Colwall

Taking in the market towns of Leominster and Kington, North Herefordshire’s unique 40 mile round trail of beautiful black and white villages oozes charm and history. Perfect to drive, cycle or even walk. With attractive streams and rivers, picture-book settlements, curious buildings, superb tearooms, pubs, restaurants, galleries and scenic views. The villages are as special today as when they first evolved. The beautiful black and white trail is one of our favourite things to do in Herefordshire. With a wonderful variety of characterful bed & breakfasts or holiday cottages dotted along the way, why not make a weekend of it. Weobley (pronounced Webbly) A thriving hub of quintessentially English village life. You can follow Weobley’s Heritage Trail and uncover its Saxon origins including the ‘Throne’ a large 400-year-old building. Here it is purported that King Charles I spent the night. Look out for the outstanding Norman church whose spire can be seen for miles around. Or seek out the distinctive magpie sculpture ‘Magnus’ by renowned artist Walenty Pytel which sits in the middle of the village. You’ll receive a warm welcome in the village tearoom, restaurants and pubs too. Plus there are various cycle routes and walks to enjoy straight […]

National Monument Against Violence and Aggression is coming to Hereford The Knife Angel is coming to Hereford in June 2021 for 28 Days, hosted by Hereford Cathedral. The Knife Angel is a stunning 27ft, 3.5 ton, sculpture of an angel made out of 100,000 confiscated knives received from 43 Police Forces across the UK. Originating from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, it has been on tour of towns and cities around Britain raising awareness of the issues of knife crime and all forms of violence and aggression. Hosting the Knife Angel shows that Herefordshire residents recognise that society as a whole has a unified responsibility to tackle and prevent violent crime, resonating with all of us as we listen to daily news and reports of violent crime, lives ruined and lost. It is an intergenerational focal point to question these senseless losses and support the police and schools education programmes. To educate children, young people and adults about the catastrophic effect violence and aggression has on individuals, families and the community. The sculpture also stands as a memorial to lives ruined and lost. During the Knife Angel’s visit there will be a series of workshops and interactive […]

The Worlds Oldest Classical Music Festival will return in 2021. The Three Choirs has been awarded funding as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced. The festival is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks. The Three Choirs Festival celebrated its 300-year anniversary in 2015. For eight days each summer over a thousand performers bring musicmaking to the alternating host cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester on a scale rarely seen in the region, and the organisation has a growing programme of community participation activity taking place beyond the festival. Bringing together voluntary and professional musicians of all ages in front of an international audience of thousands, the festival is a vibrant part of the UK’s rich choral and classical music […]

Enjoy autumn in all its glory at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum this half-term The Country Park in the heart of Herefordshire covers over 170 acres of woodland and offers both quiet spaces to enjoy autumn’s beauty and wildlife and family fun with new Pumpkin and Gruffalo Trails. Queenswood is famed for its autumn colours as through October and November the trees in the 47-acre Arboretum within the Country Park take on shades from bright reds and warm golds to rich burgundies. The Autumn Garden is the star of the show now with a collection of Japanese maples as well as rowans, tupelos and liquidamber. There is much more to discover, however: the dark, cathedral-like Redwood Grove grows more imposing in the autumn dusk, the orchard sparkles with ripening fruits while the Commemorative Woodland offers a contemplative space amidst the falling leaves. A free Autumn Tree Trail is available from the Visitor Centre or downloaded from the Queenswood website. The Arboretum is surrounded by a further 123 acres of native woodland, offering more a more subtle but equally captivating autumn experience. This wider woodland offers a quiet retreat even when the heart of the site is busy with visitors and […]

