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THE DOOMSDAY BOOK
Facebook is
suing a company called Teachbook , which operates
a social networking site for teachers, apparently because it has "book"
in its name and "competes" with Facebook. Teachbook is described as "a
professional community for teachers". Sounds like a threat to
Facebook's existence doesn't it?
Well we know of a book that predates Facebook and tells us all about Herefordshire .
Yes "The Doomsdaybook! The Domesday Book was commissioned in December
1085 by William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066. The first
draft was completed in August 1086 and contained records for 13,418
settlements in the English counties south of the rivers Ribble and Tees
(the border with Scotland at the time). Read about Herefordshire in
The Doomsday Book
Welcome to Mercia. Press Control+B to Bookmark this
site
for later reference.
The Comprehensive
Website for the Ancient English
Kingdom
of Mercia
Mercia, sometimes spelled Mierce , was one of the
kingdoms
of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy, in what is now the Midlands region of
England,
with its heart in the Trent valley and its tributary streams. This site
shows places
of Interest & Events in Herefordshire.
We try and include as many click
throughs as
possible. We do not charge for our services but would be obliged if the
owners
of the attraction sites would reciprocate by including our banner above
and
aim it at www.merciatouristboard.org.uk
I'm Sammy, Your Webmistress.
THE
MERCIA TOURIST BOARD Our
Group has
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UK Children now on
par with 3rd world starving.
A damning indictment of the
UK's dismissal of their obligations to its own children as
well as its vulnerable disabled. Whilst children in the UK are
plunged into poverty and near starvation, the
UK government pretends to be 'saving the 3rd world' from
starvation and injustice. The ultimate and
cruel hypocrisy of today's Britain as one of the
world's richest economies, we join the USA in hiding the
truth of what really is happening. We too have soup kitchens, and
church charities providing food for hungry families, 200 of them within
60 miles of where I live.. Save the
world's children dismiss your own. The UK gave
£80m to Africa recently, that was to buy influence away from
China. Madness, and completely immoral.
In the 30’s and 40’s, we fought for
children’s right to adequate nutrition in the UK. Our campaigning was a
success: the Education Act of 1944 made it compulsory that all schools
in the UK provide milk to children under the age of 18. We continue
fight for children in the UK today by supporting some of the most
vulnerable children and families. Right now, 1.6 million children live
in severe poverty in the UK. Our programmes make sure children living
in poverty get off to the best possible start in education, and we’re
making sure they get the essentials they need - a hot meal, blankets, a
warm bed.
The Angles
& Saxons
came here for a visit 1515 years ago and liked it so much
they have stayed.
(All Our
Sites are based on
England's Anglo-Saxon Heritage)
According
to sources such as the History of Bede, after the invasion of
Britannia, the Angles split up and founded the kingdoms of the Nord
Angelnen (Northumbria), Ost Angelnen (East Anglia), and the Mittlere
Angelnen (Mercia). Confirmation is afforded by English and Danish
traditions relating to two kings named Wermund and Offa of Angel, from
whom the Mercian royal family claimed descent and whose exploits are
connected with Angeln, Schleswig, and Rendsburg. Danish tradition has
preserved record of two governors of Schleswig, father and son, in
their service, Frowinus (Freawine) and Wigo (Wig), from whom the royal
family of Wessex claimed descent. During the 5th century, the Anglii
invaded Great Britain, after which time their name does not recur on
the continent except in the title of Suevi Angili.
ANGLO-SAXON HEREFORDSHIRE
A
map showing
the probable
extent of initial
Anglo-Saxon settlement in the county. Showing that in the south the
border
between Celts and Saxons was formed by the river Wye.
After the
departure
of the Romans there seems to have been a downturn in trade and industry
throughout Herefordshire
and
the rest of Britain. After 325 AD no coins were minted in Britain
and money was imported from the Continent, after the Romans left the
importation of coins stopped and was not replaced by any British
source, even though before
the Romans had arrived many of the Celtic tribes had regularly produced
their
own coinage. As a result of the collapse of the monetary system
trade and industry would have suffered, without the coins to pay for
items trade had to return to its old ways of bartering for goods with
other items. This would have led to a decline in trade not only at a
local level as without coinage the people of Britain could no longer
trade with their neighbours on the Continent. As a result many
industrial sites would have become disused and many of the urban
centres which relied so heavily on trade for their existence
would have been abandoned. The people of post-Roman Britain would have
most
likely returned to their self-sufficient farming techniques of
pre-Roman
Britain. This would have caused a migration of people from urban
centres
back into the rural areas.
