With such a wonderful sunny spring now behind us we’re looking forward to the summer months. With the opportunity to explore some of our favourite places. Here’s our round up of seven scenic summer spots to enjoy with glorious views, wonderful woodlands and fabulous walks.
Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill Leominster HR6 0PY
The amazing 123 acre ancient woodland at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is just wonderful to walk round. The views are just breath taking. With its fantastic arboretum, a 47 acre tree collection with over 1,200 rare and exotic trees, this really is the place to be. If you adore wildlife and nature you’ll love the dramatic show of colours, fragrances and wildlife all throughout the year.
Once part of the Hampton Court Estate during the 17th century. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
With the park now open to visitors and the on-site café serving take-away options too. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic or stroll.
Click here for more information.
NT Berrington Hall Leominster HR6 0DW
Standing proud and strong, this fine Georgian mansion sits within Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s final garden and landscape. The gardens are a real pleasure to explore. In the centre of the walled garden, you can discover ‘LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!’. A bold contemporary pavilion designed by internationally renowned artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. Inspired by Berrington’s Georgian origins and eighteenth-century culture. This 8-metre-tall by 8-metre-wide pink structure inhabits the walled garden. Highlighting the importance of this piece of ‘living history’ as the final masterpiece of ‘Capability’ Brown.
There are acres of parkland to explore and enjoy. So pop on your walking boots and get outdoors. The gardens, parkland, car park and toilets at Berrington Hall have now re-opened but visitors must book their visit online here
To find out more about Berrington Hall click here.
Eastnor Castle Grounds and Deer Park, Near Ledbury HR8 1RL
Eastnor is a dramatic, fairy-tale castle situated in a 5000-acre estate in the Malvern Hills within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful lake, deer park and arboretum. With magnificent views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside. Perfect for a stroll or picnic, it’s always a very enjoyable day out with the family.
Eastnor has recently re-opened parts of their grounds to visitors on selected days throughout May, June & July. The grounds (including the arboretum, valley lawn and lakeside walks) are fully open. As is the Woodland Play Area and Ice Cream Parlour.
Click here for details on opening hours and how to book your visit.
Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2LY
Hellens Manor is an old beautiful private home which hosts tour groups, cultural events, concerts, garden festivals and literary discussions. The manor has a very interesting history having passed through a series of families during the centuries. The grounds are exceptional with walled gardens, woodlands and pond. Although the manor and tearooms have not yet re-opened why not enjoy the opportunity to soak up the historic atmosphere of the manor’s beautiful gardens, woodlands and surroundings instead. It’s a beautiful spot for a family picnic or a gentle stroll in nature.
Hellens have now re-opened for garden visits only every Wednesday and Sunday (10.00 – 6.00pm).
Click here for more information.
NT Croft Castle, Yarpole, Leominster HR6 9PW
NT Croft Castle near Yarpole is nestled in 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland dates back before the Domesday Book. With its wealth of veteran trees including a 1000 year oak, the Croft estate is one of the top ten sites in the country for the quality and diversity of ancient trees.
Discover the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and 1908 glasshouse. If you’re feeling really energetic you can also hike up to the Iron Age hill fort. It overlooks some superb views including the Brecon beacons. Or you can follow one of the popular woodland trails. NT Croft Castle is a great attraction for both families and couples to enjoy.
The gardens, parkland, car park and toilets at Croft Castle have now re-opened but visitors must book their visit online here.
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 species recorded within it. It is one of the top 10 woods in the country and is designated as a SSSI due to the presence of these invertebrates.
So head out and enjoy discovering the beauties hidden within this pretty woodland.
The Black Hill, Craswall Herefordshire, HR2 0NL
The beautiful Black Hill also known as ‘Crib y Garth’ is located in the Black Mountains is an absolute must for keen hikers. Rising just west of the village of Craswall. The vantage points and views are just spectacular, looking out across the Welsh borders. Not to mention the sight of the gorgeous ponies that roam across this rugged landscape. There are various options for long or short walks but all are worth the hike to the top. Look out for the spectacular red kites, buzzards and kestrels. They are regular visitors to the area too. This wonderful part of Herefordshire was also the setting for Bruce Chatwin’s novel ‘On the Black Hill’ which was later made into a film.
We hope you’re inspired by our seven scenic summer spots to enjoy, so head outdoors and discover beautiful Herefordshire.