Ferrous 2019 – a celebration of the natural world Ferrous2019 will be back from 5th April 2019.  Brought to you by Hereford Business Improvement District and Hereford College of Arts, this year’s festival is packed with exhibitions, talks, film and of course blacksmithing demonstrations and the chance to have a go. Live Forging – Your chance to Have a Go and Save the Bees From 5th – 7th April the huge marquee with seven hot metal forges will be making its return to Hereford’s High Town. This offers another chance for Hereford residents and visitors to the city to watch demonstrations by expert blacksmiths or try their own skills at the anvil. This year’s challenge is to make a beautiful seed marker for your garden or balcony which you will be able to take home with you afterwards. And we are giving you a packet of wildflower seeds to plant and mark with your seed marker – our small contribution to celebrating and supporting the natural environment by attracting bees to these wonderful meadow flowers. If you want to try your hand at the blacksmith’s art, then you can book online now on our website https://www.herefordcitylife.co.uk/have-go-forging-high-town. Each slot costs £12 […]

TeamESL is delighted to be part of Herefordshire’s cultural mission to Brussels European Parliament this week, alongside Hereford College of Arts and other selected local businesses to provide a showcase to Herefordshire. West Midlands Conservative MEP Anthea McIntyre secured the opportunity to showcase the county in the European Parliament offices in the capital city saying, ‘Living and working in this most beautiful of counties, I am excited about sharing it with my colleagues in the European Parliament. With the help of Hereford College of Arts and its talented students, we will be letting them know what an interesting and beautiful place this is to visit, what wonderful produce it has and what great opportunities there are to invest.’ A contemporary and visual theme of cow hide, Ryeland wool and soil was chosen by a steering panel, as a bold and sensory evocation of the county with abstract sculptural forms and film that feature some of the essential materials of Herefordshire’s past, present and future such as the county’s rich red soil, iconic cattle hide, Ryeland wool and sessile oak. The materials used in the exhibition are intended speak to both Herefordshire’s rural and industrial heritage and prospects. Eat Sleep Live […]

ESL is delighted to celebrate the opening of Pensons, the exciting new dining destination situated on the 1200 acre Netherwood Estate, owned by the Darnley family, on the rural Herefordshire/Worcestershire border.   The restaurant venture is a partnership between acclaimed chef Lee Westcott (formerly of the Typing Room) and Peta Darnley, where Lee’s experienced and ambitious team compliments Peta’s design expertise to bring you a stylish yet accessible venue of gastronomy.   ESL visited Pensons following its launch in January and we could immediately see the care and passion that is in every inch of the business. The sympathetic conversion of the derelict 15C farm buildings, with architect Alex Coppock from Communion Design, has entirely rejuvenated, restored and preserved intricate original features, re-using as many of the historic materials as possible. The former manger, used for feeding hay to the cattle, is being reused as a lighting rig, the brick threshing floor has been repaired and beautifully weathered elm and oak boarding reinstated.   The bespoke kitchens, designed to Lee’s requirements, are open to the diners’ view, showcasing the talents of his hand-picked team. The refined menu draws inspiration from produce from around the Netherwood Estate and surrounding countryside, favouring […]

Hereford Cathedral have recently announced their latest Life & Learning programme which features a range of talks, lectures and discussions. Life & Learning is the adult education arm of Hereford Cathedral which works to broaden understanding and debate in theology, social issues and the arts. It offers a wide range of opportunities for study and learning, and for experiencing the Christian faith in many aspects.  Open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, it aims to be a forum for honesty and engagement. In 2019, the tenth year of the Life & Learning programme, there is a diverse range of subject matter ranging from church records to children’s reactions to sacred spaces. Other highlights include two illustrated talks on twelfth-century French Religious Art led by Peter White (Thursday 21 & 28 February). These talks will look at both the sculpture and stained glass windows of the Romanesque cathedral of Chartres which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1194. The following month (Thursday 28 March), a celebration of Hereford Diocese’s link with the Lutheran Kirchenkreis of Nuremberg will take place in College Hall. The evening will feature speakers from the Nuremberg Committee who will discuss the many different links between the […]