Thousands of children were disappointed that they were unable to visit Santa in his grotto at Oakchurch Farm Shop, Staunton-on-Wye, this year due to social distancing guideline restrictions. It was also a devastating blow for Hereford Lions Club who organise the popular Father Christmas activity for the community and raise significant funds through voluntary donations. So, the Lions were delighted when Oakchurch offered to personally donate the £4,000 that they would have collected at the store during the run up to Christmas. Oakchurch Farm Shop owner, Nick Price, said “Hosting Santa each year together with Hereford Lions Club is an absolutely privilege and we wanted to recognise the outstanding work the club does in the community. We look forward to Santa being with us in his grotto next Christmas.” Lion John Edmunds, the Santa team leader said “All our fund raising events during the year had to be abandoned, so we are grateful for the much welcomed gesture by Oakchurch.” ESL says it certainly is the season of goodwill in Herefordshire! How wonderful. Oakchurch Farm Shop is at Staunton-on-Wye, just 10 minutes from Hereford on the A438 Brecon Road.   Picture: Oakchurch owner, Nick Price (left) with Hereford Lion, John […]

It’s almost autumn half-term, the weather is still clement and there are lots of great activities to enjoy this October in Herefordshire. So why not book the family in for an experience day or two to make sure you make the most of the break. In readiness we’ve put together eight great half term activities for you and the family to discover. So what are you waiting for? The Viking Games, Middle Cefn, The Stables, Hereford HR2 0JH Head out into Herefordshire’s very own Viking country the ‘Golden Valley’ and bask in the gorgeous surroundings while you and the family immerse yourselves in some traditional Nordic games. But don’t worry they’ve all been adapted for the twenty-first century and are very entertaining. You can unleash your competitive Viking streak and try your hand at Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige? Who in your family will be crowned the true Viking warrior? If you prefer paintballing or laser clay shooting then you’ll be pleased to hear you can do these activities too. The Viking Games is a fantastic day out that everyone will enjoy. www.thevikinggames.co.uk Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill Leominster HR6 0PY The amazing 123 acre […]

60 cars, 113 miles, £11,000 raised and Herefordshire’s incredible foodie highlights enjoyed on August Bank Holiday Sunday during the High Sheriff’s Foodie Tour of Herefordshire; a fundraiser that brought a love of cars, food and glorious Herefordshire together. This year’s High Sheriff, Tricia Thomas, carefully staged one of the county’s first main socially distanced events, which included a diverse range of 60 cars all special to their owners, from vintage to classic models and brand spanking new supercars, on a 100 mile scenic tour of Herefordshire, meticulously planned with foodie stops. Starting with a Hereford City breakfast at The Green Dragon Hotel, morning coffee was then taken at Michelin Star Pensons Restaurant Stoke Bliss where people could also take in the wonderful three week Out of Nature art exhibition showing in the courtyard, buildings and fascinating kitchen gardens, which opened the same weekend in aid of The Cart Shed charity. Please note that anyone wishing to visit the exibition to see the incredible work of unique and talented artists, should do so by prebooking tickets via the website. Then it was off through the picturesque Herefordshire countryside to a gourmet picnic lunch in the grounds of Lemore Manor Eardisley, where lunch […]

The Foodie Tour of Herefordshire is a fabulous Fundraiser for the High Sheriff’s Fund for distribution to Herefordshire charities, and highlighting hospitality and food producers of Herefordshire. Working to Covid-19 guidelines, limited to 50 cars of any kind, it will take in 100miles+ of glorious Herefordshire countryside with refreshments/food at each venue, inlcuding The Green Dragon Hotel, Penson’s Michelin Star Restaurant, Lemore Manor, The Haybarn at Dulas, and a mystery finish.   There will be a fabulous foodie raffle too. Here’s what it’s all about …. Sunday 30th August 2020. It’s all about Herefordshire and Food and Cars, proving much needed support to hospitality venues and food producers in the county, and raising money for the High Sheriff’s Fund (charity no: 1094935) held at Herefordshire Community Foundation. The High Sheriff donates to Herefordshire charities from this fund each March. 100 miles + of scenic tour of Herefordshire (non-competitive) devised by Bill Pardoe Esq. Limited to 50 cars of any type — old, classic, new, vintage, all welcome. Electric cars get £20 of raffle tickets free! 2 occupants max per vehicle from the same household/support bubble – Sorry, we cannot accommodate more than 2 per car. Cars will be sent off […]

