Herefordshire local attractions
Herefordshire, Shropshire and the Borders offer a wealth of cultural and leisure activities. Here are just some of the activities on offer:
Outdoor activities
Walking
The area offers truly brilliant opportunities for walking in magnificent countryside. We are three miles from Offa's Dyke, a long distance footpath running for a total of 180 miles north - south along the ancient border of England and Wales. Our nearest access to the path is at Kington, three miles away, where the path winds across Hergest Ridge, with fantastic views into Wales and the Marches. After about three miles you reach Gladestry with a welcoming pub - a good stopping point with the option of a straight return to Kington or a circular route. There are other splendid routes from Kington, from one hour strolls around the town to the 30 mile Mortimer trail through the beautiful hills of the border country to Ludlow.
Hay on Wye, seven miles away, offers another stunning access point to Offa's Dyke at Hay Bluff, as well as access to some spectacular walks through the black mountains and lonely Olchon valley. This is the gateway to the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons, which provide many varied opportunities for walks. Leominster, an attractive rural town 10 miles north east, has a beautiful priory , some good food shops an an excellent mix of antique and bric a brac outlets.
Cycling
Quiet local roads provide excellent cycling routes both for the speed enthusiast and for those who want to potter about and use bikes as a means of enjoying and seeing the countryside. There are lots of scenic cycles straight from our gate: it is easy, for example to find a very quiet circular route which takes in both Weobley and Pembridge, two highly picturesque villages on the Black & White Trail, as well as lunch and tea stops, and the water gardens just outside Pembridge.
It is a great area for mountain biking and we can advise on local routes. Check out Drover Holidays who hire out bikes as well as organizing cycling and walking breaks.
Canoeing
Canoes can be hired at Glasbury. You can chose shorter or longer routes, and take a picnic, and then arrange to be picked up from your destination later in the day. A brilliant day out - particularly when the sun is shining.
Golf
Kington has a very idiosyncratic and enjoyable golf course high on Bradnor hill, with views of seven counties, where golfers vie with sheep for green space. It is reputed to be the highest golf course in England. The club welcomes visitors, and many people come to Kington just for the golf.
Riding
There are a number of riding schools locally. Tregoy Riding is situated in Glasbury close to the canoe centre, allowing you to enjoy both activities on the same day if you wish.
History, culture and art
There is a great deal to see locally for those interested in local history and culture, in music and the arts. This is just a small flavour of what is on offer. More detailed information is available in our information packs in the cottages.
Eardisley is on the Black & White Village Trail, a very pretty tourist route which takes in all the local villages of historic interest.
Pembridge, four miles down the road is a good stopping off point on the trail. It has a church with stunning timber framed detached bell tower, and a good craft shop and art gallery. This has built up a reputation for showcasing the very best local talent as well as artists and jewellers from across the country, and sells sculpture, paintings, jewellery, knitwear, glass, ceramics and iron-ware. The New Inn at Pembridge is by most standards rather old! It has an open fire most days of the year, and provides reliable pub food. A mile south of the village is Dunkerton's, an organic cider producer with a shop.
Presteigne, 10 miles to the north has a number of interesting houses and shops. The Judges Lodging, a recently restored 18th century court house and judges lodging is well worth a visit. Presteigne hosts an annual music festival at the end of August each year, with the conductor George Vass. It provides an eclectic programme of classical and contemporary music, with new commissions each year.
Hay on Wye, seven miles south west, is internationally famous for its collection of second hand book shops. There are also a range of other interesting shops, and a good craft shop run by local craftsmen. There is an annual Hay festival at the end of May each year attracting thousands of visitors and a chance to hear politicians, authors, poets, critics, eco-activists and others debating their craft and the issues of the moment.
Hereford, 14 miles south has an interesting area around the river and cathedral. The cathedral is well worth a visit, not least for the Mappa Mundi and famous chained library. The cathedral hosts regular concerts throughout the year. Hereford is also home to the Courtyard, a lively arts venue for live music, film and theatre.
Ludlow, a stunning market town 15 miles to the north has some good examples of 18th and 19th century town architecture. It has an interesting castle and an annual festival of music and the arts in late June, which always includes a Shakespeare play in the castle grounds. It is a mecca both for antique hunters and foodies, providing plenty of opportunities for browsing in antique shops and for eating well. On the way to Ludlow is the beautiful Croft castle, a national trust property, which is also close to Yarpole, an attractive village with the Bell Inn, recommended for its food. Berrington Hall, another National Trust property outside Leominster is also worth a visit.
Ledbury is an interesting town to the east of Hereford, with some black and white architecture and a beautiful church. It is home to Eastnor castle which hosts a range of events and activities. Ledbury provides the venue for an annual poetry festival, bringing together local and national talent.
Brecon, 23 miles to the west, has an annual jazz festival in early August, attracting large numbers of jazz aficionados.