Juliet Williams of Lowe Farm B&B had a real change of winter scenery on her recent cultural visit to Japan. By request of Green Tourism Ambassador Professor Shinji Aoki, this Pembridge farmer’s wife shone the spotlight on Herefordshire’s excellence in tourism. The Professor, from Tokyo University, discovered Juliet’s business on a research mission to the UK some 20 years ago. He was so impressed that he has been bringing a party, sometimes two, of tourism professionals to meet and learn from her every year since. In 2015 Juliet drafted in the support of ESL’s founder and CEO Heidi Chamberlain-Jones. Heidi has been helping to host the groups’ annual stay, showcasing Herefordshire and how rural tourism businesses survive and thrive. Educating in best commercial practice to support communities as well as individual businesses, customer service and marketing, Juliet and Heidi have made a great team in cementing these international relationships. Read all about the 2018 UK visit here. International teachings from Herefordshire – Juliet’s multi-award-winning business is testimony to her standards of delivery. Recognised as invaluable benefit to the Japanese parties, they recently invited her back for a second visit to tour Japan to impart her knowledge. Taking the bullet train and […]

Wye Valley Brewery are delighted to be announced as the winner of the Water Efficiency Category at the Marches Blue Business Awards. The Herefordshire-based brewery won the award at the annual event, which recognises innovative projects that aim to reduce or eliminate water pollution, improve water quality and cut the use of water within their organisations. Wye Valley Brewery were awarded for the industry-leading technology used during the brewing process, which dramatically reduces water and oil usage.  The makers of Butty Bach and HPA also received recognition for the cleanliness of their waste water, which ultimately flows back into the local environment. Vernon Amor, Managing Director, said: ‘We work hard to consistently reduce our impact on the environment, with 47% of all energy used by the brewery coming from renewable sources. The efficient brewhouse has been designed with efficient cleaning operations meaning a below 4:1 water to beer ratio, far below average for a brewing house of our size. It’s fantastic that the work we do to protect the environment has been recognised and we’re honoured to be named winners of the Water Efficiency Category at the Marches Blue Business Awards.’ It’s not just the March Blue Business Awards that […]

TeamESL was thrilled to be a part of the awards evening for the Hereford Times Food & Drink Awards this week, where we represented Oliver’s Cider, a sponsor of this exciting event. The awards celebrated the outstanding work, creativity, innovation and service across Herefordshire’s the food & drink sector with 11 categories and one special overall winner. We were even more delighted to see so many ESL foodie Members featuring as finalists and winners. Best Butcher of the Year: Ogleby Butchers Finalists: Oakchurch Farm Shop (ESL MEMBERS) Quarry Farm Shop Best Café/Tearoom: De Koffie Pot Finalists: Trumpet Corner Tearooms and Art Gallery (ESL MEMBER) Cafe@all saints Best Dairy Producer: Monkland Cheese Dairy Finalists:  Rowlestone Icecream (ESL MEMBERS) Kelsmore Dairy Best Brewer: Swan Brewery Finalist: Wobbly Brewing Co Best Restaurant/Dining Pub: The Riverside Inn at Aymestrey (ESL MEMBERS) Finalists:  The Beefy Boys (ESL MEMBERS) The Book Shop Best Cider Producer: Celtic Marches Beverages Finalists: Gwatkins Cider Newton Court Cider Community Pub of the Year: The Pandy Inn Finalists: The Temple Bar Inn (ESL MEMBERS) De Koffie Pot Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer: The Green Bean Shop Finalists: Oakchurch Farm Shop (ESL MEMBERS) Mailes Brothers Best Drinks Producer (non cider/ale/beer): Black […]

Looking to wow your friends and family with some very special presents this year? Why not take a look at our Great Christmas Gift Ideas all from local Herefordshire businesses. From amazing experience days to fantastic creative courses and workshops to memorable jewellery and art. Make it a year where you dared to be different. CLASSIC CAR ENTHUSIASTS A very SPECIAL GIFT for any CLASSIC CAR lover, the chance to drive a Morgan Plus 4, Alfa Romeo Spider or a fabulous MGB Roadster. Let them experience the stunning scenery of Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches, the Malvern Hills, Wye Valley or the Cotswolds, from behind the wheel of an iconic classic car. Take to the open road and create some super memories with Orchard Classic Car Hire. Click here for more information CREATIVE COURSES Rug making, painting, drawing, printing, creating textiles, upholstery or the art of perfumery. Fantastic courses that will inspire the creatives in your life. Marianne Ryan Gift vouchers are available for Marianne’s fun and inspiring one day art courses taking place during 2019. Courses are £62.00 Vouchers can be purchased directly from Marianne or via the website E: info@artwithmarianne.co.uk W: www.artwithmarianne.co.uk Lucy Brodie – Huntlands Farm Gift […]