With the summer now in full swing it’s time to think about escaping to the countryside and where better than beautiful Herefordshire. It’s full of great self-catering accommodation options, activities and attractions for families and couples to enjoy. So to inspire you we’ve put together nine irresistible rural retreats that sleep up to 6 people and are sure to make your summer staycation one to remember. The Wythall Estate, Walford Ross on Wye Herefordshire HR9 5SD Set within a beautiful country estate location with garden, fresh water lake, wooded grounds and vineyards, the Wythall Estate is simply idyllic. There are two separate, self-contained cottage-style accommodation areas situated in the west wing of the picture perfect Manor house, crammed with character, sleeping 2 and 4 people. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the naturally beautiful grounds and enjoy the abundance of wildlife nearby. Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tours are also available to guests from February through to December. Click here for more information. www.wythallestate.co.uk Holly Lodge, Burley Gate, Hereford, Herefordshire HR1 3QS Holly Lodge is everything you need for a carefree country holiday. This wonderful English Tourist Board 3 star accommodation is the perfect base from which to explore beautiful Herefordshire […]

It has been so wonderful to hear that some of the glorious gardens of Herefordshire are starting to re-open. Once again we will be able to go and enjoy some of the most diverse and treasured gardens and grounds in the UK. We’ve put together a list of those that are now open to the public and will add others as we receive information so do keep coming back to check. Hergest Croft Gardens Kington, HR5 3EG The beautiful gardens of Hergest Croft Gardens have been created over 120 years by four generations of the Banks family and is an absolute delight. Revel in the vastness of the 70 acres of gardens filled with over 5000 rare trees and shrubs. Considered to be one of the finest collections in the British Isles, explore the six distinct themed areas including a huge range of exotic champion trees. With fantastic new sculptures by Rachel Ricketts and Rolf Hook take your time and enjoy every moment. OPEN daily from 11.30am – 5.00pm until Sunday 1 November. There are lots of lovely plants for sale too. Please note the gift shop will be re-opening on 15 June but the tea room remains closed for […]

Herefordshire is brimming with acres of parkland, splashing rivers and budding gardens – so why not unpack your picnic blanket and head out one summer afternoon? July is national picnic month and this is the county to escape to and explore in 2019. We are here to help you decide the best place to spend lazy summer afternoons with friends and family; presenting Herefordshire’s top picturesque picnic spots. Symonds Yat The gateway between south Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, Symonds Yat is famed for its beautiful river scenery, woodland expanses and its challenging rock faces. Canoe along the popular village wildlife spotting and bring along your picnic blankets and sit on the riverside, taking in the view. Sit and ponder the history of the ancient fishing town, or journey to Symonds Yat Rock, which towers 120 metres above the river and is home to resident Peregrine Falcons. https://www.royalforestofdean.info/wye-valley/symonds-yat.shtml Newbridge Farm Park The perfect place to visit with your children from Easter through to the end of September. A combination of fun, adventure and education; this really is a fantastic summer picnic spot for all the family. Bring your sandwiches and squash to one of their outdoor benches and let your children enjoy […]

LOOKING FOR PICTURES FROM THE PAST Local farming family, Ros and Edward Price, are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their farm shop, Oakchurch, in Staunton-on-Wye. “Yes, it was 50 years ago that my parents started selling pick-your-own strawberries from a little wooden shed on the side of the road on the busy A438 Brecon Road.” Said Nick Price. “Oakchurch Farm Shop has come on a long way since then!” The family want to commemorate this significant milestone year through a picture storyboard on a wall at the farm shop and they’re asking for your help to find old photographs that you’ve taken over the years anywhere in county. It could be of people, places, shows and events, and even family celebrations. “We’re hoping that we might even get some pictures that have been taken here at Oakchurch.” WIN A HEREFORDSHIRE HAMPER As an incentive to get you rummaging through your old photos, Oakchurch Farm Shop are offering one of their luxurious ‘Taste of Herefordshire’ food hampers worth £250 as a draw prize and everyone who supplies a pictures will be entered. “We’d love to see your pictures.” Said Nick. “So please send them to me by email to nick@oakchurch.net. In […]

