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Kentchurch Court, home of the Lucas-Scudamore family has survived for nearly 1000 years through political alliances, intrigue, advantageous marriages and strong women! Lying beneath Garway Hill in the Monnow valley, close to the city of Hereford, this beautiful historic house and gardens are not to be missed whilst visiting Herefordshire. Features of the gardens include a Rhododendron wood, walled garden and a vegetable garden. Around 250 deer live in The Deer Park, where examples of ancient trees including Yew, Chestnut and a number of large Maple trees can be found. Kentchurch Court is Steeped in history dating back as far as 1058. Read more about the house, family and history. The gardens are open to the public from Good Friday to 30 September. The house is available for group visits of 5 or more, by appointment only. Please check the calendar for opening times and days. Kentchurch Court is a perfect destination for walkers and cyclists to use as a base. Taking advantage of the tea room for their refreshments. Painting groups are welcome to use the gardens and house for inspiration and car clubs often include Kentchurch Court in their itineraries. Dogs are welcome on leads and most of […]

Hereford Cathedral –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. 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 top with a rounded apex. The geographical material of the map is contained within a circle measuring 52″ in diameter and reflects the thinking of the […]

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 […]

Created as the ‘perfect house in the perfect setting’ Standing proud and strong, this fine Georgian mansion sits within ‘Capability’ Brown’s final garden and landscape. This year, supported by internationally renowned artists Heather and Ivan Morison, the team at Berrington Hall begin the planning and showcasing of the Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds Restoration Project. In the parkland, you can explore Brown’s work with Red Earth’s ‘Genius Loci’ exhibition. In the house, discover jewel-like interiors, designed by Henry Holland and home to the Harley, Rodney and Cawley families. See the Rodney maritime story reimagined through the Arts Council award winning ceramic sculpture ‘War & Pieces’ by Bouke de Vries in the Dining Room. Explore some of the extremes of the 18th-century in the wig and bum shop and discover the hidden ‘below stairs’. Created as the perfect house in the perfect setting, Berrington Hall has many secrets for visitors to uncover. In this, one of Henry Holland’s first houses, you can also explore the family rooms and see how the servants moved around the house unseen by the family and guests. The interiors include Biaggio Rebecca ceilings, fine period furniture and there are some pieces on display from the Charles […]

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. […]

The Laskett Gardens is uniquely autobiographical   Laskett Gardens is one of the largest private formal gardens to be laid out in England since 1945, the gardens form an ever evolving creation over forty years of the historian, writer and diarist Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, the designer, Julia Trevelyan Oman. Their four acres celebrate an orchestration of surprise and thrilling vistas. There are some twenty different and contrasting ‘rooms’ including a rose garden, a knot garden, an orchard, a pleached lime avenue, parterres, herbaceous borders and the Colonnade Court. New additions to the Gardens include an Italianate grotto and a pond approached through a winding woodland walk. This is the Sissinghurst of the late twentieth century; a unique portrait of its makers, with the story of their marriage and their extraordinary lives woven into its very fabric. Open 18 April – 27 July and 5 – 28 September 2017 by pre-booking. Groups only (minimum of 20 or joint groups) 10.30am & 2.30pm. Contact Fiona Fyshe to book. £12 per person inc detailed souvenir map and audio guide. Gift shop (no tearoom, own refreshments welcome).

Visit Hereford’s Cider Museum and explore the story of traditional cider making. Learn how the apples were milled and pressed and how the resulting juice was fermented to produce cider. Herefordshire is world famous for its cider and here is a wonderful way to discover its history and the traditions of how it was made, right through to the modern day. A tour of the Museum reveals the history of cidermaking and visitors have the opportunity of walking through original champagne cider cellars and viewing a cooper’s workshop, vat house and cider making memorabilia. View a rare collection of engraved English Lead Crystal cider glasses dating from the 18th century onwards and a collection of 19th century watercolours which were commissioned in 1865 to produce the Herefordshire Pomona – a book illustrating the different varieties of apples and pears grown. Group visits are welcome including school groups and research facilities are available by appointment. GIFT SHOP & TEAROOM – Browse the gift shop with its abundance of cider and perries, along with Hereford Cider Brandy and locally produced gin, vodka and liqueurs as well as a selection of preserves, confectionery, books and individual gift ideas.  A tea room is available […]