It is also thought that climatic change may have had an
effect on
Britain in the early 6th century in which the global temperature
dropped sharply.
This theory is supported by evidence for dendro-climatology. The ring
growth
for the 530's and 540's shows a period of extremely cold weather (and
hence
poor growth) starting in 536. This would have caused crop failure and
even
starvtion. This may have meant a drop in population in Herefordshire in
the
5th and 6th centuries and would have increased the practice of
subsistnece
farming as you would have struggled to feed yourself let alone have
enough
left over for trading. It is likely that the first Anglo-Saxons in
Herefordshire
found a somewhat less densely populated county than the Romans over 500
years before them. The smaller population, and the results of the
warfare, diseases
and economic collapse may have meant that the Anglo-Saxon job of
invasion
was made much easier.
The migration of Germanic tribes to Britain began in the 5th
century
(the date given for this is usually 449 AD) and the Anglo-Saxon
settlement
of Herefordshire represents the furthest push west of the invasion. It
is
hard to be certain of exact dates for Anglo-Saxon settlement as it
would appear
that the written word was not used by the Anglo-Saxons until the return
of
Christianity to Britain in 597AD.
It is likely that the Anglo-Saxon settlers of
Herefordshire
found some sort of heirarchical structure still in existence from when
Britain
was under Roman rule. At the top of the social scale would have been
the
British Princes and to support their leadership a warrior class and
underpinning
the higher classes a worker or servant population who would have most
likely
had to supply food and other goods as a type of tax. When the
Anglo-Saxons arrived it was likely that the lower orders of society
retained their social position as workers and providers as they posed
no threat to the new administration.
The warriors and leaders would have only retained their status in areas
where
the invasion was peaceful. If the Britons had opposed Anglo-Saxon
arrival
then they would have no doubt been stripped of their leader privileges
to
avoid any further attempts at undermining Saxon society. In
Herefordshire
the arrival of the earliest Anglo-Saxons did not, at first, lead to the
wholesale
colonisation of the county and two British districts, Archenfield and
Ewias
in the south-west remained primarily British in people, nature and law
for
a further 400 years. Archenfield had been incorporated in Herefordshire
by
1086 and is surveyed in the Domesdy Survey of 1086, although it is
listed
as still having its own customs. Ewias was incorporated after
Archenfield
later in the 11th century.
From humble origins in 1797, and
a membership of just 100, the Three Counties Agricultural Society was
established to promote agriculture, horticulture and food production in
the counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. This
non profit-making charity now enjoys the respect of breeders and
agriculturialists worldwide, boasting high profile sponsorship and
fixed assets of around 1.6 million. It works closely with education
providers to develop national curriculum-based projects for students
and teachers throughout the region. Its permanent Showground
home sits at the foot of the magnificent Malvern Hills in a designated
area of outstanding natural beauty. The 68 acre site extends to 300
acres of land including the 100 year old Langdale Wood. The
Showground is the venue for a whole host of prestigious events every
year ranging from gardening, livestock and equestrian shows to arena
concerts, fairs and rallies. In fact, it welcomes more than a million
visitors annually! It has well-maintained grounds, an internal
road network, 10,000 square metres of covered space, an Equestrian
Centre and parking for 20,000 vehicles.
Three Counties
Showground, Malvern,
Worcestershire WR13 6NW
UK Tel: 01684
584900 Fax: 01684 584910
Book Tickets: 01684 584924
The Tourist Information Centre is
located
in The Bromyard Centre, and provides information on accommodation,
events,
places to visit and places to eat.Open: All year.
Tourist
Information
Centre The Bromyard Centre, Cruxwell Street, Bromyard,
Herefordshire
HR7 4EB Tel: (01432) 260621 Fax: (01432) 383031
email: tourism@herefordshire.gov.uk
Hay-on-Wye
Local expertise
and
a range of booking services to help you find your way around the
borderlands.
Information and assistance; accommodation and attractions; places to
eat;
guides, maps, brochures; gifts and souvenirs; Open daily throughout the
year.Easter
to end of October 10.00 am to 1.00 pm 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm November to
Easter
11.00 am to 1.00 pm 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm Closed at Christmas for two
weeks.
