Colwall

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 […]

THE WATERWORKS MUSEUM IN HEREFORD RECEIVES GRANT FROM HERITAGE EMERGENCY FUND. The Waterworks Museum has some good news to share after a frustrating year of closure. The Museum is delighted to acknowledge the award of a National Lottery UK Heritage Fund UK grant which will fund the installation of a new entrance to the Southall Gallery (as part of a one-way system) and improve facilities in the visitor centre, which will help make the Museum Covid-safe for visitors and volunteers. Work on these critical safety measures has commenced but Museum to remain closed until January 2021. The new entrance to the Southall Gallery will be created by installation of a covered walkway between the fire exits in the Museum’s meadow car-park, which will be the start of a one-way route to visit the Grade II* Victorian water pumping station.  This will also have the added benefit of allowing visitors to see the exhibits in the Southall Gallery from a wholly new perspective. In addition to the new entrance to the Southall centre, funds from the Heritage Lottery grant will see a new visitor entrance and a new and larger toilet block. Next year, visitors will also see a number of other […]

With the Autumn now approaching you may be wondering where to take the family for a great day out. So to help, here’s our pick of ‘Five Fun Family Activities’ in Herefordshire that will leave you wanting more. Here’s to the memories and fun, we hope you enjoy them. The Viking Games, Middle Cefn, The Stables, Hereford HR2 0JH If you’re a lover of all things Nordic. Enjoyed watching The Last Kingdom. Were glued to the Vikings series or the ever funny Norsemen on Netflix. You’re going to love The Viking Games. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get the family together for a fantastic day out. In the gorgeous surroundings of Herefordshire’s Golden Valley try your hand at traditional Nordic games that have been adapted for some twenty-first century fun. Who will be the victor at Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige? Who will be crowned the true Viking warrior? It’s a fantastic day out that everyone will enjoy. www.thevikinggames.co.uk Wye Valley Falconry If you and your family enjoy being outdoors then you’ll love spending time with Wye Valley Falconry deep in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. Rated by TripAdvisor as the No.1 outdoor attraction in Herefordshire, Wye Valley […]

On 1st August 2020 Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome (WaW) are launching their Summer of Self-Guided Walking. It is a great sadness that this year’s very popular annual Walking Festival had to be cancelled.  However, visitors and locals can still explore this beautiful and peaceful area – but in safety and with their own family, friends or …. “bubble”.  From 1st August the Walking in Ross website, www.walkinginross.co.uk , will be offering a collection of walks for all abilities and differing lengths in and around locality.  These can be easily downloaded to a pc, tablet or phone; and will link with mapping apps to make them easy to follow. Ross-on-Wye was the birthplace of British Tourism 250 years ago, with acclaimed visitors such as William Wordsworth and JMW Turner; and it is still very dependent economically on visitor spend.  The WaW group are keen to encourage day and staying visitors to return. The Summer of Self-Guided Walking collection has a really interesting set of routes – some which local people may be well familiar with; some that may be new and offer a different perspective.  They range from under 4 miles fully accessible (which can be easily shortened and varied); to […]

Herefordshire tourism project awarded £444,000 of Marches LEP funding A major campaign to help Herefordshire’s tourism and visitor economy recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus lockdown and February’s flooding has been awarded £440,000 by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. The money will help launch a co-ordinated drive to promote the county as a fantastic, safe destination for day trips and also staycations if the lockdown restrictions ease sufficiently. It is part of a £1.6million package of funding agreed by the Marches LEP across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to support businesses hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis and earlier flooding. Herefordshire Business Board and Herefordshire Council are behind the plan to promote the county’s huge range of tourism attractions, retail and leisure opportunities to both local and national markets. Their plan includes developing a new destination website supported by a smartphone app and local and national marketing and PR campaigns to attract day trippers and families and couples seeking staycations as soon as it is safe to do so. Mandy Thorn MBE DL, chair of the Marches LEP, said the partnership was delighted to support the initiative. “The tourism and visitor economy has been particularly hard hit […]