As we all know it costs nothing to be kind or nice to a stranger who perhaps isn’t doing so well. Our tale this week is all about meanness, money and a heartless attitude which led to the hoot of a solitary owl. Here is the tale of the baker’s daughter. The Baker and his Daughter A long, long time ago in one of Herefordshire’s market towns, we think it was Leominster, there lived a baker and his daughter Sarah. He was a great baker but he was also despised by his community. Why you might ask? Well he was mean. He cheated his customers and hoarded every penny he made. Each night his greatest pleasure was to sit and count his money. He loved sorting the silver, gold and copper coins into separate bags. He dreamt of turning all the copper coins into silver ones and all the silver coins into gold ones. The baker lived alone except for his daughter Sarah. His wife had died some time ago. He had raised Sarah in his own image, for she too was mean and a little spiteful with it. A Strange Visitor One day Sarah was in the bakery on […]

As it’s Valentine’s day we thought we would bring you a tale of undying love. Love in difficult circumstances that despite all the odds prevailed. Here is the tale of King Dribbler. In the early days of Christianity after the Romans had left England, the country was in the hands of warlords. Those who were rich and powerful grabbed as much land and property as they could acquire and ruled with an iron hand. A Self Styled King In Archenfield in Herefordshire (the kingdom of Ergyng), an area within the golden valley, a self styled King called Piebio ruled. His father before him had been King of Brecon. So he felt more than entitled to call himself King, although he was little more than a Chieftain. From his stronghold in Madley he would spar and war with his neighbouring enemies. Piebio however suffered from a disease which made him constantly dribble, his mouth was always full of saliva. His subjects dreaded being in his company for within minutes they would be drenched in his saliva. The worst fate was to have to eat with him, it was truly unpleasant to watch. To overcompensate for this he was always very tetchy […]

Our tale this week is all about rivalry, disputes and petty greed that led to the only solicitor in the United Kingdom to ever be hanged for murder and known as The Hay Poisoner. Major Herbert Rowse Armstrong practised in Broad Street Hay on Wye at ‘Cheese and Armstrong’ and he and his wife Kitty were seemingly upstanding members of the community. The Major a prominent Freemason was much respected. He had fought in the First World War and now resided in Cusop Dingle with his family. On the surface his marriage seemed fine. However Kitty was publicly vocal about her disappointment with her husband and didn’t mind who knew. During 1919 Kitty fell ill with a stomach complaint, experiencing a variety of symptoms from vomiting to paralysis to delusions. She was admitted to Barnwood Gloucester’s mental asylum after showing signs of mental collapse. Within weeks though she started to make a recovery. However when she was released in January 1921 and returned home she fell seriously ill again. Subsequently she died within a month, with the Major there by her side. Kitty was buried and no-one thought any more of it. A Perceptive Man It would appear that the […]

130 public and private sector delegates from across the region met in January at The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford for The Marches Tourism Forum, to set a new vision and action plan for the economic development of tourism across the Marches region. Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire (Herefordshire’s official Destination Marketing Organisation) was delighted to lead the event alongside the Green Dragon Hotel’s Senior Management team who are determined to revolutionise the region’s tourism economy. Strongly supported by lead sponsors the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the day-long event focused on all areas of tourism, from culture and heritage, food and drink, eco and values tourism, and festivals and events, culminating in packaging and promotion. The Forum bought together a dream team of speakers, which included  Katrina Michel, former CEO of Visit Cheshire which, during her tenure, increased Cheshire’s tourism economy by 75%; Martin Orbach, founder of Abergavenny Food Festival, Lyndy Cooke who was the MD of Hay Festival for 15 years, Malcolm Bell, CEO of Visit Cornwall and Richard Hammond from Green Traveller Productions. Each chaired a panel on their individual topics and then there was Q&As with the audience, which consisted of a mix of private tourism providers […]