Tourist
Information
Centre - Hay-on-Wye, Oxford Road, HAY-ON-WYE,
Herefordshire,
HR3 5DG
Tel: 01497 820144
Hereford
Located opposite Hereford Cathedral
and
next door to the famous Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, this recently
refurbished
centre now offers a large selection of unique local crafts and gifts.
It also
offers the opportunity of window space rental for promotional
activities.
Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sundays during the Summer months.
Tourist
Information
Centre,1 King Street, Hereford
HR4 9BW Tel: (01432) 268430 Fax: (01432) 342662
E-mail: tic-hereford@herefordshire.gov.uk
Kington
Kington Tourist Information Centre is
manned
by an enthusiastic group of volunteers belonging to the Kington Tourist
Group
who provide information on Kington and the surrounding countryside.
During
the winter months the Tourist Information Centre is unmanned, however
local
information can be obtained from the Kington Tourist Information Centre
web
site using the link at the bottom of the page. Open: April - End of
October
10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm.
Positioned opposite the Elizabeth
Barratt
Browning Institute and the 16th century Market House that stands in the
heart
of the picturesque market town. Ledbury Tourist Information Centre has
a
wide range of locally produced crafts for sale, which often feature in
their attractive window displays. Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5.00pm
during the
summer, with some Sunday opening, 10am-4pm during the winter.
Tourist
Information
Centre, 3 The Homend , Ledbury
HR8 1BN Tel: (01531) 636147 Fax: (01531) 634313
E-mail: tic-ledbury@herefordshire.gov.uk
Leominster
The centre is situated on the corner
of
Drapers Lane and Corn Square, where a weekly open-air market is held.
Leominster
similar to Ledbury offers a wide selection of locally produced arts and
crafts,
which regularly feature in their attractive window display. Open:
9.30am-5pm
during Summer and 9.30am-4pm during Winter.
Tourist
Information
Centre, 1 Corn Square, Leominster HR6 8LR Tel: (01568) 616460
Fax: (01568) 615546
E-mail: tic-leominster@herefordshire.gov.uk
Queenswood
This seasonal centre is sited in
Queenswood
County Park where native Oakwoods can be seen and arboretum with 600
different
varieties of trees. Queenswood is an ideal stopping off point between
Hereford
and Leominster and particularly appeals to school parties and groups as
well
as the individual traveller. During the winter the Tourist Information
Centre
reverts to a Tourist Information Point. Accommodation can be booked
locally
and information on the area can be obtained by using the Visit
Herefordshire
kiosk located in the centre. Open: April - End of December 11am-4pm,
Winter 11am until dusk.
Tourist Information Centre,
Queenswood Country
Park , Dinmore Hill, Nr. Leominster , Herefordshire HR6 8LR Tel:
(01568)
797842
email: queenswoodtic@herefordshire.gov.uk
Ross-on-Wye
This centre is housed in what was
formerly
the "Swan Hotel", now home to Herefordshire Council. It is a short walk
from
the tranquil River Wye and the Market Hall, which houses the
Ross-on-Wye Heritage
Centre. The Tourist Information Centre acts as an agent for National
Express
Coaches, where tickets and information on travel can be obtained. Open:
Monday
- Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm during the Summer, 10.00am - 4.30pm during
the
Winter. Sundays and Bank Holidays during Summer 10am - 4pm.
Tourist
Information
Centre, Swan House, Edde Cross Street , Ross-on-Wye , HR9 7BZ
Tel: (01989) 562768 Fax: (01989) 565057
E-mail: tic-ross@herefordshire.gov.uk
Great British Heritage Pass
- Visit Britain with the Great
British Heritage Pass - the best of
British sightseeing and historic Britain for UK visitors. Get free
entry to almost 600 British heritage tourist attractions around
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
HEREFORDSHIRE
Click
for Merciafm
Click
for
Wyvernfm
ATTRACTION
PICTURE
ADDRESS
TEL/
FAX
All
Saints
Rebuilt
in
1715, the church suffered badly during the Civil War however the
lower
tower dates back to medieval times. Interesting features include a
civic
sword rest and chained bible which still remain. There is also a
monument
to the City’s first Mayor, Richard Hurdman.