Hereford Cathedral Cloisters awarded National Lottery support It was announced today that Hereford Cathedral has received a confirmed National Lottery grant of £866,700 to fund the Eastern Cloisters Heritage Project. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project will repair and conserve the College Cloisters, preventing further disrepair and enabling this tranquil area, which is steeped in history, to be opened up to the public for special events and activities. The Cloisters are a much loved part of Hereford Cathedral which house the music department and administrative offices as well as being used for educational events. The area, although beautiful, is in urgent need of repair to provide better facilities for staff, volunteers and visitors. Renovations planned to take place include the installation of better lighting, essential repairs to the walkways and a modern fire protection system put in place as well as improvements to accessibility. An activity plan will complement the restoration and build on previous successful National Lottery funded projects, providing education and learning for visitors of all ages. Once these repairs have taken place, the cathedral will be able to host more events and activities around the themes of music, community and learning, inspired by […]

SANTA, SPARKLE & THE ENCHANTED KINGDOM If you’re excited about Christmas and all the sparkle and glitz it brings, you’re going to love what Herefordshire has planned to kick start the festive season celebrations. Find out where Herefordshire Christmas Lights 2018 are being switched on from our list below: Saturday 17 November Bromyard Sat, Nov 17 | Lights switch on 5.00pm| Santa’s parade & grotto, children’s fair rides, Bromyard Wind Band & Choral Society & Christmas stalls. More Information Hereford Maylords Shopping Centre Sat, Nov 17 | Lights switch on 5.30pm | Hereford | Maylords Shopping Centre Sat, Nov 17 HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – ENCHANTED KINGDOM Take a snowy footstep into the Enchanted Kingdom’s brand new Christmas Grotto, Hereford’s best Christmas attraction. After two extremely successful years at Maylord Shopping Centre Hereford, they have very own permanent premises there. In addition to their new Christmas experience, they will be bringing numerous other live, interactive experiences throughout the year. Surround yourself in the magic of one of the world’s most beloved Christmas tales… How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Upon entering the Enchanted Kingdom you will be swept away to Whoville to watch a LIVE performance featuring Cindy-Lou Who and […]

The Crown Inn at Woolhope in Herefordshire has been named the UK’s Best Cider Pub in the John Smith’s Great British Pub Awards. The Herefordshire based local was honoured at a gala ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 6th September after beating off competition from all over the UK. The judges were particularly impressed with The Crown Inn having won the Morning Advertiser’s Cider Pub of the Year for the last two years running. The pub features more than 36 local ciders and perries, available on bottle and draught, all sourced within 15 miles of its location. The pub also looks to bring together local food and drink and offers a five-course set menu which matches food with wines, ciders and perries. The awards – organised by pub industry bible The Morning Advertiser – celebrate the best in the business across more than 20 different categories, covering everything from the UK’s Best Beer Pub, Best Family Pub and Best Food Pub, to the UK’s overall Pub of the Year award. Prestigious gongs are also given to the UK’s Best Pub Garden, Best Newcomer, Best Live Entertainment, and even the nation’s Best LGBTQ+ drinking hole. Morning Advertiser Editor Ed […]

 LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER WITH A STELLAR LINE UP  Headliners include Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers, Saturday Kitchen regular Brad Carter and multi-award winning food writer Rachel Roddy, Michelin starred chefs and over 180 different food and drink producers  Friday 7 – Sunday 9 September – Ludlow Castle, Shropshire Ludlow Food Festival returns with a bang this September with a superb line-up of special guests alongside a huge range of top quality food and drink producers from across the Welsh Marches. Set in the beautiful ruins of Ludlow’s medieval Castle, Ludlow Food Festival was first established 24 years ago and is the oldest annual food festival in the UK. This year’s line up includes: Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers; gardener Alys Fowler and the London Honey Company’s Steve Benbow; Bristol based-chefs and writers Claire Thomson (5 O’Clock Apron) and Romy Gill MBE (Romy’s Kitchen); Rome based award-winning food writer and author Rachel Roddy; and Observer Food Magazine editor Allan Jenkins. Chefs and food experts from the Marches area include Andy Link from the Riverside Inn at Aymestry – recently awarded Visit England Tourism Pub of the Year – and Karl Martin from the acclaimed Old Downton Lodge. Other confirmed names […]