If 2020 is the year that you intend to propose to that special person in your life then it’s time for you to discover romantic Herefordshire. A county of mountain walks, valley views, wonderful woodlands, nature trails and fabulous food. There are some beautiful and memorable places that will capture the moment and make Valentine’s Day extra special this year. Let’s not forget that it’s also a leap year, so ladies if your partner is a little shy, this is your year to take the lead and propose. AMAZING PLACES TO PROPOSE The Weir Garden Surround yourself with nature, wildlife and ancient trees, feel the wind in your hair and look out onto the beautiful river meandering by. Take a romantic walk following the garden paths as they wend their way downhill to the riverside or stop on one of the pretty bridges for a special moment together. To find out more click here. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum Imagine the breeze on your faces and the breath-taking vistas of the viewpoint at Queenswood Country Park for your magic moment. Historically a vast ancient oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond, this is a stunning location […]

We have so many old and wonderful buildings in Herefordshire steeped in history. Many with tales of hauntings. Some of these are connected to old public houses. Where communities would come together and stories and tales would be told, much like today in many ways. Here’s one of our favourites, it involves thieves, vagabonds and murderers. One such story of supernatural intervention involves the wonderfully characterful 14th century Rhydspence Inn. Located to the west of Hereford on the road to Hay on Wye. Centuries ago ferrymen used to bring travellers and locals across the River Wye. They were well known colourful characters. One night however the ferryman who had been working the crossing from Hay on Wye was set upon and stabbed to death. The pennies that he kept from his fares were also taken. That night the thieves who had enacted such a brutal crime headed to the Rhydspence Inn for the night. Careful to cover up their misdeeds they hid the jar of pennies in their room away from prying eyes. However just as they settled in for the night it is told that the jar began to violently rattle and shake. The commotion disturbed everyone at the […]

We often wonder where some of our customs and traditions originate from. However some fade away over the centuries but others have survived the test of time. One such tradition which is thought to have originated in the 13th century, was upheld in Hereford Cathedral until very recently. Celebrating the Feast of St Nicholas and choosing a ‘Boy Bishop’ was commonplace during medieval and Tudor times. Who was St Nicholas? Traditionally a choirboy would be chosen on the 6th December, (the feast of St Nicholas, the patron saint of children, as well as sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, pawnbrokers and students) to take over the duties of the Bishop. The ‘Boy Bishop’ would be invested with all of the symbols of the episcopal office and be seated in the Bishop’s throne. He was required to act as Bishop for anywhere between 24 hours and 3 weeks depending on the region. Required to preach at least one sermon, he lead processions around communities, collected money for the parish funds and had the authority to bless people. He was also given a supply of tokens to distribute to the poor which could be redeemed for food and drink in local shops […]

Lee Westcott will be stepping down from his role as Head Chef of Pensons at the end of the year. Having opened Pensons with Peta Darnley in January, Lee has been one of the driving forces behind the project. He has headed up the kitchen since the launch and the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in this year’s guide. Lee will be returning to London from January, the kitchen will be run by new head chef, Chris Simpson. Chris joins the team at Pensons after having worked with Nathan Outlaw for seven years in Cornwall as Head Chef at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw which had two Michelin stars. He then moved on to Gidleigh Park as Executive Head Chef, and was part of the team that won a Michelin Star there. Peta Darnley said, ‘We are very sad to see Lee go, but wish him all the best for the future. I’m personally so happy to have worked with him on this huge venture: turning a derelict, disused barn on our Netherwood Estate into a restaurant with a flourishing kitchen garden. Lee and I are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together along with the hard work of the […]

Hereford Cathedral Choir will be singing at Guards Chapel in London on Tuesday 3 December, 6.30 pm as part of a Service for Advent. Since 2010, Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust have arranged an annual Advent Service in London at the Royal Military Chapel (Guards’ Chapel) at Wellington Barracks. The service opens with an Act of Remembrance, to the members of the Special Air Service who were killed during the Second World War, before moving into the Advent Prose. Initially developed to celebrate the links that Hereford Cathedral has with local military groups, the service has now become a way for supporters of the cathedral, who work or live in London, to experience Hereford Cathedral close to Christmas. Over the years, many friends and supporters have been welcomed to the Guards’ Chapel including members of the Royal Family and guest readers including, Belinda Lang, Hayley Mills, Larry Lamb and Sir Andrew Motion. This year, Jane Asher and Loyd Grossman will be reading at the service. The event also acts as a fundraiser for the Perpetual Trust who support the choir, educational outreach and continuing restoration of Hereford Cathedral. Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive of the Perpetual Trust, says; “A Service for Advent […]