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 pass on their expert knowledge on the fascinating history of the castle. The beautiful grounds are home to a spectacular arboretum and a magnificent lake where visitors can walk freely or follow set trails and walks to discover some breath taking views and landscapes. A special children’s booklet is given to all children on arrival to encourage them to see and take part in the many fun activities such as the Adventure Playground, Knight’s Maze, Junior Assault Course and Land Rover Mini Off-Roaders. A varied and exciting events programme is put on throughout the year and these events are all included in the entrance price. There is a Gift Shop, Ice Cream Parlour and Tea Room offering hot and cold food, drinks and snacks. There are also picnic benches scattered all around the grounds so picnics can be enjoyed with a […]

Kington Golf Club is the highest 18 hole golf course in England. The Golf Club, founded in 1925, is located on Bradnor Hill, just outside the medieval town of Kington in the beautiful county of Herefordshire but nestling on the border of Wales. Kington Golf Club is considered to be one of  the finest, natural inland links courses in the country and has some of the best greens in Herefordshire golf. Members and Visitors to the Golf Club can enjoy first class facilities, with the well appointed lounge and dining room offering fine views of the outstanding finishing hole and the Brecon Beacons National Park. To find out more about membership, please visit the website www.kingtongolf.co.uk/membership

A vast amazing and unique collection of independent shops offering a welcome change to characterless out-of-town locations and an alternative to the High Street. The Hop Pocket shopping village is 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 great gifts and cards, clothing and footwear, art, craft, toys, garden centre, home-ware, furniture, antiques, food and drink, and lots more. The extensive restaurant and tearooms offers delicious homemade cakes, lunches and afternoon teas, while the large childrens’ outdoor play area makes it a destination for all the family. There’s even a dog grooming parlour for your favourite pooch while you shop, eat and relax. 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 bring home something different. Open: From January to October: Tuesday 10am to 5.30pm Wednesday 10am to 5.30pm Thursday 10am to 5.30pm Friday 10am to 5.30pm Saturday 10am to 5.30pm Sunday 11am to 5pm Closed Mondays, Open Bank Holiday Mondays, Open Easter Sunday […]

Philip Morris & Son is the Country Living store in the heart of Hereford City Philip Morris & Son is one of the many hidden gems that have been dwelling in the heart of Herefordshire since the 1800’s and continues to be a family run business. Having begun as an ironmongers in 1845, from its historic and characterful premises, it’s now one of those wonderful expanding destinations that sells everything from quality kitchen, table and cookware, linen and home items, garden furniture, equipment and tools,  country clothing and footwear, not to mention its famous gunroom. You’ll find brands like Denby, Le Creuset and Brabantia, with Barbour, Musto, Le Chameau and Joules, giving you the security that you will be purchasing quality as well as style. Welcome to one of Hereford City’s flagship independent stores.

Local Farmers’ and Produce Markets 2015 In Herefordshire, a wide variety of produce is available at farmers’ and produce markets, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fruit juices, wine, bread and cakes, preserves, eggs, meat, cheeses, plants – and the list goes on! Current regular markets take place as follows: Weekly in Hereford on Thursdays in High Town Weekly in Hay-on-Wye on Thursdays in Memorial Square, the Butter Market and around the clock tower Weekly in Kington on Fridays at the Market Hall Monthly in Ross-on-Wye on the 1st Fridays at the Market Hall Monthly in Hereford on the 1st Saturdays in High Town Monthly in Leominster on the 2nd Saturdays in Corn Square Monthly in Kington on the 3rd Saturdays at the Market Hall Monthly in Belmont on the 3rd Sundays at Belmont Tesco Monthly in Ledbury on the 4th Fridays at the Market House Find our useful list of dates for these markets below and for more information on local produce and where to buy it visit www.farmshop.uk.com and the Farmers’ Markets Association website www.hfmg.org