Hereford College of Arts Fine Art Summer Show 2018 called ‘Common Room’, is an exhibition of artwork by thirteen postgraduate students of the MA Fine Art course and is open in an unusual venue for showing contemporary art. The exhibition showcases diverse multi-disciplinary artistic practice at two pop-up venues in Hereford, in partnership with the Maylord Shopping Centre and Hereford BID and with the kind support of Hereford Cathedral, bringing the students’ work into the heart of the city. See the exhibition at 3 & 7 Gomond Street, Maylord Orchards, Hereford. The title of the exhibition, ‘Common Room’, refers to a shared creative space where the artists come together to swap ideas and make work. This space is now the MA studios at HCA but was once a real-life common room for staff when the building was part of the Royal National College for the Blind and the braille print used on the posters reflects this. When the art students moved in, they discovered a braille sign that remained in place from the room’s previous use and they adopted the title ‘Common Room’ for their shared practice. Artwork shown in the exhibition uses mixed media and interdisciplinary practices – and […]

Brobury House & Gardens win National Garden Award Congratulations to Brobury House & Gardens on winning Horticulture Week Custodian Award. Shortlisted months ago for the prestigious Custodian Award for their magnificent Herefordshire Gardens. The Horticulture Week Custodian Awards were held at Woburn Abbey –  it was announced Brobury House & Gardens were the winners in the Best Gardens or Arboretum category 1-5 staff, against stiff national competition. The Horticulture Week Custodian Awards honour the achievements of professionals that make the UK’s parks and gardens the vital and vibrant places they are today, ensuring those achievements are recognised by the industry’s customers, clients and stakeholders. Management achievement is recognised with categories celebrating outstanding work across all areas of activity including restoration and redevelopment, on-going management and maintenance, partnership working, volunteer and community engagement, and more. Learn more about the awards and winners Why not take visit these wonderful gardens which are open all year round and see for yourself. With the gorgeous Summer we are having the gardens are at their absolute stunning best, so take the family and a bring a picnic, stay awhile and enjoy the views. More about Brobury House.

This year celebrates 60 Years of the Royal Three Counties Show We’ve put together the key events for each decade at the Three Counties Showground 1958-1968 The first show was held at the permanent site of the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills in 1958. The show was honoured by an attendance by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.  A five-year schedule of works was undertaken including the laying of permanent trackways, installation of water, electricity and other utilities and the building of a permanent office block and council room. 2018 Sixty years on, the site has grown to encompass 298 acres including a range of permanent buildings, a woodland and a lake. 1968 – 1978 In 1968 the show welcomed Her Majesty the Queen. She spent four hours at the show, spending time viewing the livestock and casting a knowledgeable eye over the Corgi class. 2018 The Royal Three Counties Show has welcomed, and continues to welcome, members of the Royal Family.  This year Her Majesty, The Queen has entered two of her own horses into Equine classes. The Three Counties Championship Dog Show has grown in popularity and size to the extent that it now has its […]

John McGuinness and James Whitham are on the road – for a series of up-close-and-personal shows and coming to Hereford at thePoint4. McGuinness, the twenty three time Isle of Man TT winner and Whitham, the former world superbike racer turned TV pundit will be appearing at six venues across the country in October and November this year. The shows are a rip-roaring romp through the wonderful world and sporting achievement of John McGuinness, recent events have received rave reviews. James Whitham, an expert on motorbike racing James conducts the interview with John as well as an audience question and answer session. MJK sports events work regularly with both and the interview and on stage chemistry between John and James is fantastic. James covers everything in the interview in a way that brings out the best in John and the chemistry between them is nothing short of hilarious. On the night you will also be taken round a lap of the TT course via the big screens with commentary by none other than John McGuinness himself and an added bonus is John brings along a couple of his famous bikes that have carried him to victory. We are delighted to offer […]