Hereford Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas programme begins on Saturday 30 November, 1.15 pm with Christmas Sparkle, a free organ concert given by Peter Dyke. Throughout the summer, hundreds of people attend the very popular lunchtime organ concerts given by organists from across the world on the famous Father Willis organ. Christmas Sparkle is the final concert of 2019 and will feature a range of colourful and festive music from across Europe. Peter Dyke, will perform pieces including Dubois’s March of the Three Wise Men (which requires the use of a pencil to hold a note down throughout the piece) and Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy which features the famous and unique Glockenspiel stop. The concert will feature large screen projection so that the audience can see the organist and the organ console, which will be suitably decorated for this festive occasion. Peter Dyke, Assistant Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral, says: “Music is such a valuable and powerful part of the experience of Christmas, giving us heart-warming melodies, treasured memories and a sprinkling of profound emotion. There will be something for everyone at this concert!” Christmas Sparkle begins at 1.15 pm on Saturday 30 November; admission is free with a […]

If you’re looking to give the ones you love the perfect gift for Christmas, something a little different and unique, this year you may wish to consider giving them a gift card or voucher for the gift that keeps on giving later into the year. Herefordshire is full of wonderful attractions, eateries, food and drink experiences and producers who really have something special to offer. Here’s our guide to what’s available this festive season. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES Battlelands & Laserclayz Battlelands is a family run activity centre based in the Herefordshire hills offering three great activities; Paintball, Laser Clay Shooting & Splatmaster. If you’re stuck for gifts for a whole family, why not treat them to a day out at this brilliant activity together. You could even join them. A great idea for people who like to break away from their normal routine with an action-packed day out. The great thing is a voucher can be used when the weather get a bit drier and brighter. All group sizes can be accommodated with activities for those who are 8 years upwards. Click here for voucher options www.battlelands.co.uk Eastnor Pottery Remarkable clay and pottery experiences designed to explore and develop creativity […]

HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES HAS VISITED THE BIRTHPLACE OF UK TOURISM, ROSS ON WYE Ross-on-Wye put on a right regal show to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales when he visited the town where UK tourism began in 1770. His Royal Highness toured a local producers’ market and met groups representing the strong philanthropic heritage of the town, including local community organisations and their local business supporters. He visited the historic Market House to meet members of the arts and crafts collective, Made in Ross and met local schoolchildren. He came to Ross-on-Wye to launch the Gilpin 2020 celebrations. In 1770 the Reverand William Gilpin published the first tourist guide in Britain when the ‘Wye Tour’ began, and coined the term ‘picturesque’. The ‘bestseller’ guided visitors to the beauties of the Wye Valley, now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The launch of Gilpin 2020 heralds a year of activities, including an augmented reality project – Museum Without Walls, lectures, talks, films, the Ross-on-Wye May festival, vintage rowing trips, art and photography exhibitions amongst them.

  When the county of Herefordshire was chosen to host the first conference of the recently formed Ciderlands, the International Network of Cider Culture & Tourism Destinations, this autumn, we knew it would be an amazing occasion. What is Ciderlands? As interest in cider continues to grow throughout the world, ‘Ciderlands’ is a network of cider-producing countries and regions all seeking to promote travel and cultural exchanges between the classic and emerging cider lands, as well as to act as a cider tourism beacon for the world as a whole. Ciderlands was forged in November 2017, during the Sagardo Forum Cider Congress. Then it was officially founded in September 2018, during the International Cider Culture and Tourism Meet-up held in the Basque Country in Spain. Ciderlands Herefordshire 2019 Ciderlands’ first official international conference was held this October 2019 here in Herefordshire UK. Comprising four days of activities across Herefordshire in peak harvest time, Ciderlands Herefordshire 2019 offered an unparalleled showcase of the region’s proud cider heritage and the role that cider continues to play in the county, to the cider tourism professionals from throughout the network. Coordinated by committed cider fanatics Ciderologist Gabe Cook and drinks writer Susanna Forbes, Team […]

