Summertime events

The Indie Food Festival in Hereford, 26 to 28 August is a must for all flavour seekers. Taste exciting street food, meet fabulous local producers and see the unique work of makers. Live music and DJ sets continue throughout the day into the evening. Day tickets £3, day & evening £10. 

Dive into Herefordshire's hop heritage on a Wild Hop Walk on 12 August (£10 per ticket) near Ross-on-Wye. You'll find wild hops in the hedgerow, followed by a hop rubbing session to examine the scents and learn how different varieties are used to create various styles of beer. The nearby Red Lion pub is a handy spot to test out your new knowledge! 

Sunday afternoons are the perfect time to relax in the Wine Garden at Wythall Estate over a glass or bottle of their award-winning English wine. Set by the lake, with the gorgeous manor house as a backdrop, you can unwind over a seasonal platter of local charcuterie or cheese - all chosen to pair with the wines. Available on 6, 13 & 20 August and 3 September.

For a real treat, book the two-day foodie getaway at Crumplebury. On the first evening, you will dine in the buzzy Drinking Trough bar & grill, sampling local steaks, fabulous fish dishes and stunning cocktails. The second night is the Chef’sTable experience, offering five, delicious, seasonal courses each introduced by Executive Chef Kevin Barron.

Take a tour of artisan markets, including the Ross-on-Wye Vegan Market on 29 July (10am to 4pm) which will bring together  everyone from vegan street food vendors to craft brewers. Or mooch around forty independent traders at Hay Market every Thursday and the first Saturday of the month. Near Ledbury, discover local producers at Hellens Produce Market, also held on the first Saturday of the month or at Little Verzons Farm Artisan Market which is 11 August and 8 September.

On the 15 August, meet with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Reserve Officer at dusk  at The Sturts North HR3 6NY (15 minutes drive from Kington) to look for signs of Barn Owls and maybe spot one. Discover how to identify the favoured habitats for hunting and roosting, learn about bat activity, set moth traps and see what you can find and identify. Advance booking essential, see Herefordshire Wildlife Trust for details, tickets £7.50.

Drovers Rest near Hay on Wye is open for guided tours of their organic farm, it's a chance to meet and interact with animals as well as see what they are working on such as the restoration of a wildflower meadow. There's trees to climb, dens to make and you can even book a campfire experience. 

Everyone loves a trip to the Small Breeds Farm where you can meet and feed an amazing variety of miniature, friendly animals and check out their superb collection of owls. 

Other options include booking a private flying and handling session with Wye Valley Falconry AND walking with llamas in the Golden Valley.

Roam with raptors and embrace your inner palaeontologist on the interactive Hereford Dino Trail, running 26 July to 3 August. Uncover prehistoric facts before collecting a prize. and don't miss the Dino Day extravaganza on 26 August which promises dinosaur stage performances, live music, roaming dinosaurs and a prehistoric mural workshop.

Meanwhile, the National Trust has various trails on offer. At Berrington little ones can find their favourite storybook scenes and create a fairytale of their own or follow the den-making trail and have a go at making your own natural hideaway. At Croft Castle young visitors are invited to seek out the mysterious golden apple hidden in the grounds. At Brockhampton the focus is on medieval merriment, from games to working the land and there's also the chance to enjoy a spot of pond dipping. Join a ranger, grab a net and discover the array of wildlife living beneath the surface. Available throughout July and August.

Over at Goodrich Castle, families can follow the historical quest around the grounds to become the ultimate adventurer, whilst older children can test the grey matter with an Escape Room experience at Hereford Cathedral or at Oaker Wood. 

All ages can get down to bhangra beats at dance workshops from  6 to 10 August at Eastnor Castle or get messy in the mud kitchen on the wild play weekend 20 to 24 August, plus there's an array of fun things to do on every visit from an obstacle course to a treetop walk. Meanwhile at Hampton Court Castle, entertainment comes courtesy of a nature trail and maze plus a fabulous new castle play area complete with turrets, tunnels, scramble nets and a slide. 

Mud lovers will also like getting creative with clay at Eastnor Pottery's pirates and mermaids themed sessions on 1, 15 & 29 August. 

Escape into the RHS award-winning gardens at Hereford Cathedral, where an experienced gardener will show you around. From plants reflecting ecclesiastical themes and beautiful views of the River Wye and the medieval bridge, to seasonal colour courtesy of hydrangeas, dahlias, roses and a wild flower bed. Available throughout August and September, on Wednesdays at 2.30pm and Saturdays at 11.30am. 

Join a member of the garden team on 28 July and 25 August at the gorgeous National Trust Weir Garden, near Hereford for a tour around the riverside and walled gardens. You will learn all about the history of the 1920s garden some tales of working alongside a riverbank, as well as gardening tips and tricks.

Don't miss a trip to Stockton Bury Gardens which is acclaimed for its unusual plants and inspiring design. Seek out the dovecote, secret garden and delightful water garden. Likewise Rhodd's Farm Garden combines formal and informal gardens, from wildflower meadows to a small arboretum, and was described by Country Life Magazine as  'a timeless, romantic garden'.