ll ask you to wait comfortably in your car, or relax around our outdoor tables in the courtyard until it’s safe to go inside. And there you will find frequent hand sanitising stations and new perspex screens, keeping customers and staff separated at service positions. Sadly we’re not able to open The Glasshouse yet, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy in the sunshine. 9am – 5pm, Monday to Saturday Holloways is a long established and highly experienced furniture retailer, specialising in beautiful, well made, British furniture for almost every area of your home. Furniture and design Sumptuous sofas and relaxing armchairs, large family sized dining tables, luxury garden furniture for your garden room, conservatory or outdoor spaces is all selected for its individual style and quality finish. Bedrooms and Offices can all be given the stylish Holloways touch with their range […]
Your Country department store – Oakchurch near Hereford. NOVEMBER LOCKDOWN & CHRISTMAS 2020 SANTA AT OAKCHURCH Unfortunately, due to coronavirus, Santa won’t be able to meet children in his grotto at Oakchurch this year. However, you can still take your letters to Santa to Oakchurch, drop them in to the postbox and Santa will write back to you. Last date for posting is 13th December. Don’t forget to put your full name, address and age on your letter. CALL & COLLECT Oakchurch are extremely vigilant about the safety of their customers and staff by ensuring that everyone who enters the store washes or sanitises their hands, wears a face mask and adheres to 2 metre social distancing. However, they do realise that some vulnerable people may still not wish to enter the store and with that in mind they offer a call and collect service – simply ring them to place and pay for your order and arrange to collect (usually the next day) when a member of Oakchurch staff will drop your order into your car boot for you. Call 01981 500125 (option 7) during office hours. LOCAL DELIVERY During the first lockdown Oakchurch kept the local community fed and […]
UPDATE: Falconry activities resume on July 4th 2020 including private handling experiences, photography experiences and wedding ring bearer services. Educational visits and flying displays to families, schools or groups will also be available. Operating 7 days a week. Social distancing rules and restrictions will apply. Full details will be available on our Facebook page, so keep an eye for updates. Wye Valley Falconry is the brainchild of Luke Mammatt, a Falconer from Hereford who has worked at a number of centres around the UK over a 14 year career. Luke has now returned to Herefordshire to establish his own business. Yet he has no premises. Rather, he offers Private Experiences and Events where clients get to meet and fly various birds of prey such as Hawks, Falcons and Owls. A private one-to-one experience, where you get to handle and fly the birds, will make you understand why Birds of Prey are one of the most fascinating predators in the world. These experiences vary in duration and are available all throughout the year. A Flying Display will show you their amazing aerial agility and natural hunting techniques. Educational Visits to any club or organisation (covering any age-group – nurseries to residential homes) […]
FURTHER UPDATE – Deer Park Campsite open on Saturday 4th July until 23rd August, then again from 6th to 30th September. AN UPDATE ON OUR OPENING… It’s so lovely to be open again that we’ve added extra days!* Open every Saturday, Sunday and Monday until Monday 13th July. For anyone home-schooling, we’ve also put together a page pointing to lots of learning resources around Castles! With the recent news that the majority of children are unlikely to go back to school until September, an Outdoor Learning Day at Eastnor visiting a real-life castle might be a welcome change of scenery! We hope to see you soon, don’t forget tickets are limited and must be pre-booked online! Adults: £5.00 Children (3–15yrs): £2.50 *Opening is still on a Limited Grounds Only basis – full information available on our website, please read before purchasing tickets. Eastnor Castle is a great day out for the whole family! Open to visitors on selected days from Easter until the end of September, there is plenty to entertain and amuse visitors of all ages, including dogs who are most welcome. Visitors can explore the state rooms within Eastnor Castle where guides are on hand in every room to […]
Update: Now open for all usual activities including the brand new Viking Games. Battlelands is a family run activity centre based in the Herefordshire hills offering three great activities; Paintball, Laser Clay Shooting & Splatmaster. The perfect venue for birthday parties looking for a memorable way to celebrate; corporate and school groups who are looking for team building; hen, stag parties; plus groups of friends who’d like to break out of their normal routine with an action-packed day out. All group sizes can be accommodated with activities for those who are 8 years upwards. The on-site Glamping area, Up On A Hill, can be booked exclusively and offers three luxury lotus belle tents and a shepherd hut. Stay, Play and Partaaay !! Also see Laserclayz and The Viking Games