A llama trekking experience with Golden Valley Llamas is very rewarding. Spend three hours in the company of these charming and inquisitive woolly beasts. Learn how to halter your own llama before grooming and bonding with him or her. A walk from the farm gate will take in glorious countryside and you will enjoy watching your llama be alert to everything. Each trek is exclusive to you and your party and different groups are not mixed, so you can enjoy your experience amongst family and friends. You might be a group of friends who like to try different activities; or perhaps you are organising something special for a family visit; or maybe you want that extra special event for a Hen Party! There are 15 llamas on the farm and the hosts are very proud that for the last two years they have produced the British Llama Society Supreme National Champion. Carnac and Loupin are two of the trekkers so you may step out with a very select animal! Visit, get to know, and trek with a gentle llama companion. At the end of your trek you will have the opportunity to feed your llama. On the farm there is a shop with […]

The Riverside Inn’s pretty black and white premises has it all 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. Comprising of two particularly spacious suites, two doubles, a twin and one single, all characterful rooms are individually furnished. The Hayloft suite overlooks the river and opens out onto the terrace garden, the Stable suite gives out onto the river bank at ground floor level – especially convenient for guests with dogs. Breakfast is always individually and freshly cooked using local ingredients, including freshly laid eggs from the village (important for the special recipe scrambled eggs) and produce as far as possible from the Riverside’s own kitchen garden, which guests are welcome to explore. For more on their food and restaurant, visit their page here. The river and its banks are full of wildlife; dragonflies, dippers, otters, kingfishers, brown trout and grayling all live here. Fly fishing is available for guests on a 1½ mile beat upstream from the Inn. There is a good collection of circular walks ranging from 3 to 15 miles length; […]

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 of storage solutions, dressers, sideboards, tables and cupboards. Accessorise your home with gorgeous fabrics for your curtains and soft furnishings, create atmosphere with mood lighting, shade your windows and doors with exciting blind, awning and shutter solutions. Holloways also has an excellent interior design service to give you inspiration and guidance to create your own unique look for your home. Gardens Give your garden a finishing touch from Holloways extensive collection of salvaged, antique, vintage and new stone accessories. Pots, planters, sculptures have been selected with their expert eye alongside troughs, millstones and water features to give your garden authentic or contemporary points of interest, often with an interesting tale behind them. Glasshouse Café The Glasshouse Cafe is situated inside a beautiful conservatory with views over the Suckley […]

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

Stockton Bury Gardens is a renowned plantsman’s garden with over four acres to enjoy. The gardens are the heart of a working farm that has been looked after by the same family for five generations. Current owner Raymond Treasure and his partner Gordon Fen have created the garden over the last 40 years and the result is delights at every turn. You will be amazed by the variety of plants and the artistic touches throughout.  The four acres is split into separate garden offering formal and informal design. Stand under the largest Monkey Puzzle tree in the county, watch the bees coming and going from the hives or sit and take in the view from the Secret Garden. Features not to be missed are the medieval dovecote, spring auricula theatre, the museum of traditional gardening tools, plants sales and the grotto. Stockton Bury offers a relaxed atmosphere and experts are on hand to answer your gardening questions. The garden features regularly in national gardening magazine as garden writer Tamsin Westhorpe is a member of the team and family. For events at her garden school and in the garden visit www.stocktonbury.co.uk Open from the first Wednesday in April until the end […]

Awarded 4 star Gold Award  by AA in 2017 Glewstone Court is a charming, Grade II listed Country Manor House. Glewstone Court is set in 2 acres of beautiful grounds with stunning views of the Herefordshire Countryside.  A hidden gem within easy reach of Hereford and Gloucester City centres and only a short distance from the nearby market towns of Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Abergavenny and the picturesque Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Glewstone Court, with its unique Georgian and Regency features, is steeped in history and today a family run country house hotel providing both accommodation and casual and fine dining in its two AA Rosette restaurant which uses local produce wherever possible, freshly prepared. The Homewood family recognise that the attraction of this charming Country House Hotel and Restaurant lies not only in its location and splendour, but in making guests feel truly ‘at home’ with a warm, friendly welcome, character-filled comfortable lounges, open fires, individually styled bedrooms, relaxing Mediterranean Garden and breath-taking views. Whether you are looking for a country retreat to tour and explore the area with family and friends or to host a private dinner, family party or create your dream wedding, this unique manor […]