We can’t quite believe it’s almost Father’s Day already. So if you’re looking for the perfect present for your favourite icon or role model read on. We’ve put together some fabulous father’s day gift ideas to inspire you. Best of all you don’t even need to leave home. FOR THE ACTION MAN If your Dad is the active, competitive type and loves being outdoors why not consider purchasing some vouchers for exciting activities that he’ll just love. From paintballing to lazerclayz, archery to clay pigeon shooting. Herefordshire has some great pursuits that all the family can get involved in. OAKER WOOD LEISURE Oaker Wood Leisure near Leominster will be opening its gates from the start of July so why not book in advance now, or purchase a voucher for a Quad Trekking or High Ropes Adrenalin Adventure for your dad and the rest of the family. Find out more here. BATTLELANDS & LAZERCLAYZ This amazing family run activity centre located in the gorgeous Golden Valley has a range of activities that your Dad will love. From paintballing, laserclayz, splatmaster and shooting, he’ll be in his element. Look out too for ‘The Vikings’ a new activity being launched this July. This […]

The Netherwood Estate, home to Michelin Star restaurant, Pensons, on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, launches a capsule collection of seasonal hand-picked dried herbs, florals, infusions and blends available to order. This new range will complement the existing produce from the Estate including Rapeseed Oil, Apple Juice and Honey. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the temporary closure of Pensons restaurant on 20th March. However, the Kitchen Gardens continue to flourish and are brimming withseasonal produce ready for harvest. This presented a new idea to diversify the business to capture and bring the taste of the gardens to home cooks – making good use of produce that was originally destined for Pensons where Head Chef, Chris Simpson, would create ingredient-led seasonal dishes for guests to enjoy. This new initiative presents a different vision of Estate to Plate, taking culinary inspiration from what is growing in the gardens. The garden-fresh flavour is captured at source using small batches of concentrated hand-picked and carefully dried herbs and edible flowers. Although not certified as organic, the range is grown on the Estate without the use of any sprays or ‘nasties’ and is cultivated entirely naturally. Building on the Pensons ethos of sourcing food as locally, seasonally and […]

Hereford Cathedral will be opening the gates to its beautiful gardens on Friday 27 March for visitors to explore for free  Each summer hundreds of people take part in the guided tours which run on Wednesdays and Saturdays but, prior to this, the team of volunteer gardeners open the gardens to showcase the spring blooms. This year’s event will take place on Friday 27 March from 10 am – 3 pm. Visitors are welcome to come and freely explore the Canon’s Garden (located behind the Cloister alongside the River Wye), Cloister Garden and Chapter House Garden and meet the volunteer team who maintain the gardens throughout the year. The gardens are easily accessible and through the winter months, work has been undertaken to widen the pathways within the Canon’s Garden to improve wheelchair accessibility. Peter Challenger, Visits and Volunteers Administrator, said: “The Spring Opening is wonderful opportunity to come and visit these tranquil gardens at your leisure and ask any questions you may have about the work which goes into maintaining them. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful team of volunteer gardeners who work all year round to ensure that the gardens of the cathedral are a beautiful […]

It’s that wonderful time of year where spring is almost upon us, the snowdrops are out in force and we take a moment to celebrate the fabulous women in our life on Mother’s Day. So if you’re looking for a special gift, a gorgeous afternoon tea treat or the perfect day out. Here’s our Mother’s Day guide to give you some magnificent Mother’s day ideas and inspiration. SPECIAL GIFTS TO TREASURE Mike Gell Jewellery shop is situated in Hereford’s historic town centre on East Street, showcasing over seventy designer-makers. Focusing on supporting British makers who excel in high quality design and craftsmanship. With a vast array of styles to choose from and four jewellers onsite, it’s the perfect place to acquire a beautiful piece that will be treasured forever. John McKellar has the most beautiful collection of designer, handmade platinum, silver and gold jewellery. Individual pieces that will make a statement and show how much you love your Mum. Located on Church Street in Hereford their lovely staff are knowledgeable and take pleasure in finding you that perfect piece. Andrew Lamputt Silversmith & Jeweller specialises in beautiful antique and modern jewellery, with a wonderful collection of gorgeous and unique pieces for you […]