Visitors to Eastnor Castle and the village of Eastnor will be able to see a lot more than usual next week as they host a one-day event to celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage. On Thursday 24th May, from 11am until 4pm, Eastnor Castle will join forces with a number of other village attractions to offer a Village Open Day marking the arrival of Europe’s ‘Private Heritage Week’ in Herefordshire. This will be playing a part in the European Year of Cultural Heritage, supported and sponsored by the EU. The idea is to highlight the importance of Europe’s cultural heritage and encourage people to visit and discover it. Eastnor Castle and eight other places, including Land Rover Experience, Eastnor Pottery, Eastnor Forge, Roger Oates Designs, Norton Armouries, the Church and Old Rectory Garden and Clencher’s Mill in the village will all be opening their doors to visitors. Anthea Mcintyre MEP said ”I welcome Eastnor’s initiative. It has taken a number of years’ lobbying to get this project launched at the European level and I look forward to visiting Eastnor to see these attractions, a number if which are not normally open to visitors”. James Hervey-Bathurst, owner of Eastnor Castle […]

  The Food & Drink Trade Show 2018 – Your recipe for success in 2018 The Food & Drink Trade Show in May is an unmissable event for all those involved in this innovative and fast-moving industry. Whether you are a producer, supplier or a buyer, success depends on keeping your offering fresh, on-trend and inspirational – you need to be totally up to speed with the latest developments, ideas and opportunities, meeting the movers and shakers, and getting your own products and services out there. This unique show enables you to achieve all this, and more, for a very modest investment of time or resources. Satisfy your curiosity The show makes it easy for you to find unusual products with fascinating provenance stories to tell – the kind that discerning customers are so hungry for. You’ll be able to meet an exclusive mix of passionate producers who are really pushing the boundaries – whether you are looking for locally sourced goods or speciality items, seasonal offerings or just the very best mainstream suppliers, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s something for everyone; with exhibitors from Abbotts (S.W) to Zenith Epos, with plenty in between. Bacon, charcuterie, chocolate, beer, wine, […]

VisitEngland, the national tourist board, has announced the finalists for the Awards for Excellence 2018 with ESL Member The Riverside at Aymestrey named as a finalist. The winners of this prestigious accolade will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Monday 23 April at Bath Assembly Rooms. Set in the picturesque village of Aymestry, near the Herefordshire/Shropshire border, The Riverside Inn’s pretty black and white premises has it all. An award-winning restaurant, wonderful walks, a nature-lovers haven and of course, well-appointed rooms. Working collaboratively with industry, VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence celebrate the best in English tourism. The Riverside at Aymestrey announced as a finalist today, represents one of the three finalists in the Best Tourism Pub category. All finalists must wait until the Awards ceremony to discover whether they have achieved Gold, Silver or Bronze placings. VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “These awards are a celebration of our thriving tourism industry.  They highlight the people and the organisations that deliver amazing experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination. “The finalists have shown themselves to be of the highest calibre, using their talent and innovation to deliver excellence. The hundreds of applications this year reflect the quality […]

Your leading local destination marketing company, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, is well and truly putting the region on the national and international visitor radar at this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show at Birmingham’s NEC. We will launch our much anticipated new Ultimate Herefordshire guide book for 2018, hailed as the ‘Bible’ for tourists to Herefordshire, at the show, with in excess of 100 pages of places to eat, sleep and enjoy in the county. The only comprehensive guide of its kind for the county, The Ultimate Herefordshire book guides travellers to the major and hidden destinations to stay, eat out, and enjoy, as well as imbibing the county’s rich history and heritage, location by location. The two-day industry show is the largest of its kind in the UK, attracting over 3,500 group travel organisers, keen to discover new destinations and inspiration. The Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire (ESL) stand will be headlined by premier Herefordshire attractions including White Heron Properties and British Cassis, Sir Roy Strong’s Laskett Gardens, Hereford Cathedral, and shopping destination Labels in Ross-on-Wye. It will also promote over 100 ESL tourism Members and is hosted by knowledgeable ESL ambassadors and staff. Jo Hilditch, of White Heron Drinks and Properties, will stage special talks and tastings of her award-winning British Cassis, linking in with the show’s […]

