Discover
Herefordshire is beautifully tucked away for those wanting some scenic escapism, but also filled with a treasure of things to do, places to visit and experiences to have. We are spoilt with a rich history, an active community and an abundance of brilliant artisan makers; from food, to drink to art. Herefordshire has an a host of historical properties, gardens and locations to explore with or without children, both National Trust properties (Croft castle, Berrington Hall and The Weir Garden) and privately owned Hampton Court, Bosbury Gardens and Hergest Croft. We have gathered a list of a few of our favourite things to do and see to begin your planning. Once you have booked we will send a comprehensive guide to the area what events might be happening during your stay.
To Do
We have highlighted below 6 of our favourite activities and some of the most popular experiences but almost anything you wish to do can be arranged privately. We have previously arranged The Great British Florist to come for popular wreath and crown making, pottery classes with Manic Ceramics, an in house Casino with E S Promotions, art classes, African drumming and many more.
More detailed information is provided in our brochure and sent out once you are booked in.
Golfing at Englands Highest Course
Tee off at Kington Golf Course at a whopping 1,100ft and enjoy stunning views over 7 counties. Available for guests also and with buggies available its only a quick 10 min drive away. Just avoid the roaming sheep if you can and walkers from the Offa's Dyke path. Alternatively Herefordshire golf course is also nearby at Weobley, and Leominster Golf also has a handy driving range and bowling alley.
Wye Valley Canoes and Bikes
Hire some canoes (or kayaks) or also some - enjoy a fun activity and the stunning black mountains scenery as you go. Endless picnic spots en-route or once collected and taken back to The River Cafe enjoy a delicious meal or coffee looking over the waters. Then wander to the rivers edge to skim some stones or paddle those toes to recover. Perfection.
Oakerwood Leisure Trip
A woodland adventure land for all. Quad Bike Trekking, Paintballing, Teambuilding Challenges, Clay Pigeon Shooting, High Ropes, Zip Wire, Rope Climbing, Rafting, Low Ropes and High Rope Tree Trekking. Only 15 minutes away, this is a wonderful day, or half day's entertainment for Team Building, groups or birthday parties and celebrations. Oaker Wood Leisure can also bring team building activities direct to The Barns
Family Photo Session
Kay from Kay Dawn Photography makes gorgeous lifestyle images with a delicate, emotive and relaxed approach to family lifestyle sessions without the fuss. Kay will come to the farm here and find the perfect spot for a couples session, the whole family, or a cool group shot. Contact Kay directly at www.kaydawn.com and find her on Instagram to see her artful portfolio. We love Kay here!
Holmer Park Health Spa
In Conjunction with The Barns, Holmer Park Health Spa located on the outskirts of Hereford can offer day passes at great rates for access into the lovely Georgian spa for relaxation and recovery - and a delicious meal to boot! It has great facilities for training, pampering or swimming. Alternatively more local and based in Kington is Cloud 9 at The Burton Hotel, with a very child-friendly pool and a small gym space, its handily close.
Penhros Distillery, British Cassis & Tyrrells Crisps
One of Herefordshire most famous exports is Tyrrells crisps located just down the road and worth a visit and a quick crisps tasting. Alternatively in the parish of Lyonshall is Penhros Distillery with is delicious award winning flavoured gins and spirts, or the beautiful British Cassis farm - both of which do farm tours and tasting sessions. Ask us for more info.
To Eat
It was particularly difficult to highlight just a few eateries locally as we are so spoilt, so please request the brochure for more details using the button below. We have highlighted mainly pubs, restaurants and cafes that are able to seat bigger groups (with a bit of notice) but of course there are many more and wonderfully unique cafes for smaller break-away groups. (image: Sensory and Rye)
Do email us for more information as it does often change as businesses evolve.
The Kilpeck Inn, Hereford
With a regularly changing menu of contemporary British dishes which champion local and seasonal produce, The Kilpeck Inn is a comfortable and relaxed country inn. Praised for its commitment to locally sourced meats as well as its old fashioned puddings. The Kilpeck Inn is one of the Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Local Restaurants, recommended by the Michelin Guide.
The Harp at New Radnor
Beautifully positioned teetering on the hill tops above Kington, The Harp is cosy in the winter and a bit of sun-trap on a hazy summers day. A must visit in our opinion - delicious home cooked food perfect for a weekend lunchtime treat.
The Cattle Shed, Penhros Court
This gorgeous spot is actually located in Lyonshall parish, en route to Kington. It's a wonderful new little cafe/bistro in an old cattle shed, with lovely outdoor areas, great service and delicious food options, the cattle shed can also be privately rented and ideally located 2 minutes away.