Team ESL is excited to be representing Herefordshire as THE destination for Group Travel at this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show at Birmingham’s NEC. With a substantial stand to showcase ESL Members that are group travel locations in Herefordshire, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire will be accompanied by some of the county’s premier group experiences. Meet Chase Distillery for behind-the-scenes tours of how this unique British single estate potato vodka and gin is made, unveil the newly refurbished Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford and marvel at Hereford Cathedral with its world renouned treasures like the Mappa Mundi, Chained Library and 6 acres of RHS ward-winning gardens, plus new features such as the Ascension window and bespoke themed ‘behind the doors’ tours. Treasures & Charters Hereford City Council and the Hereford City BID will also present the City’s landmarks and events, and welcome you to the new Tourist Information Centre in the beautiful Town Hall building where there is also a new Civic Museum and Heritage Suite housing Hereford’s ancient collection of silverware and original charters. Cars and Cocktails   Chase Distillery will be treating visitors at the Herefordshire stand to some fabulous cocktail sampling and will have offers and incentives […]

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 […]

This winter why not embrace the great outdoors and venture out into the spectacular countryside of Herefordshire. With stunning countryside, wonderful woodlands and spectacular views to discover, above all the best way to see it all is on foot. Therefore here’s our favourite five wonderful winter walks that will inspire you to move away from that warm hearth, head outside and blow those cobwebs away. Haugh Woods, Located between Mordiford and Woolhope, HR1 4QX The ancient woodland at Haugh woods is full of beauty and charm and is a haven for cyclists, walkers, nature lovers and photographers. With over 850 acres to explore of walking, cycling and butterfly trails, this is a popular destination for families and dog walkers. The two most popular walks are the Three Choirs Way and the Wye Valley Walk which skirt the edge of the woods, however it also links with the Mordiford Loop a circular trail taking you through traditional orchards, woodland and more beautiful countryside. The name Haugh, which is pronounced “Hoff” is derived from the name of a Saxon owner indicating that this is the site of an ancient wood. Haugh Woods, is nationally important for butterflies and moths, with over 600 […]

EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD WASSAIL! One of the jewels in Herefordshire’s crown is cider, its origin, heritage and traditions. With a wealth of inspiring small and larger makers Herefordshire’s ciders are now in demand across the globe and wassailing has become a popular pastime on twelfth night. What’s a Wassail? Wassailing is the special ingredient that goes into Herefordshire cider.  So you may well ask what’s a ‘Wassail’? Well it was a practice first recorded in 1585 and Wassailing (Wassail meaning ‘Good Health or Be Well’) is an Anglo-Saxon custom in cider producing regions of England. So, as Herefordshire produces over half of the UK’s cider, we invite you to take part in this traditional event that blesses the orchards and promotes a good harvest for the coming year. Wassailing, on around Twelfth Night in January, brings many together to drink a concoction of mulled ale, served in huge silver or pewter bowls and mixed with curdled cream, apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar, small pieces of toast are often added and float on the top, its appearance leading some to call the drink ‘Lamb’s Wool’. With a torch light procession between orchards, a wassail King and Queen lead […]

This week we venture into Herefordshire’s world of the supernatural, superstitions and curses. Many of which were attributed to people who had experienced wrong doing upon them and had in true fashion responded in kind. The Cursed Doll In Hereford Museum there is said to be a cursed doll amongst their collection of artefacts. Dated to around the late nineteenth century it was discovered at 21 East Street in 1960. Found with it was a note bearing the words, Mary Ann Ward I act this spell upon you from my holl heart wishing you to never rest nor eat nor sleep the rest part of your life. I hope your flesh will waste away and I hope you will never spend another penny I ought to have. Wishing this from my whole heart.” The identity of the author of the note was never found. The Little Wooden Coffin Another strange item in the museum which is thought to come from around the same time, is a little wooden coffin with a human effigy.  The body is firmly pinned down by a nail. It was unearthed at a house in Woolhope by the then owners in 1987. It is said that […]