Marches Makers Festival 2018 is a brand-new venture organised by the Marches Makers to showcase the wealth of talent we have in and around Kington. The remit is broad: from professional artists with international reputations to crafters reviving ancient practices, and community creativity that includes music, story-telling, textiles, jewellery, craft workshops, photography, painting, print-making and lots more. The first Marches Makers Festival, showcasing art, craft and making in Kington will be held over the May Spring Bank Holiday 5 – 7 May 2018. Venues and Galleries Over the three days of the bank holiday the Festival will cover a variety of venues in Kington. These will be open from 10am to 4pm, although individual galleries may have their own opening times. Participating galleries include Made in the Marches, Studio 54 and Leg of Mutton. The Old Police Station will showcase work by up to a dozen makers, as will St Mary’s church, while Hergest Croft will host larger sculptural pieces in their famous gardens. The Border Bean Café will also have an exhibition of paintings. Craft Market and Workshops There will be the opportunity to see local makers at work in the Market Hall at the Craft Market, and Harmony […]

Prestigious Engineering Heritage Award for Waterworks Museum – Hereford. Over the past 30 years the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has granted some 115 Engineering Heritage Awards (EHA) to celebrate the essential contribution of mechanical engineering to our past and present.  We believe that the EHA is the most prestigious award that an industrial heritage museum can achieve so it was with great pride that we learned that the Museum’s triple-expansion steam engine of 1895 is to be the latest recipient. To celebrate the presentation of this prestigious award the Trustees have agreed that on Sunday 18th March 2018 the Waterworks Museum will be open with all engines and pumps working (in-steam) with FREE ENTRY.  The Museum will be open between 12-4pm.  The IMechE presentation will be made at 2pm. View Heritage Award 2018 poster The Worth Mackenzie triple-expansion steam engine was installed in 1895 to replace two ageing beam engines, which had reached the end of their useful lives. The new engine fulfilled two functions. It pumped untreated water from the River Wye to the water-treatment works at the rate of one million gallons every twelve hours, and re-pumped treated water to a water tower tank.  From there the water was distributed to Hereford City […]

We were delighted to see so many tourism professionals at our New Year Tourism Forum at lovely Canwood Gallery. What an inspirational story and venue this unique gallery is. There was lots of networking and mingling with providers swapping information about the wonderful things going on around the county.   Special thanks to Martha at Send Cake for the delicious sweet treats – they were yumptious!   We heard from great guest speakers about upcoming events in Herefordshire in 2018 as well as an update from ESL’s Heidi Chamberlain Jones who shared wisdom and knowledge on getting your marketing right! For all marketing advice and tips contact Heidi, heidi@eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk. More on our speakers and upcoming events below. Canwood Gallery Our wonderful host venue for the afternoon will be open again from spring with exhibitions and events in their buildings and gardens. Go along to enjoy this peaceful place and perhaps even buy a masterpiece for yourself. Thank you to Stephen and Hannah Dale, and architect Garry Thomas for sharing the amazing story of how Canwood came to be and for looking after us all so well. www.canwoodgallery.com Send Cake Herefordshire based and baked mail order cake gifts, perfect for special occasions(send a […]

Why not take an exclusive opportunity to feel festive at Eastnor Castle this year? If you’ve ever wondered how Christmas feels in one of Herefordshire’s finest homes, Eastnor Castle will be offering the opportunity to find out this December with exclusive Christmas tours around the property. James Hervey-Bathurst, owner of Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, will be opening his doors for private Christmas group tours at 5.30pm and 7.00pm on Thursday 21st December. All proceeds from these tours will go directly to the Eastnor Church Tower Appeal. Tours will include a look at the decorations, the candle-lit Dining Room table and a selection of bedrooms and state rooms led by James himself. Visitors will also be able to enjoy Christmas carols from the Ledbury Choral Society accompanied by a mince pie and a glass of wine. James Hervey-Bathurst said “Eastnor Castle looks magical at Christmas, and I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to open our doors for visitors. All proceeds from these tours will go towards to the Eastnor Church Tower Appeal; as Chairman of the appeal committee, I know that the income from these tours will be a big boost to the appeal.” Tours cost £25.00 per person and […]

Christmas Sparkle Organ Concert and Advent Carol Service at Hereford Cathedral The Christmas season begins with Music for Advent weekend at Hereford Cathedral, two special events on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December 2017. Peter Dyke, Assistant Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral, gives his annual ‘Christmas Sparkle’ lunchtime organ recital at 1.15 pm on Saturday 2 December. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust. ‘All the music will have a seasonal flavour,’ said Peter, ‘and Christmas favourites such as “The Snowman” and the “The Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” from Tchaikovsky’s popular “Nutcracker” suite will be included in the programme. Some work has been done to the Willis organ’s unique glockenspiel stop, so there will be a good chance to hear this distinctive and festive sound. But there will also be some of the darker drama of Advent!’ The cathedral’s Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols takes place at 3.30 pm on Sunday 3 December with music provided by the Cathedral Choir directed by Geraint Bowen and accompanied by Peter Dyke. No tickets are required for this very special and atmospheric event marking the beginning of the church’s year and the start […]

