The Official Tourism Website for Herefordshire

Nine Irresistible Rural Retreats

If you’re thinking about escaping to the countryside, 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 really takes you back in time. There are two simple 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 the abundance of wildlife nearby.

Of course one of the highlights of a stay is a tour of the estate’s vineyards and an insight into the award-winning wines they produce.

Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tours available to guests from February through to December.

www.wythallestate.co.uk  

The Hop Kiln at Wall End Farm, Monkland, Herefordshire HR6 9DE

Newly converted in 2010, The Hop Kiln at Wall End Farm is a fabulous two bedroom, two bathroom former working kiln which sleeps 4. Set on a farm on the North Herefordshire/South Shropshire border it has fantastic views over the cider apple orchard and plenty of wonderful walking.

The features such as the circular master bedroom with 6’6″ bed make this a treat. Exposed beams and brickwork have been maintained while carefully chosen modern amenities throughout and underfloor heating on the ground floor create a cosy atmosphere to ensure you have a lovely relaxing holiday or break. Decorated using Edward Bulmer natural and non-toxic paints, specialist lighting and a high standard of finish throughout including the quartz worktops. There is the most lovely outdoor terrace in your private garden, with personal brick built pizza oven/open fire for really fun al fresco dining under the stars.

www.wallendfarm.co.uk

Holly Lodge, Burley Gate, Hereford, Herefordshire HR1 3QS

Holly Lodge is everything you need for a carefree country holiday. Set to the east of the county, this wonderful English Tourist Board 3 star accommodation is the perfect base from which to explore beautiful Herefordshire and its abundance of beverage destinations; excellent cider-makers on the doorstep, Chase Distillery tours around the corner and Wye Valley Brewery is just up the road. Perfect for the family with capacity for four adults and with all the comforts of home, this charming well equipped cosy cottage is a popular choice with tourists.

www.hollylodgeholidays.co.uk

Orchard House at Hicks Barn Holiday Cottages,

One of two properties, Orchard House is a delightful barn conversion, originally a cow byre, carefully designed to provide spacious character accommodation with every modern convenience. Sleeping up to 14, it’s a wonderful group getaway location where you can let off some steam.

Dog friendly, the large well-fenced garden is laid down to lawn with a patio for relaxation whilst the BBQ cooks (or if the weather is incelement, just use your very own BBQ cabin to cosy up in for a Nordic vibe). You’re encouraged to engage with the farm animals (lambing in spring is a lovely time) and of course there is the surrounding countryside, though right on site is a brilliant childrens playarea and indoor games rooms.

This really is a place for the whole family … or two, with plenty to occupy everyone.

www.hicksfarmholidays.com

The Steppes, Lugwardine, Hereford, Herefordshire HR1 4AL

Only three miles ‘out of town’ but splendidly rural, The Steppes offers the perfect location for this year’s staycation. Set in beautiful Herefordshire countryside in the grounds of much loved garden, the self contained lodges are only a few minutes’ drive from historic Hereford City and on an excellent bus route with a local pub on the doorstep. With a variety of cosy accommodation from self-catering holiday cottages to a studio apartment, all sleeping 2 with garden views, and filled with the comforts of home it’s the ideal choice for a rural yet not isolated break.

www.thesteppeshereford.co.uk

White House Brinsop, Hereford HR4 7AT

Located in the glorious Brinsop valley overlooking the Iron Age hill fort at Credenhill, this varied selection of cottages and apartments are just perfect for families and couples. The cottages are surrounded by beautiful countryside and wildlife, lawned areas and a medieval fishpond that extends to nearly an acre.

The lanes and footpaths nearby are great for walking and cycling and Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, the Black Mountains, Leominster, the Black and White villages trail and Ludlow are all within easy reach.

www.whitehousebrinsop.com

Home Barn at Home Farm, Dulas, Herefordshire HR2 0HY

Nestled in the heart of the incredible Golden Valley region of Herefordshire, Home Barn is a spacious, comfortable, easy-living barn and no typical modern conversion. Transformed to retain all of its quirky character, with bespoke handbuilt features, it is located on a picturesque farm conveniently close to the well-serviced village of Ewyas Harold and sleeps 8.

Watch the sun go down seated by the river, as you toast marsh mallows on the fire pit. Have fun in the games room with table-tennis and darts board, enjoy a BBQ with your family or friends, pick your own forgaed herbs for suppers. See the old watermill, spot the fish in the brook and take leisurely walks around the farmland. Nearby you can enjoy local outdoor activities; walking, canoeing, cycling, mountain-climbing. Fantastic for groups and families.

www.homefarmdulas.co.uk

Benhall Farm, Benhall Lane, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 6AG

Set in glorious Herefordshire countryside yet conveniently just outside Ross-on-Wye on the banks of the River Wye you’ll find Benhall Farm Holiday Cottages. Their gorgeous 4 star properties are extremely comfortable and fully equipped with everything you’ll need including a few little extras to make your stay extra special. You can even book for breakfast in the farmhouse for even less cooking and washing up.

With pretty gardens for you to relax in, wonderful river walks nearby and plenty of the Wye Valley’s attractions and activities on the doorstep, the proximity to the market town of Ross and its restaurants and independent shops is a real bonus.

www.benhallfarm.co.uk

The Forge, Lyonshall Herefordshire HR5 3JA

Billed as a blissful bolthole, The Forge, is a 4 star romantic holiday cottage is located in beautiful Mortimer Country in north Herefordshire and is part of a collection of properties on the Whittern Estate. Its secluded and private location adds to its charm and popularity. Fantastically converted from an open fronted barn which was originally the blacksmith’s workshop, it now offers an airy living space for the perfect rural retreat. We love the fun feature roll top bath in the bedroom looking out over the countryside. Enjoy some alfresco dining too on the pretty terrace with lavender and beech hedged lawns. Sleeping 2 + 1 it’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic break or for a family with older children.

www.whiteheronproperties.com

Click here to find more rural retreats in Herefordshire.