The Cider Barn, Pembridge
Located a 10 minute country drive away in the quaint village of Pembridge, The Cider Barn is a stunning building to enjoy a sunday afternoon or evening delicious meal. Without doubt our restaurant of choice - you can book the whole place or a table or two in this stunning old barn and be spoilt by chef Sophie and her team at the old Dunkertons Cider Mill. Certainly a Herefordshire celebration.
Jules in Weobley
Located nearby in the village of Weobley, Jules restaurant is a small and intimate venue run by husband and wife team. Lovely relaxed atmosphere with sweet little private 'booths' available or larger tables in front of the fire. It's reasonably priced and has great reviews, perhaps has a little French vibe and uses seasonal and local ingredients.
Independent Bistros
This is a potentially very long list to get through but to briefly name a few firm favourites; we adore La Madeleines, Sensory & Rye and A Rule of Tum in Hereford as well as De Koffee Pot - you cannot go wrong here and all are trendy eatery's - please see individual websites/social media to book. We also love Booths Books cafe and the Granary in Hay on Wye, and not to miss the fantiastic River Cafe Glasbury and Foyles within a stones throw. All worth a trip for the cakes alone!
To See
It’s no secret that Herefordshire has an abundance of beautiful places set amongst stunning backdrops – the problem will be deciding where to go first. If you can drag yourself away from The Barns, every member of the family will be catered for with something local, fun and unique to our corner of the world. Alternatively plan your route here or home via one of the market towns for a nip into any number of delicious cafes.
Hereford
With a very Independent feel to the centre, Hereford has quite an interesting lot to offer. Fairly undiscovered and full of artists, makers and businesses (think Tyrrells, Chase and Superdry clothing), it has a nice bone structure making it a pleasant place to explore. Plenty of restaurants and independent cafe's, especially Castle Street leading to the Cathedral and the recently launched New Green Dragon along with the redevelopment of the Old Market site giving plenty of known brands. Every road leading out from town with give you jaw dropping views across Shropshire Hills, or Welsh Mountains or simply the best view of its traditional Hereford Beef Cattle or cider orchards. Enjoy!
Hay on Wye
Built on the banks of the Wye, very close to the Brecon Beacons and known as 'the Notting Hill of Wales', Hay offers multiple opportunities for outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking. Due to its fame as ‘the town of books’, Hay-on-Wye plays host each year to the Hay Festival of Literature & Culture, a ten-day event starting in late May which has become renowned worldwide. Worth a days amble around town with various delicious snack stops - we recommend a trip to 'the old electric shop' of curios, although you'll already have filled the car with antiques and books from the many other options in town.
Ludlow
Recently described as 'the loveliest town in England' Ludlow was originally famed for its wool and cloth trade and its town centre market remains its beating heart - and well worth a visit too. Famed now as a gastronomic hotspot (see its September Food Festival) it's a must visit location for all! Also known for its medieval castle on the river, its quaint and Norman streets house beautiful properties and well established cafes/restaurants/deli's with barely a chain in sight. It has a wonderful collection of boutique and specialist shops (see the cheese stop and The Period House for interiors) and despite a bus not actually fitting through the town centre, it's remarkably child-friendly - although be prepared for some steep lanes.
Leominster
Leominster is know as the Antiques destination of Herefordshire; with a feast of independent antique shops and small locally run boutiques you are spoilt for choice. Grange Court is one of the most famous historical properties you could visit and well worth a trip. With a lovely choice of eatery's such as Drapers Lane Deli or just out of town's Newton Court Cider. The Leominster Friday market is worth a trip for the fish alone and the monthly saturday farmers market.
National Trust Properties
For a whole day trip out, we are blessed to be close to a number of National Trust Properties and also some privately owned open houses and gardens. To list a few, Berrington Hall, Croft Castle and the Weir Garden are fantastic. The privately owned Hampton Court Castle is very child friendly and not far from Queenswood walking trails. Bosbury House and Hergest Croft are both lovely and quaint little places to enjoy.
Black & White Village Trail
This is a unique 40 mile circular trail around rural Herefordshire taking in the incredible medieval timbered buildings in various villages including Lyonshall, Pembridge, Weobley and Kington. Perfectly unique to North Herefordshire, you can take in galleries, cafe's and landscapes along the route and live a little in our historic and farming county. Pembridge is a perfect spot for a wander and a stop for a coffee in Bloom & Grind at the end of your tour.
Walks from the door
We have various walks that are available from the front doors of the barns, most require no walking on main roads and have lovely view points, animals to stroke and sun soaked spots to stop for a picnic. We have 3 different private routes from the door each one with a different feel - one is pushchair friendly, one is short but sweet and one has breathtaking views at the top. Once booked we send detailed maps to you but click below to see a video sneak peek of what to expect.
Discover