We were delighted once again to welcome so many enthusiastic tourism businesses to our afternoon of Networking, industry News and Marketing tips. This time we were generously hosted by Matt Garcia-Shailer, manager at Longworth Hall Hotel, in Lugwardine; a beautiful venue for Weddings, Private Functions, Corporate Events, and Afternoon Teas. The Hotel’s 9 bedrooms are also available on a bed and breakfast basis. Open to Members and non-Members of ESL, attendees heard about our success in exhibiting the county at regional shows and exhibitions with our mobile Information stand, and also about much of the ‘behind the scenes’ marketing activities that make such a difference, such as our press engagement, e-mail campaigns, our famous social media and development of our trails and maps for all to use. We gave tips on how to use our free tools for your 2020 business marketing along with reminders that we can support you with Social Media training or even manage your social media for you. If you’d like to discuss any requirements, feel free to email on info@eatsleeplivehereforshire.co.uk Then we handed over to our wonderful speakers inculding NMITE about the New University, Glenn Jones about the county’s Destination BID, Eva from Marches Family […]

THE APPLE TREE MAN So have you ever heard about the Apple Tree Man? In English folklore, he’s the spirit of the oldest apple tree in the orchard and with whom the fertility of the orchard is thought to reside. It is said that every orchard has its own Apple Tree Man. Because he would oversee the the blossoming and ripening of the fruit and look after the farmer’s fortunes to ensure a good crop. So there are many a tales of this spirit. He would spook and frighten anyone entering the orchards around harvest time who were intent on stealing his apples. Many others have recalled positive meetings with this spirit. There are tales of the Apple Tree Man rewarding one man who offered his last mug of mulled cider to the trees in his orchard on Christmas Eve. He revealed the location of buried gold to him, improving his prospects quite considerably. Herefordshire loves the tradition of ‘wassailing’ and if you’ve ever been you may have wondered why cider is poured into the roots of the trees. Why toast and bread is placed in the branches for the birds and shotguns fired to frighten away the witches. But […]

The Courtyard will be hosting its first SpeedQuizzing event on Tuesday 15 October to raise funds for the organisation and encourage the trivia buffs to take on a pub quiz challenge with a twist. SpeedQuizzing is a new, entirely digital alternative to the traditional pub quiz and has changed the way people approach trivia events. Paper and pens are replaced by tablets/smartphones. Gone are the days of swapping papers to mark answers, as scores are updated real-time by the software and this adds a new level of energy and social interaction between players. “I’m really excited to bring SpeedQuizzing to The Courtyard!” Says Corporate Fundraising Manager and SpeedQuiz host Olle Grove, “It’s a great chance to have some good fun at the same time as raising important funds for The Courtyard’s ongoing community work. We’re inviting local businesses to join in and pit themselves against each other, as well as the best of Herefordshire’s quizzing scene. SpeedQuizzing is fun, fresh and fast paced. Plus this is the only quiz of its kind in the county!” The Courtyard’s SpeedQuizzing event kicks off on Tuesday 15 October at 8pm (registration from 7.30pm) and costs just £2 per player. Teams must have at […]

Hereford Waterworks Museum Volunteer Wins Prestigious Award On 11 September Alex Rowe, 20, attended an award ceremony at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre where he was announced the winner of the West Midlands Museum Development 2019 Volunteer (Young Person) Award. A final year blacksmithing student at Herefordshire & Ludlow College (Holme Lacy), and the Waterworks Museum’s first Youth Trustee, Alex is in his third year of working at the Museum. Visitors will see Alex on most open days explaining the operation of the giant triple expansion steam engine. On receiving the award Alex said “I am ecstatic to receive this award, the evening was extremely enjoyable! Hopefully I can inspire more young people to take a little time to volunteer. I am very grateful to the museum for taking me under their wing right from the start” The judges recognised Alex’s huge contribution in so many ways.  He has used his blacksmithing skills to design and create four iron safety plates for the triple expansion steam engine, and his ‘behind the scene’ video blogs and ambassadorial talks have helped boost awareness of the Museum to a younger audience of potential visitors and volunteers. Add to this Alex’s can-do attitude, his willingness […]