10 Cosy Cottages in Herefordshire For a Special Christmas Getaway Booking a festive cottage is a great way to get friends and family together under one roof, or have a romantic time for two. Herefordshire has a range of gorgeous cottages offering panoramic views, superb country walks, activities and fantastic places to eat and drink nearby. Get romantic with a cosy fire or be active with clay pigeon shooting, cycling, archery or golf, the choice is yours. Here’s our top ten seasonal hideaways to add some extra sparkle to your Christmas. Much Dewchurch Holiday Cottages Benefiting from the affiliated activities company running paintball, archery and more on the local land, the well appointed farm cottages range from small to large, so a really big group can take over the whole complex if required. Much Dewchurch, Hereford  More about Much Dewchurch Holiday Cottages Longwood Cottage Woodland walks, peace and tranquility are the focus for a stay in this pretty traditional property. Sollers Hope, Hereford More about Longwood Cottage Litmarsh Farm Cottages These converted cider barns make the perfect location for strolls along the riverbank and snuggling up under the beams infront of the wood-burner. Marden, Herefordshire More about Litmarsh Farm Cottages Montpelier […]

BONFIRES, BANGERS & SPARKLERS….LET’S GET A WHOOP ON! The nights are drawing in and the clocks are about to go back which can only mean one thing, some of the best organised firework displays in Herefordshire are just around the corner. It’s the time of year that we get to see some of the most amazing spectacles of colour, vibrancy and noise to make you and your family ooh and ahh with excitement. This year the firework displays in and around Herefordshire are not being held on the same evening, so what’s stopping you catching more than one and following the bonfire trail around the county! Here’s our round-up of fantastic fireworks delighting the crowds throughout Herefordshire over the next couple of weeks. Pencombe Young Farmers Display Fri, Oct 27 | Gates open 5.30pm Fireworks 7.00pm | Shortwood Farm | Pencombe, Bromyard HR7 4RP| Tickets £7 Adults & £5 for under 12’s, family ticket £20  Pencombe Fireworks Details Licensed bar, food and raffle. All proceeds to Pencombe Young Farmers Club Weobley Bonfire & Fireworks Display Fri, Nov 3 | Bonfire 6.30pm Fireworks 7.00pm | Weobley Village Hall | 8 Gadbridge Rd, Weobley, Hereford HR4 8RZ| Tickets £5 Adults & £2 […]

Create lasting memories this October half-term with the National Trust in Herefordshire  and plan your visit to Croft Castle, Berrington Hall, Brockhampton Estate and The Weir Garden where you will find lots of spooktacular activities to keep your little ones entertained all holiday. On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October, families can don their scariest fancy dress and dust off their broomsticks for Croft Castle’s Hallowe’en Spooktacular. Children can carve their own pumpkin, enjoy some spooky crafts, have their faces painted, take part in a broomstick agility course, play games on the lawn, hear ghost stories in the church and track down Glendower the dragon in his lair on a spooky trail around the grounds. The dungeons and dragons trail is running all half-term, until Sunday 5 November. Only six miles away at nearby Berrington Hall, families can embark on a gloriously gruesome Georgian trail around the grounds. Follow the clues through the gardens and find out all about the gory traditions and scary stories of the eighteenth-century past. Families can spend some time in the autumnal orchard and relax in the fanciful sculptural pavilion in the walled garden, designed by internationally renowned artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. On route to Bromyard, […]