Montpelier Cottage is a very special place hidden at the end of a track. Montpelier Cottage in North Herefordshire is surrounded by woods but yet only five miles from the book town of Hay on Wye. There are 4 acres of garden including wild flower meadows, ponds and an orchard. Guests are free to wander as they will or walk any of the footpaths which adjoin the property. There is a willow fringed children’s’ playground tucked at the bottom of one of the fields with swings and a trampoline and climbing frame. There is also clay oven, where pizzas and flatbreads may be cooked whilst enjoying the sunset . The garden is the creation of Noel Kingsbury, a well known garden writer, lecturer  and plantsman, helped by his wife Jo. It is open for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) on May 21 2017 and for parties by appointment. There are 2 places to stay : The Eco pavilion A straw-clay building with a green roof over a large verandah. The comfortable spacious private room has a wet room, heating, radio, WiFi and tea & coffee making facilities. The pavilion overlooks the garden and most people choose to have their breakfast […]

Brightstripe Cultural Health CIC – enhancing local communities well-being. A community interest company based in Hereford who specialise in enhancing local communities well-being by encouraging participation in art sport and physical activity, whilst also contributing to the local economy. Everything they do is designed to make you feel good and the range of activity choices aims to suit the various ways that people find enjoyment in life. Working with individuals, communities, friends, clubs and colleagues whatever age and ability and tailor activity to suit the interests of those involved, from tai chi to pottery classes, leadership training to attending one of our cultural events; h.Art, Hereford Contemporary or Hereford Arts Markets. Some of the activities are free, some have funding and others we can access resources, particularly for young adults in sport. When not delivering directly, Brightstripe only use professional, qualified instructors and practitioners who are tried and trusted, and likewise with partnering organisations. Also offering national accreditation’s such as Arts Award and Sports Leaders UK. To join an existing class, programme or event; to set up a similar one in your area; to share a new idea and explore how to make it happen; or to simply be added to […]

Want to canoe? is ideally situated on the banks of the River Wye in Hay on Wye on a small, organic, family-run farm.  The farm, as well as arable and pasture also offers a gorgeous mile-stretch of riverbank, ancient woodland areas, camping, glamping, B&B and self-catering as well as Hayfield Community Garden, sheep, pigs, chickens, horses and a market-garden raspberry patch! You are invited to hire a canoe and discover the beauty of the River Wye. The Wye is by far one of the most beautiful rivers in the British Isles and one of the few you can navigate by canoe, without restriction, for well over 100 miles. Want to canoe? offer you the chance to embark on a relaxing river adventure from several different points along the way, with an array of different routes to choose from, all with their own unique sights, sounds and smells. From its source at the Welsh mountains at Plynlimon, the water meanders through miles of picturesque countryside and diverse wildlife, passing the bustling market towns of Hay-on-Wye, Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth; the city of Hereford, and the charming, picture-postcard villages of Glasbury, Symonds Yat and Tintern, before joining the River Severn at Chepstow. Along your […]

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 […]

At Frome Valley Vineyard there is a 1.5ha vineyard with nine different vine varieties. Classic English sparkling and still wines are made from the vineyard set among the orchards and hopyards of the Frome Valley. There is also a demonstration vineyard showing the main trellising systems used throughout the world. The shop sells seven still wines together with the award winning sparkling wine as wells as cider, brandy and other wine related gifts. Visit the winery and taste the wine and go on a tour round the demonstration vineyard. Opening times: WINERY: April-September:Tuesday-Thursday 11.30am-5.00pm or by arrangement. TOURS AND TASTINGS:  By appointment. Please contact: 01885 490768 If you are travelling any distance please call us to ensure that we are available to meet you. We can accommodate groups of up to twenty people for tours and wine tastings. For more information please call: Jeanie Falconer, Owner 01885 490 768 or James Cumming, Vineyard Manager 07970 162 798

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 3 ½ 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 nursey: There is a wde selection of plants from the garden Information Open: every day from 1st […]

