Wintry Weekend Ideas
Explore 5 corners of the county this winter
Embrace the season with a winter break in Herefordshire. Try hot/cold therapy in stunning surroundings, walk through ancient woodland, explore the countryside on horseback, or try an off-road driving challenge. Whatever your itinerary, delicious food and locally-brewed ciders and ales are a must.
Here, we've rounded up five weekend break ideas for everyone, from family-focused and dog-friendly adventures to solo trips and couples' getaways.
Winter walks and pub grub by the water
Down beyond Ross-on-Wye, Symonds Yat is synonymous with riverside and woodland adventures. Delve into a landscape shrouded in myth in King Arthur’s Cave Nature Reserve, walking amongst ancient trees and past mysterious caves, along a winding path to the evocative Seven Sisters stones overlooking the Wye. There are several waymarked routes around Symonds Yat Rock Hillfort which lead you through the most scenic corners of the Wye Valley. The Hillfort is one of the best spots to see peregrine falcons and other birds of prey, so bring your binoculars.
Still hungry for historic views? Just 4 miles north of Symonds Yat, find English Heritage’s Goodrich Castle, a breathtaking medieval ruin.
Somewhere to stay:
- Wrapped in 16th Century charm, The Old Court Hotel in Symonds Yat offers characterful accommodation, including family rooms, for a proper traditional English Inn experience.
- Settle right by the river for a couple of nights at The Royal Lodge, waking up to heavenly valley views from your room.
Somewhere to eat:
- The Saracen’s Head on the east bank of the Wye makes a great lunchtime stop .
- On the west bank, Ye Old Ferrie Inn is a 15th century pub where you can tuck into a warming meal with stunning views across the Wye.
Misty morning rides and medieval strolls
Saddle up! We’re off for a ride… There’s absolutely nothing like charging over the fields on horseback, feeling the cool, wintry air on your face and watching your surroundings zip by. Set up camp near Bromyard and take your pick from two lovely, family-run riding schools: Tipton Hall and Noakes Farm. Both offer fabulous hacking to visitors, with gorgeous views out to the Malvern Hills, so call ahead to book your space and explore the county on four legs. Or, if you aren’t quite ready for a gallop yet, book a private lesson with one of the centres' qualified teachers to learn the ropes.
While you're in the area, make a visit to the National Trust's Brockhampton Hall, where you can explore a medieval, timber-framed manor before taking a stroll around the estate.
Somewhere to stay:
- Tedstone Log Cabins, next door to Tipton Hall, offer rustic luxury which is perfect for post-ride relaxation. Take off your boots and enjoy a soak in the wood-fired hot tub.
- For woodland whimsy, check into one of the treehouses or cabins at Brook House Woods. Try your hand at woodworking, hire a yoga teacher, and book in-room massages and beauty treatments.
Somewhere to eat:
- Tuck into wood-fired pizza or something from the grill over at The Three Horseshoes. Or visit during the day for coffee and some of Grandma's homemade cake!
- Drive a short way to the superb new Native, a superb restaurant for those looking for something more elevated.
Hot/cold therapy & mythical adventures in the Golden Valley
Rest and adventure await in the untamed beauty of the Golden Valley. Immerse yourself in the trend for hot/cold therapy by taking a short, bracing dip in the Dragon’s Gate’s own spring-fed lake, followed by a visit to their sauna.
For awe-inspiring views head up to Garway Hill through untouched grassland and look out over the Malverns, the Black Mountains, and the Bristol Channel. You may even spot some wild ponies grazing among the bracken! Alternatively, an energetic walk along the Cat’s Back in the Black Mountains will reward you with views worthy of the ancient legends woven into this corner of Herefordshire. To get closer still to these legends, visit Arthur’s Stone, a neolithic burial chamber near Hay-on-Wye, said to have inspired C.S. Lewis when he wrote The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Where to stay:
Stay in a luxury cabin with bathroom and kitchenette at the Dragon’s Gate , where you can treat yourself to daily wild dips and saunas.
Drovers Rest offers holiday cottages and glamping among roaming chickens and ducks on their organic farm near Hay-on-Wye.
Where to eat:
Feast on food cooked on the fire at Under the Nut Tree, near Garway Hill.
Digital detox in and around Ledbury
If you’re tired from looking at screens all week, an interactive activity that makes use of our senses and minds is a must – whether that’s something thrilling or plain-and-simple relaxing. Out near Ledbury, Eastnor Castle estate genuinely has the lot. Book onto the Land Rover Experience and put your off-road driving skills to the test along 66 miles of slippery inclines, articulation tracks, ruts, open ground and deep water.
For something a little more calming but just as hands-on, book a session behind the other kind of wheel at Eastnor Pottery and make a unique memento to take back home. And, of course, in Herefordshire, cider tasting is never too far away, with Westons Cider Mill nearby as well.
Somewhere to stay:
- Check into a pretty timber-framed room at Ledbury's Seven Stars, and enjoy mouthwatering food made from locally-farmed ingredients in the restaurant.
- For somewhere traditional with a twist of glamour, book a couple of nights in The Feathers, a 16th century coaching inn and a much-loved Ledbury establishment.
Somewhere to eat:
- Pop into The Woodshed, in the heart of the 300-acre Eastnor Deer Park to fuel up on cake and a coffee.
- The Scrumpy House at Westons offers a traditional pub menu for lunch and supper. Make an afternoon of it with a tour of the historic cider mill too.
Bring the dog along too
Grab the lead and a pocketful of treats for a dog-friendly stay in the northern edge of the county. Croft Castle’s sprawling parkland encompasses acres of woodland carpeted with golden leaves, with marked walking routes including an amble in the picturesque Fishpool Valley, and a climb up to Croft Ambrey Hillfort.
Or, take in Georgian splendour at nearby Berrington Hall with stunning Capability Brown designed landscapes, including a lake. Be sure to allow time for a slice of cake in the tearoom.
Somewhere to eat:
- Tucked into the Lugg Valley, the Riverside at Aymestrey is a traditional black-and-white pub offering a locally sourced and sustainable menu.
- The Cider Barn at Pembridge, hidden within Dunkertons Cider Mill, celebrates Herefordshire’s own produce in their seasonal menus.
Somewhere to stay:
- Near Monkland, Wall End Farm offers comfortable accommodation in unique converted properties.
- Arrow Bank Country Holiday Park near Eardisland offers dog-friendly lodges.
- Pearl Lake in Shobdon also has a welcoming selection of self catering cottages - and there’s a nine hole golf course on site.