PENSONS WINS BEST RESTAURANT AND FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE HEREFORD TIMES FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2019 Pensons has been awarded Best Restaurant or Dining Pub and named overall winner of Food & Drink Business of the Year at the Hereford Times Food & Drink Awards 2019.  The Hereford Times Food & Drinks Awards, now in their second year, celebrate innovation, service and creativity in food and drink industries across Herefordshire. The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday 19th November at Hereford Racecourse and was presented by journalist, Rob Stokes. The awards cover 11 different categories including Best Cider Producer, won by Bromyard’s Little Pomona and Best Drinks Producer awarded to Penrhos Spirits. Pensons vision is to cook imaginative, ingredient-led menus that showcase the very best produce that, whenever possible, is grown on the Estate or sourced locally during the seasons. This approach was applauded by the judges who also commented that Pensons had elevated the region to national recognition with their recent Michelin Star accolade. Peta Darnley, Pensons Managing Partner, commented; ‘Our ethos is to put local at the heart of what we do. So not only do we grow what ingredients we can, but […]

Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh Route for 2019 (Updated 9th November 2019) Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh route around the city streets of Hereford, and in the neighbouring villages, is one of the great Christmas traditions which was introduced by the Hereford Lions Club four decades ago. Thousands of children come out to see Santa and tell him what presents they would like for Christmas with some children giving him a letter (don’t forget to put your name and address on it to get a reply from Santa!). Please note: the times given are approximate. Saturday 30th November – Villages From 5pm – Moreton on Lugg (outside village stores), 5.45pm – Marden School, 6.15pm – Sutton St Nicholas School Sunday 1st December – East Belmont & Newton Farm area From 4.30pm – Eastholme (Community Centre), Westholme Rd (by Notice Board), Mulberry Close, Silver Firs, Wheatridge Rd (corner of Green Nash Close), Rowan Tree Close, Waterfield Rd (by bus shelter), Yarlington Mill (junc Coppin Rise), Carwardine Green, Ethelstan Cres (junc Waterfield Rd), Ethelstan Cres (halfway along), Ethelstan Cres (junc Masefield Ave), Charlton Ave, New Kilvert Rd, Woodward Ave, The Oval Monday 2nd December – Villages From 5pm – Holme Lacy, 5.45pm – Fownhope, […]

Charity Christmas Shopping Day at Iconic Hereford Landmark Newly refurbished Green Dragon Hotel will open its doors to shoppers on 20 November 2019 for an event to raise funds for Herefordshire Headway. At 11am on Wednesday 20 November The Green Dragon Hotel on Broad Street, Hereford, having finished a complete refurbishment during the last 12 months, will warmly welcome shoppers to its Ballroom where manufacturers and producers, largely from all over the county, will be selling their most festive goods.  The event is to raise much-needed funds for Herefordshire Headway, a charity making a huge difference to those in the county who face extraordinary challenge following brain injury. £5 entry on the day for shoppers will include a complimentary tea or coffee and delicious mince pie!  Festive food and drink; gifts; fashion and fashion accessories; and home wares will be showcased at this Christmas event.  The traders are all coming together to support Herefordshire Headway, based in Credenhill, which significantly improves life after brain injury, as a result of a stroke or accident.  Doors open 11am-5pm. So, if you are looking for that special something for that special someone, you will most likely find it at this Hereford Christmas shopping […]