The next bishop of Hereford will be Richard Jackson.  Bishop Richard, who is currently Suffragan Bishop of Lewes in East Sussex, will take up his role in the New Year and will be the 106th Bishop of Hereford, a church position that dates back to 676. Bishop Richard said: ‘I am immensely humbled to have been chosen to become the next Bishop of Hereford. This beautiful diocese is in my DNA.  I’ve traced my family tree and if I took a journey visiting churches from Leominster to the Welsh Border, I would be able to see the graves of my ancestors dating back to the 13th Century. Hereford is a mainly rural diocese, covering Herefordshire, the south of Shropshire, a portion of Worcestershire and several parishes in Wales on the English-Welsh border.  It includes the city of Hereford and the towns of Telford, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Leominster, Bromyard and Kington. Bishop Richard, who is known for his work as a pastoral and teaching bishop, said: ‘I am looking forward to talking to the people of our diocese about the good news of Jesus Christ.  In uncertain times, what the Bible says and the example of […]

Team ESL always welcomes journalists to experience Herefordshire and then write about our amazing county on their various press and media platforms. A family holiday in Herefordshire We recently hosted EU writer Martin Banks, in collaboration with Kynaston Public Relations, who was able to experience a wonderful family week at a whole variety of Herefordshire locations this summer. Martin is a highly experienced, British-born journalist with over 16 years’ experience of covering the EU and other international bodies based in Brussels/Belgium for several titles. Living with his family in Belgium, he is also a contributor to Brussels Express writing on a wide variety of issues, including travel and eating out. After 24 hours in Hereford City, at Castle House Hotel, we relocated him and his family to the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey for a night in their new north Herefordshire garden lodges. Knowing that he would have a picturesque drive there, we then directed him across county to Treeopia, for a unique stay in their amazing luxury tree house retreats on the East Herefordshire border. Sunday saw a delicious lunch at nearby newly opened Pensons restaurant and a tour of the Netherwood Estate. 48 hours later we nestled them into […]

The Green Dragon Hotel has Appointed Executive Chef Simon Bolsover To Launch its New Restaurant, The Hereford.  The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford City Centre is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Bolsover as Executive Chef of The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Simon will manage the culinary program of the new dining experience at the hotel as well as the catering for private functions and events. Simon was born in Yorkshire and most recently worked as Executive Head Chef at the 5-star Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa near Durham having previously worked alongside Raymond Blanc and Keith Floyd. With Simon’s guidance and his drive for gastronomic excellence visitors to the Green Dragon Hotel can expect to see a radical change in the menu as they launch the new restaurant with a focus on modern British dining. Local and seasonal will be at the heart of the menu and Simon is excited to work with local growers and producers to celebrate Herefordshire’s rich larder. Simon joins the new management team at the Green Dragon Hotel with the recent appointment of Food and Beverage Manager Zoe McDonald, who will be […]

Last night saw the launch of The Offa Bar at the Green Dragon Hotel; the latest location in the venue’s exciting refurbishment to be completed.Open to residents and public alike, the cocktail bar is a stylish boutique addition to the City’s social scene. The beautiful original carved bar has been re-installed to this architecturally alluring room, which has a stunning glass dome in the ceiling and a wall of leaded windows behind the bottle displays, providing the perfect showcase for your cocktail ingredients. Exciting concoctions from traditional classics to the more exotic form a wide cocktail menu that celebrates locally distilled spirits from brands like Chase Vodka, Williams Gin and British Cassis, as well as other nectareous Whiskeys, Rums, Tequilas and Liqueurs. Decorated in warm russet tones for the seating and the hotel’s signature teal walls, banquet seating lines the walls, with comfy low chairs and cocktail tables one end and bar tables and stools the other.  The vibe is smooth, clubby yet cosy and vibrant enough for a cheeky lunchtime tipple. Directors of the Green Dragon welcomed a host of Herefordshire’s business and social faces from around the county, and, of course, Team ESL, who were treated to canapes […]