If you like exhilarating, challenging and above all fun activities in the great outdoors, Oaker Wood Leisure is the place for you. This vast and exciting woodland activity site between Leominster and Ludlow provides Paintball and Junior Paintball, Quad Bike Trekking, Junior Quads, Aerial Tree Trekking, Super Swing, Zip Wire, Climbing & Monkey Climbing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Raft Building, Low Rope Adventure Trail, Target Shooting Range. Two Glamping Villages provide accommodation and can be booked exclusively for your group, each village accommodates up to 50 people. Oaker Wood Leisure is ideal for childrens’ holiday activity days and teen paintball days, stag and hen parties, glamping weekends, children’s parties, school groups and residentials, junior rugby tours, corporate team building away-days and corporate camps. Don’t worry if you only have a small group. Subject to availability they offer some activities for small numbers, perfect for family activities or a few friends. W: oakerwoodleisure.co.uk
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust works across the county, looking after its wonderful landscapes and wildlife – and inspiring others to do the same! The trust manage 59 nature reserves which range from the tiny – perfect pockets of meadow and woodland – to the expansive, such as the popular Queenswood Country Park. Touring the nature reserves is a fantastic way to discover the heart of Herefordshire as the trust conserve some of the best examples of the county’s orchards, meadows, riversides, woodland and lakes. Undertaking projects across Herefordshire with partner organisations, landowners and local communities to ensure maintainance of Living Landscapes where wildlife and people can thrive. Most recently work includes restoring a network of ponds across Bromyard Downs, Bringsty Common and National Trust Brockhampton estate as part of the Pooling Together project while along the Lower Lugg Valley, the trust have protected the river banks to improve the water quality and wildlife habitat for the future. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust run events, activities and courses throughout the year and across the county, for all ages. Why not join the WildPlay team for a morning of den making and outdoor cooking, enjoy a guided tour of the reserves with knowledgeable reserve officers or sign up […]
Brobury House, gardens and two holiday rental cottages are set on the banks of the River Wye in Herefordshire near Bredwardine, Hay on Wye. Rose and Lilac Cottages are situated within the eight acres of Brobury House Gardens. They offer homely, secluded accommodation in peaceful surroundings. The cottages overlook the main lawn with a backdrop of mature trees. All eight acres of gardens are for your enjoyment during your stay. The cottages offer the perfect retreat for those wishing to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches. Artists, Bibliophiles, Historians, Birdwatchers and Walkers will all find much to engage their interest in this idyllic rural environment set against the glorious backdrop of the River Wye. Each cosy cottage offers: A spacious kitchen with modern utility facilities Comfortable dining and living room facilities Open fires with free logs Two bedrooms, one double and one twin, sleeping four people Good size bathrooms with shower over bath and a second separate toilet Free wi-fi Lovely views across the lawns Available all year round for weekly letting. Short breaks are normally winter season only. Pets are welcome by arrangement. Please respect the current COVID distancing rules when visiting (minimum 2m separation) Also […]
UPDATE: Gardens and plant sales open, cafe closed. Hergest Croft Gardens lies in the heart of the Welsh Marches with stunning views towards the Black Mountains. From spring bulbs to autumn colour this is a garden for all seasons. There are gorgeous flower borders. An old fashioned Kitchen Garden with a Rose Garden; Spring Borders with carpets of bulbs; and unusual vegetables; the Azalea Garden with spectacular colour in the spring: and Park Wood, with thirty foot high rhododendrons are fantastic all to discover. Autumn colour throughout the gardens is superb The Gardens are the perfect place to explore and relax. Teas and light lunches, provided by the award-winning Ridgeway Catering, specialising in local homemade food, are available in the old Dining Room and outside on the Terrace. Plants Sales contains many rare and unusual specimens from all over the world. A wide range of gifts are presented in the Hall. There are special entry rates for pre-booked groups of 20 or more.