Malvern Autumn Show Presents a Bucket List of Family Fun Malvern Autumn Show 2017, sponsored by Westons Cider Visitor Centre, promises to be a fun-filled family affair as the ultimate harvest festival returns to the Three Counties Showground this September 23rd & 24th. A spectacular showcase of the season, the show has compiled its very own ‘Bucket List of Family Fun’ so families can get involved before the show and plan their day. Diana Walton, Head of Shows for the Three Counties, said: “The Malvern Autumn Show is a great day out for all the family so we wanted to pull together a practical guide of how parents can plan and make the most out of their day. The line up of things to see and do is better than ever and families can already get involved by taking part in the Discover Harvest Village Show, there are classes for all ages and prizes too, so perfect for parents looking to entertain their bored kids in the last few days of the school holidays!” The Bucket List of Family Fun : Listen to Treehouse Tales in our gorgeous (new for 2017) Treehouse Garden with renowned British Indian Storyteller Peter Chand on […]

Summer is here and there’s nothing quite like a glass of something chilled with the sun on your face in a glorious British beer garden, here’s our pick of some favourite Herefordshire beer gardens with outdoor seating for those lazy hours and good times; some in the countryside, some with amazing views and some in Hereford city and all with a warm welcome. On the crossroads at Trumpet, on the Hereford/Ledbury road, the Trumpet Inn is a beautiful black and white pub in a prominent roadside location, but its beer garden is a lovely restful spot set back on the grass bank behind the main dining area. There is a vibrant atmosphere through the summer, enhanced by the resident campsite in the field next door. The extensive menu has delicious sharing platters and pub classics using local suppliers like Wallers the butchers and of course the county’s famous beers and ciders. The restaurant opens out to the beer garden through patio doors onto the green bank, offering an alternative place to have lunch or just a pint and a handy space for the kids to stretch their legs. Look out for themed events like this year’s first hog roast. In its elevated […]

Go fly a kite at Berrington Hall, the beautiful National Trust property near to Leominster as they celebrate Hereford and Leominster Kite Festival on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July.  The skies above ‘Capability’ Brown’s final landscape will come alive with colour as flying enthusiasts expertly guide their kites through the air. Visit the marquee in the front field to discover the fascinating history of kite-flying, which originated in China almost 2000 years ago. From ancient tradition to modern-day pastime, kite-flying remains a hugely popular activity. But they haven’t always revolved around leisure; during the eighteenth-century, kites aided the field of science and discovery and in 1752, they helped to prove that lightning was electricity. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own kites along and join in with the experts as they glean some useful hints and tips on how to bring the sky to life. Visitor Experience Manager, Ana Vaughan, says: “Berrington provides the perfect backdrop for the Kite Festival. With its sweeping views and seamless landscape, it’s as if ‘Capability’ Brown designed his parkland for kite-flying.” Read more about Berrington Hall Read more about Leominster  

It’s National Cream Tea Day! It is thought that Afternoon Tea was introduced in Britain in the early 1840s to stem the hunger before an evening meal, usually served later in the evening during this time. It is often seen now as an occasional indulgence or an ideal way to celebrate a special event. Of course we can refer to that wonderful idea of afternoon tea brought to life by the magical Alice in Wonderland tales and the Mad Hatter’s tea party; a celebration of friends coming together and the traditional Cream Tea holds it own critique – cream or jam first? Here we want to share some fantastic places for afternoon or a cream tea in Herefordshire with you where you can treat yourself and whoever you choose to enjoy this wonderful past time. We kick off with the splendour of Castle House Hotel in Hereford where you can enjoy your afternoon tea in the restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the duck pond. Glewstone Court is the perfect setting where groups of six or more can enjoy a divine afternoon menu in stunning surroundings steeped in history and listed on The Historical Heritage Register. Booking is essential. If […]

Kington Walking Festival Committee took to a hillside overlooking one of the town’s most well-known landmarks, Hergest Court, to hold their latest meeting. Eight members, who are preparing for the sixth annual festival in September, took their seats with a view on the top of the Twt, at the edge of the town. Renowned for showing off highlights of the town and its surroundings in their committee photographs, they have previously held meetings at Hergest Ridge, Bradnor Hill and the Dolyhir Quarry. Excitement about this year’s festival, which boasts several new walks and its first ever cycle event, is mounting, after the festival brochure was published this week. Kington is one of the great small market towns of Britain. Situated close to the Welsh border it was for centuries a centre for cattle drovers, so a web of footpaths and byways, accessible on foot from the town centre await discovery by present day walkers. The Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, the Herefordshire Trail, Mortimer Trail from Ludlow, and the Wyche Way from Broadway all pass through (or start/finish) in the town. The Kington Walking Festival, which this year takes place from September 21 until 24, is the primary annual event of […]