‘REFLECTIONS AFTER 50 YEARS IN CRIME’ Sir David Calvert-Smith will reflect on fifty years in crime for this year’s High Sheriff Lecture, which will raise funds for Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust and Herefordshire Community Foundation.  Sir David was called to the Bar in 1969 and has led a distinguished career. In 1997 he became a Queen’s Counsel and was the Director of Public Prosecutions from 1998 – 2003 in which time the service dealt with several high profile cases. In 2003 he returned to the Bar, before appointment to the High Court Bench in 2005 before retiring in 2012. He was Chairman of the Parole Board from 2012 -2016, before re-joining as a member in 2017, and continues to sit in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division as a retired judge. His talk will reflect his vast experience in the law, with particular reference to the future of the criminal justice system, the increasing role of victims and legal education. Now in its sixth year, the 2019 The High Sheriff’s Lecture has been arranged by The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, James Hervey-Bathurst CBE DL and The Honorary Recorder of the City of Hereford, His Honour Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC. The […]

SENSATIONAL DISPLAYS, SPARKLERS AND WARMING BONFIRES…. There’s been a crispness in the air, Halloween is looming and the clocks are about to go back. So it’s time for some excitement that will get us away from our cosy hearths. Herefordshire will be hosting some sensational firework displays this autumn, from small village gatherings to more elaborate affairs that will have you and your family whooping with delight. Here’s our round-up of fantastic firework displays in Herefordshire 2019 over the next few weeks. Saturday November 2nd 2019 Hereford Round Table Fireworks Click for more information Sat, Nov 2 | Gates open 5.00pm Fire lighting 6.30pm | Hereford Racecourse | Roman Rd | Hereford HR4 9QU | Tickets £10 Adults, children under 16 FREE. Celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Hereford Round Table Fireworks at Hereford Racecourse, the biggest display in Herefordshire. All proceeds raised will be donated to charitable causes. Ross Lions Club 2019 Bonfire & Firework display Click for more information Sat, Nov 2 | Gates open 6.00pm, Bonfire lit at 7.00pm, Firework display 7.30pm |Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club | Metcalfe Close | Ross-on-Wye HR9 7DD | Tickets £6 Adults & £4 for children or £15 for a family ticket. Burgers, Hot Dogs & Hot […]

Hereford College of Arts Students Show ‘THE WAY’ at Hereford Cathedral on Wednesday 23 October, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Students at Hereford College of Arts are currently working with Hereford Cathedral to produce an exhibition inspired by pilgrimage. ‘The Way’ will bring together the work of over two hundred Level Three students across art & design, music and performing arts who have been responding to the concept of modern day pilgrimage in a variety of mediums. During the project, students have spent time in the cathedral and have also visited locations on The St Thomas Way, a pilgrimage route from Swansea to Hereford. The St Thomas Way was developed by the University of Southampton, Swansea Museum and Hereford Cathedral and opened to the public in July 2018. The Dean of Hereford, The Very Revd Michael Tavinor, says: “It’s really exciting for us to be able to explore the concept of pilgrimage with students from HCA, especially as we celebrate seven hundred years of St Thomas Cantilupe here at the cathedral.” Darren Williams, Course Leader at Hereford College of Arts, says: “This project has enabled our students to engage with a theme they knew very little about beforehand. They have […]

It was announced today that Pensons, the restaurant from Lee Westcott on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, has been awarded a Michelin star, as a new entry into the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2020. The restaurant has been open for just over eight months, launching this January. The 46-cover restaurant is a partnership between acclaimed chef Lee Westcott (formerly of Typing Room) and Peta Darnley, owner of the Netherwood Estate where the restaurant is based. Pensons draws inspiration from the produce from the Estate and surrounding countryside. Since opening, Lee has crafted a menu with his team that is based around the seasons, and led largely by what produce is at its peak from the Estate and producers in the area. Dishes include: Herefordshire Herdwick lamb, broccoli, anchovy and watercress; Salt aged beef, black garlic, cep and nasturtium; Scallop, yeast, apple and monks beard, and Lee’s signature house baked IPA sourdough served with cultured butter. Lee comments, “It is such an honour to be awarded a star alongside some truly brilliant chefs and restaurants. I’m immensely proud of the entire team at Pensons, whose hard work has made this possible, and who took a chance on a new opening in the […]