UPDATE: Open from July 1st New opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm and Monday Closed The Gateway Cinema In light of advice from the government, we have taken the decision to close The Gateway and cancel future screenings with immediate effect. Our priority is the safety of our customers attending, and this is not a decision we have made lightly. We will remain closed and re-open when possible, closely following government guidelines. If customers were due to visit us in March and April, a member of our box office team will be in touch directly to process refunds. Based on the outskirts of Ross on Wye Labels Shopping, is home to over 200 brands for you and your home. Labels Womenswear and Menswear departments are sure to have something to your taste, and you’ll love the extensive range of Homeware and Soft Furnishings. If it’s a gift for your someone special you’re after, we’ve plenty of ideas. What’s more the colleagues at Labels are always happy to help, whatever your query. You will even find a large Farm Shop, with a Butcher and Deli as well as many other well know foodie brands, many of which are local. The […]
Who we are Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter was established by ceramic artists Jon Williams and Sarah Monk in 1994. Initially, the Pottery served as a creative space where the couple designed and manufactured individual pots and works of ceramic art. Increasingly Jon & Sarah sought to share their passion and enthusiasm for clay with others, both at the Pottery and in the wider community. The couple have a combined experience of over 40years working with adults, young people and children in settings all over the West Midlands and beyond. What we do Remarkable clay and pottery experiences designed to explore and develop creativity in all ages and abilities. Current offer includes: Educational projects in schools and early years settings, Pottery teambuilding and creative development sessions for businesses and organisations, Potter’s wheel courses for groups and individuals, Hen parties, Themed Children’s workshops in the school holidays, Birthday parties, Drop-in sessions for families and Workshops for festivals and events. Details of our Potter’s Wheel Day or Weekend Workshops throughout 2017 can be found here Details of our Chridren’s School Holiday Pottery sessions can be found here How to book Simply contact the Pottery to check availability and book a session. […]
A vast amazing and unique collection of independent shops The Hop Pocket shopping village offers a welcome change to characterless out-of-town locations and an alternative to the High Street. Set on a large site at the base of Fromes Hill on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, it is a real year-round destination where you will always find a huge range of shops and great gifts. it is the perfect venue for meeting friends, a family day out or simply an indulgent day-trip, ample onsite parking makes this an easily accessible location for a full day out and a most enjoyable way to take home something different. First started as a small shop in 1988, the gift shop is now twenty times its original size. An ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ or ‘Little Harrods’ with a large range of items, from handmade crafts to gifts of all sizes and value. You can even buy your very own Hop Garland or have one delivered! New in 2019 the Food Hall combines all the food and wine shops to create a wonderful, new area that stocks fine and wonderful things to eat and drink, with a focus on amazing local suppliers including free range eggs, meat, chocolate, fudge, […]
Huntlands Farm Upholstery Courses are run by Lucy Brodie, who also offers excellent accommodation facilities at Huntlands Farm. Enrol on an upholstery course with expert tuition from Lucy who holds a qualification with the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers having been trained in the use of modern and traditional materials and methods. Take your own furniture and choose from two days for a small project or longer for something bigger. For further details about courses including cost and stay-over options, click here You will need sufficient fabric to cover your project, all other materials are in stock and will come with a charge as you use them. See also Huntlands Farm Huntlands Farm Weddings Moorhall Farm
UPDATE: Open from Monday 6th July Tuesday – Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm (closed Mondays) Magical Aardvark Books is situated in a series of stone barns in Brampton Bryan Brampton Bryan is an historic and beautiful village in the north of Herefordshire on the Shropshire border on the A4113 road between Leintwardine and Knighton. Aardvark Books bookshop contains over 50,000 new and second hand titles across all subject areas, and has a very popular café which serves refreshments, home-made cakes and light lunches. Almost all new books are half-price or less, and the shop includes a fantastic range of books from latest blockbusters to antiquarian gems. There is ample parking for cars and coaches, and the café can seat 40 people comfortably. Throughout the year Aardvark organises a range of events including art exhibitions, a Civil War Re-enactment in conjunction with the English Civil War Society (in August), plus markets and music events. For more details of events have a look on their website. Open 7 Days a Week: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.
