3 Day Wild Family Itinerary
Run free with the under-10s! Roam woods and meet wild ponies, run around caves and castles, canoe the Wye, learn bushcraft and trek with friendly llamas.
If you are looking for somewhere the kids can run wild, then Herefordshire is just the ticket. There’s no shortage of room to roam, whether on foot, bike or canoe. The under-tens can feel free in our untamed spaces, connect with nature and learn something new - no Zoom lessons required! With the children happy but ready for bed, parents can relax over local food and drink before enjoying a blissful night’s sleep.
Day 1
Who could resist messing about on the River Wye? Spend the morning on a family canoe adventure, get all the gear and a safety briefing at Symond's Yat before being whisked away to Kerne Bridge to start paddling downstream. Spot swans and herons, even kingfishers and otters, as you journey through the spectacular Wye Valley. Munch your picnic lunch on the riverbank and skim a few stones before returning to base.
In the afternoon, walk to King Arthur’s Cave. The legend is rocket fuel for the imagination and woolly mammoth bones have also been unearthed here. Then, head to Goodrich Castle. Climb the ruins of the castle towers, brave the dungeon and find Roaring Meg, the huge cannon.
Before bed calls, try a spot of stargazing in our dark skies.
Day 2
Saddle up, it’s time to hit Haugh Woods - home to over 600 species of butterfly and moth. Whizz your bikes around the forest tracks and see how much of the 850 hectares you can explore.
Then chill out at National Trust Croft Castle, relax with a cup of tea while the little ones climb the turrets of the mini-castle. Older children will go wild for the natural play area: fly high on rope swings, build dens, play hide and seek, and hop across logs.
In the afternoon, laugh together as you learn something new. Bond over a bushcraft experience with Really Rural, leaving with survival skills, from shelter-building to fire-lighting. Or fly owls with Wye Valley Falconry, a must for Harry Potter fans!
Finish the day with a stroll around historic Ledbury and a race up cobbled Church Street. The grown ups can pick up some local ciders, wines and speciality cheeses - the Hereford Hop is a favourite.
Day 3
Finish your weekend on a high! Park at Garway Common and hike a mile to the summit of Garway Hill. It feels like you are on top of the world, with amazing 360-degree views. The biggest treat of all is seeing the wild white mountain ponies who live here. They are totally at one with the rugged landscape, along with the hill’s diverse birdlife. The area is also great for geocaching, whilst a family selfie by the trig point is virtually compulsory. Next, it is time for a trek with a difference. You’ll be walking with the Golden Valley Llamas, through the fields and into the village. These cuddly creatures love meeting children and it’s a very gentle and calming experience.
Next, drive to Arthur’s Stone, a neolithic chamber, which inspired the stone table in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. There’s definitely magic in the air here... bring your swords to re-enact the battle scene! Conclude your trip with a superlative burger at the Burger Shop or The Beefy Boys in Hereford. Locals flock to both joints - be sure to book so you can find out why!