A Service of Faith and Reconciliation will open Hereford Cathedral’s year of celebrations to commemorate 700 years since St Thomas Cantilupe’s canonisation. On Saturday 12 October (3.30 pm), the cathedral will welcome the Right Revd. Lord Williams of Oystermouth who, as Rowan Williams, was 104th Archbishop of Canterbury. Together with the Bishop of Hereford, they will take part in an act of penitence and renewal and celebrate the relationship that Canterbury and Hereford share today. In 1282, a disagreement between Hereford and Canterbury resulted in a sentence of excommunication being delivered to the then Bishop of Hereford, Thomas Cantilupe. Archbishop Pecham of Canterbury delivered this adjudication as a result of conflict arising from Cantilupe defending the rights of the See of Hereford. To appeal against his sentence, Cantilupe travelled to Italy to lay his cause before the Pope, but he died near Orvieto before judgement could be pronounced, although not before he had made his peace with the Church. During the service, representatives of other Christian denominations within Herefordshire will come together to lead prayers and pupils from Hereford Cathedral Junior School and St Thomas Cantilupe Primary School will perform a short drama further exploring the story. Two new banners, […]

The Big Apple is a community event celebrating apples, orchards and cider and the ways in which they have shaped the picturesque countryside in one small corner of Herefordshire.  Harvestime 2019 marks 30 years for the Big Apple and a special opportunity to join the celebrations! Nine venues in and around Much Marcle will be offering visitors the chance to learn, taste and enjoy.  Cider and perry and making will be taking place at all scales from small to commercial, and the producers will be sharing their knowledge and providing opportunities to sample and buy. An amazing range of dessert and cooking apples will be on display for tasting at the Feast of Apples at Hellens and less well known varieties can be purchased in the Apple Market.  Marcher Apple Network will be on hand to help anyone hoping to identify their own apples. As part of the 30th celebrations, there will be two talks at Hellens on Sunday 13th October.  At 12 noon, local fruitgrower, Norman Stanier, will be looking back into the early records of the Woolhope Naturalists‘ Field Club to discover the stories behind the famous Herefordshire Pomona.  At 2pm, Professor Paul Hadley of the University of Reading will […]

LOVE EXPLORING? Discover the secrets of Hereford City with the Love Exploring app. The new Love Exploring mobile app, funded for Hereford by Hereford City Council, puts the power of discovery in your hands by providing a range of trails, quizzes and games that are fun to do and free to use. The Love Exploring mobile app is suitable for all ages and will keep the whole family and visitors to the City entertained for hours. It includes free fun activities to do with the family and enables you to explore Hereford, its culture and heritage. Download the app and click on Hereford City Trails where you will find games to play, trails to follow and a map including lots of interesting information. Check out the: • free guided trails to explore Hereford and get to know the City’s secrets with sculpture and heritage trails that may take you to parts of the City you have not been to before. Trails include the Walking and Cycling Sculpture Trails, a Blue Plaque Trail, Widemarsh Street Trail and the Breinton Springs Circular Trail. The trails will not end there though as more will be added over time. • free explorer games with […]

Kington Show 2019 promises to be a great day out for all the family. It will combine the traditional feel of an agricultural show with horses, cattle and sheep alongside  an action-packed programme of entertainment. The show will be held on its usual site at The Ovals Farm, Kington HR5 3LN, close to the Welsh Border in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. After 150 years the show continues to be one of the most popular one day show in the county and this year will be no exception! In the main ring, excitement will be provided by the thrills and spills of the Stannage International Stunt team who will perform their daredevil stunts.  During the day, the main ring will also host the Grand Parade of livestock, the Interhunt challenge, including a hands-on experience with the hunt hounds for our younger visitors, trotting races and a vintage vehicle display. Elsewhere on the showground there will be thrilling displays from the Wye Valley Axemen, Corner Exotics, Ferret World Roadshow, Owl World, the Bill Bailey Band, and much more! In the evening, Herefordshire YFC will be hosting an after-show dance and there will be a speed shearing competition. There will be nearly 200 […]