UPDATE: Open from July 1st with social distancing measures in place. Mike Gell Jewellery shop is situated in Hereford’s historic town centre, showcasing over seventy designer-makers. The focus is on supporting British makers who excel in high quality design and craftsmanship. Mike Gell Contemporary British Jewellery has been in East Street, Hereford for nearly 30 years. In that time he has had a number of different premises each one being slightly bigger than the previous. We have been in our current premises for 8 years. It is a lovely light and airy gallery with plenty of space to display the work and for customers to browse. With a vast array of styles to choose from, there should be something to suit all tastes and budgets. With four jewellers onsite we are able to work with our customers to create bespoke designs. Work undertaking includes: Remodels of existing jewellery Ring re-sizing Jewellery repairs Pearl and bead re-stringing. You’re welcome to visit the store and discuss your requirements, with no obligation. Open from 10am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday
Standing proud and strong, this fine Georgian mansion sits within Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s final garden and landscape. This year, we’re embarking on our ambitious Garden Project. This aims to restore, revive and reimagine ‘Capability’ Brown’s iconic walled garden and pleasure grounds for future generations. We’re working in partnership with local community groups to ensure the vision for the gardens are co-created and beneficial for the local community. We need to raise £200,000 to repair the garden walls, including the rare curved section, which is one of only two left surviving in this style. From July 2019, you’ll be able to step inside and explore this area for the first time. Find out how you can support the project on your next visit and ask the team about the various fundraising events and gardening workshops we have planned for the coming year. In the centre of the walled garden, you can discover ‘LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!’, a bold contemporary pavilion designed by internationally renowned artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. Inspired by Berrington’s Georgian origins and eighteenth-century culture, this 8-metre-tall by 8-metre-wide pink structure inhabits the walled garden; highlighting the importance of this piece of ‘living history’ as the final masterpiece of ‘Capability’ […]
One of England’s best kept secrets, Hampton Court Castle is genuinely one of the most romantic houses in England The forerunner to the internationally renowned Hampton Court Palace in Surrey by some 80 years. Situated in the very heart of the Herefordshire, English countryside, the 15th Century Grade One Listed Castle is set in over 1000 acres of estate. The tastefully-appointed State Rooms, including the magnificent Ballroom and exquisitely hand-painted Chapel, are now open to the public for tours. The Castle also boasts 24 sumptuous bedrooms, with feature bathrooms, four of which can be viewed on our Castle tours. The original Victorian Walled Garden now contains breathtaking displays of flower beds, ornamental walkways, waterways, fountains, island pavilions, and cascades. The legendary wisteria tunnel is said to be almost 200 years old and leads to the Castle lawns and beyond to the secret garden and waterfall. Over a thousand yew trees have been planted to create a maze with a gothic tower at its centre offering panoramic views of the gardens. The ornamental kitchen garden includes fruits & vegetables all organically managed. Lunch or afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Joseph Paxton designed Orangery Café where produce from the kitchen […]
The jewel in the crown of Herefordshire homes Hellens Manor still serves 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 […]
Update: Now open for all usual activities. The Viking Games is the latest venture from the team at Battlelands. The activities are run from the Herefordshire family farm that has been passed down through the generations. The farm has spectacular views of the Black Mountains and the Golden Valley. A fantastic range of viking inspired group activities are available. Take part in one or all six traditional nordic games. Try your hand at Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige. Test your ability and agility to see whether you have what it takes to become a true Viking warrior. Available for groups, couples, Families, Hen and Stag parties, birthday surprises and team building. Get in touch with the team and find your inner viking warrior. Also see Laserclayz. and Battlelands