If you love animals, you will adore Wynne’s of Dinmore. Wynnes of Dinmore is a rural animal farm park and supplies destination, where if you see it, you can buy it and take it home; including hens, bantams, quail, pygmy goats, micro pigs, alpacas, Jacob sheep and more. A great place to bring the family for a day out where you can interact with the gorgeous creatures, help feed them, learn more about them, see newborn animals and even decide if you would like to be a keeper of these interesting breeds. Having begun as specialists in chicken and poultry livestock, Wynnes still stocks many varieties including Silkies, Plymouth Rocks, Leghorns and many more from great layers to decorative strutters. Having added their four-legged friends into the mix, their passion and knowledge of animals is infectious and a wonderful day out for adults as well as children. They also stock everything needed to keep your livestock, poultry and pets. There is a range of housing, runs, bedding, feed, hatching equipment, health & hygiene products, mesh fencing, pet toys, gifts and lots more, plus a large selection of garden items ranging from bird feeding equipment and garden benches. The purpose built tearoom and  Country Store, Tearoom overlooks […]

Hereford Racecourse is on Roman Road on the outskirts of Hereford. Offering regular events throughout the season of October to March where you can take in breath taking views over the city. There is something for everyone from Ladies Day to Family Fun Racedays. Season tickets are available, more information here  Fixtures for 2017 can be found here Hereford race Course offers flexible space for your meeting, Conference, Wedding, Private party or Event too. A range of rooms are available and numbers catered for are 5-250. Do give the team a call if you would like to know more about booking an event 01432 273560.

Kington is a beautiful, historic town on the English/Welsh border, and though it is on the western side of Offa’s Dyke, it has been an English town for a thousand years; consequently there is much to discover and lots to explore in this beautiful rural setting. If you are out and about in the Kington area and need friendly and helpful advice on where to go, what to do and where to stay, then the Kington Tourist Information Centre is your one stop shop. Manned by an enthusiastic group of volunteers belonging to the Kington Tourist Group and providing information on Kington and the surrounding countryside your sure to find what you need. The Centre is staffed from Easter to October; during the rest of the year, local information can be found on their website and any enquiry will be answered quickly. Open: Monday to Saturday inclusive, 28th March 2015 – 31st October 2015 10am to 4.30pm and during October 10am to 4pm

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 […]

Creative Breaks is a not-for-profit association of artists and crafts people. Set up in 2000, Creative Breaks aims to promote courses run by skilled craftspeople in and around Herefordshire. Our courses are wide-ranging in discipline, from glass work to machine knitting and each maker has been selected for their quality of work and professional approach to their workshops. Below is a list of members and links to their websites: Sally Boehme www.sallyboehme.co.uk Lucy Brodie www.huntlandsfarm.co.uk/upholstery Jenny Pearce www.jennypearce.co.uk Sarah Williams www.williamshandmade.com Rowan McOnegal www.rowanmconegal.co.uk Bill Robson www.williamrobsonglass.co.uk Jane Meredith www.plantdyedwool.co.uk Nicola Hopwood www.nicolahopwood.co.uk Jenni Stuart-Anderson www.jenniragrugs.wordpress.com Marissa Thereze Harmon www.thereze.co.uk Pearl Taylor www.herefordshireholidays.co.uk Glenn Morris www.glennmorris.co.uk Ginn Downes www.ginnscreativeworkshops.co.uk All members are keen to impart their knowledge and skill so you can leave with a sense of achievement and newfound enthusiasm for your craft. It is also the aim of the group that you will have new stories to tell, new skills to share and depart richer for the experience. As Herefordshire is known for its farming produce and rural setting it’s the perfect location to come on one of our courses so please contact individual artists for recommended accommodation by clicking on the links above or visit the accommodation page. Creative Breaks will […]

There are many compelling 20th century stories to uncover 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. 2017 is the 60th anniversary of Croft coming into our care when it was bought by the National Trust in 1957. Throughout 2017 we will be researching and sharing stories from that era and you can reminisce by getting involved in some of our 1950s events. 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. Big kids and little kids can enjoy 1950s games and toys in the family room, complete with costumes for dressing up. Step outside and explore the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and 1908 glasshouse. Ask our garden team about our ongoing glasshouse restoration project. Look out for the Georgian […]