ESL member Stockton Bury Gardens near Leominster, needs your vote as they have been shortlisted in the Nation’s Favourite Garden competition. With over 3500 gardens nominated Stockton Bury are in the TOP 30! Massive Congratulations to Tamsin and all at Stockton Bury. The English Garden, the National Garden Scheme and Viking Cruises joined forces earlier this year to find the Nation’s Favourite Gardens. Throughout spring and early summer nominations poured in for favourite gardens from among the 3,500 that open their gates to the public through the National Garden Scheme. The beautiful Garden at Stockton Bury is four-acres in size and has been created by Raymond Treasure and Gordon Fenn. Both are keen plantsman and have incredible knowledge to share. Stockton Bury has been in the Treasure family for three generations and much of the garden was pasture until the pair transformed it into this well-acclaimed garden. The original Victorian kitchen garden and impressive monkey puzzle tree are still very much part of the new garden. Now 30 years old the garden is home to mature plantings and offers keen gardeners plenty of inspiration. Both men were inspired by Raymond’s relative the late John Treasure (well known for his garden […]

The county of Herefordshire is coming together to host the first conference of the recently formed International Network of Cider Culture & Tourism Destinations this autumn. As interest in cider continues to grow throughout the world, “Ciderlands” as the network is known, seeks to promote travel and cultural exchanges between classic and emerging cider regions, as well as to act as a cider tourism beacon for the world as a whole. Founded in September 2018, during the International Cider Culture and Tourism Meet-up held in the Basque Country, Ciderlands began to be forged in November 2017, during the Sagardo Forum Cider Congress. Delegates will enjoy the full Herefordshire experience, with visits to classic country pubs, a tour of the Mappa Mundi and the opportunity to visit The Big Apple’s Harvestime festival, complete with traditional cidermaking and apple displays. Comprising four days of activities across the county in peak harvest time, Ciderlands 2019 will offer an unparalleled showcase of the region’s proud cider heritage to the cider tourism professionals from throughout the network. In addition, a number of notable public events offer the opportunity to leave a legacy of celebrating the region’s unique cider culture within the local community. Among the […]

Explore glorious gardens with the National Trust in Herefordshire Visitors are invited to fill their lungs with fresh air at National Trust places in Herefordshire as summer takes over the gardens. At Berrington Hall, Brockhampton, Croft Castle and The Weir Garden families can take in the sights, smells, sounds and colours of the season throughout walled gardens, orchards, pleasure grounds and riversides. At Berrington Hall, near Leominster, families can make memories this summer as they become one of the first to discover Berrington’s newly opened curved walled garden. This curved garden is Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s final masterpiece and one of only two left surviving of its kind. From Saturday 6 July, visitors can discover this secret garden which has been closed for over 120 years. It will be the only one of its kind open to the public and visitors can discover creative horticultural displays which tell the story of the space both as a working kitchen garden and then as a farmyard using sub-tropical plants, vegetables, hay-bale planters and more. There are plenty of activities families can join in with this summer at Berrington, including live music, garden games and children’s trails. Visitors can relax in a deckchair in […]

A Secret garden in Herefordshire unveiled for the first time at Berrington Hall, near Leominster. Ever wanted to see a real-life secret garden? The National Trust has announced it will be opening the door to a rare curved walled garden in Herefordshire which has remained locked for the past 150 years – and it will be the only one in the country open to the public. The conservation charity will be embarking upon an extensive restoration project to revive the unique curved walled garden at Berrington Hall near Leominster, which is now back in its care having been used to house livestock for over a century. The final masterpiece from Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – Britain’s most famous landscape architect of the 18th century – the curved walled garden will be opened to the public for the first time on Saturday 6 July. Visitors will be able to see first-hand the vital conservation work that is currently underway to revive the iconic garden into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. The garden is one of only two ‘Capability’ Brown designed curved walled gardens in the country, and with the other in private ownership, Berrington Hall’s will be the only one […]