Top 11 springtime experiences
From blossom chasing and black & white villages
With spring around the corner, it's time to start planning fun days out!
1. Chase the apple blossom
Herefordshire’s apple trees bloom for six weeks from late March, creating clouds of pink blossom in the many orchards. Drive, walk or cycle around, stopping off at cider mills or eating in a picnic in the spring sunshine.
2. Try trekking with a friendly llama
Enjoy a gentle two-and-a-half-hour stroll from a farm in Ewyas Harold in the foothills of the Herefordshire Black Mountains, with a friendly llama to keep you company. You can even groom your companion, too; £50 adults, £30 children.
3. Admire steam engines and vintage cars
Eastnor Castle is the venue for a Steam & Vintage event, May 28-29, featuring steam engines and vintage cars, not to mention a maze, obstacle course, adventure playground, rope swings and walks; adults £14, children £8, family ticket (up to 3 children) £40.
4. Make some feathered friends
Watch awesome birds of prey flying and hold a long-eared owl, peregrine, merlin and, if you’re lucky, Andreas the magnificent African hawk eagle, with Luke Mammatt of Wye Valley Falconry. One-hour experience from £60 for one person.
5. Tour the Black-and-White Villages
For the prettiest spring day out or weekend getaway, take a look at the Black & White Villages Trail. Try the route for cyclists, a magical family itinerary, circular walks and public transport options, as well as the driving route.
6. Be a blacksmith for the day
Do something different – watch demonstrations by skilled blacksmiths, then make your own toasting fork for a spring barbecue! Oldfield Forge Experience Days, Garway Hill, include options for children and teenagers, from around £78.
7. Sip some local wines
Take a 40-minute guided tour of family-run Coddington Vineyard near Ledbury, conducted by viticulturist Ryan Wyness, then savour 15ml tastings of three delicious wines, £36 per couple. The tours run at midday on Saturdays from April.
8. Treat your dog to a special day out
Pad along to Queenswoof, a weekend which brings together dogs, their owners and eco-suppliers in the beautiful surroundings of Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum. Enjoy talks and displays, browse the stalls and visit the vet. From 31 March to 2 April, 10am - 4pm each day. Free entry.
9. Breathe in the bluebells
Drifts of beautiful bluebells arrive mid-April to late May, earlier if spring is mild. Discover great places to see them with our insider's guide to the best bluebell walks.
10. Wander around gorgeous gardens
Hergest Croft Gardens, Kington, opens weekends from March 4 and daily from 1 April (adults £7, under 16s free). It is home to thousands of rare plants and trees, and has a magnificent Azalea Garden. There’s also their much-loved Spring Fair on May 1. Meanwhile, another favourite, Stockton Bury Gardens, opens on April 1 and is the perfect place to soak up spring colour, visit Wed-Sun 11am-4.30pm, adults £9, under 16s £5, under 5s free.
11. Go for a Paddle
Pick a spring paddling trip from April on a quiet stretch of the River Wye. One of the most popular routes runs 8.5 miles, Lucksall to Hereford, Hereford to Lucksall, and take around three hours; half-day trip £60 per canoe with Hereford Canoe Hire.