The Amazing Hedge Puzzle is
just right
for playing games with your friends and family, like hide and seek,
tag,
or even Kiss Chase! Will you rely on agility or stealth? The Museum of
Mazes
will surprise you - its hands on fun. Think you know how to solve
mazes?
Think again. A thousand years ago theywere solved by reading and
feometry.Fantastic
puzzles are available in our shop - and more. Will today be the day you
pick
up your first unicycle, or start to juggle? It's your chance to take
home
some puzzling fun and share it with your friends.Educational visits and
calendar
of special events.Open Easter school holiday until end of summer school
holiday
: daily 11.00 am to 5.00 pm (last entry)
September after the summer school holiday : daily 11.00 am to 5.00
pmOctober
to Easter : daily 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Small
specialist
nursery for rose
fanatics!.
Traditionally grown, tough, healthy roses - field-grown at our hilltop
nursery
with idyllic views of the Malvern Hills and Black Mountains. Species
roses
for natural gardens, Old Roses for fragrance, Shrub roses for difficult
places,
Ground-cover roses and Climbing roses. Informal display borders. Roses
for
sale in containers. Bare-root roses to order from November - March.
Apple
Store
Gallery opened on May 1st,
2005.
Located in the picturesque 'Arts & Crafts' village of Brockhampton
between
Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, it is not far from All Saints' Church, which
is
one of three thatched churches in the country attracting large numbers
of
visitors throughout the year. This gallery has a link with the church
and
features local artists and craft practitioners to help promote their
work
to local people and visitors. The Gallery with its website, is
promoting
the work of participating artists and forms part of a local arts trail
linking
with other artists' workshops and galleries.Artists working on-site,
portfolios and electronic portfolio, workshops, a framing service and
refreshments will,
we hope, add to the enjoyable and stimulating experience for visitors.
The Gallery features solo or small group exhibitions together with
paintings,
drawings, prints and other works by twenty local artists, many of whom
have
shown their work both locally and nationally and are well known for
their
support of h.Art and the creative arts in the area generally.
Apple Store
Gallery, c/o Lady Garden Cottage,
Brockhampton,
Herefordshire, HR1 4TQ
From Hereford:
follow
the B4224 to Fownhope. Turn right up Capler Lane following the brown
signs
for Brockhampton Church. The Gallery is signposted in the village. From
Ross-on-Wye:
follow B4224 through to How Caple and turn left just past the Falcon
Guest
House and follow the Gallery signs. The Gallery is located by the
southern
gate of Brockhampton Court Nursing Home.
Arthur's
Stone,
is a burial chamber of the 'multi-chamber' variety of the Neolithic
Period
and dates somewhere between approximately 3700 to 2700 BC. The
'Neolithic
Period' or 'New Stone Age' was the period of time during which people
had
begun to live in small communities and farm the land but had not yet
discovered
the use of metal. Tombs like this were used to bury the dead from such
communities
and many spanned the generations. With only simple stone tools
available, the raising of the roof on Arthur's Stone must have been a
considerable feat! The mound
which once covered
the tomb has now largely eroded away. The roof has partially collapsed
and
some of the stones were removed during the 19th Century, so it's not
only
inventing the 'Christmas Tree' that you can blame the Victorians for.The tomb is
named
Arthur's Stone because, according to folklore, it marks the spot of one
of
King Arthur's battles. This legend however dates from thousands of
years
after the stone tomb was erected.823 - There
was a
known battle in this area between the Saxon King Egbert and the Cornish
Britons
in 823AD. In Camelford a chantry chapel was established with the
stipend
for a priest, for masses to be said for the souls of the slain. (JIRC
1850:
39)1538 - This
site
was first recorded as being that of King Arthur’s last battle by John
Leland
“By this ryner Arture fawght his last field yn token wherof the people
fynd
there, in plowing bones and harneys. (Joe Parsons pers. comm.)
Dorstone,
Herefordshire HR3 6AX
Access:
Signposted from the B4348, 8km east of Hay-on-Wye.
Aubrey Almshouses
The
pretty timber-framed almshouses in Berrington Street were founded by a
Mrs
Mary Price, who bought property here with adjoining orchards in the
17th
Century. Mrs Price endowed £200 for the provision of six
dwellings
for ‘poor widows and single women of good character’ – another
stipulation
was that the women should be at least 60 years old. Mrs Price died in
1638
and the present almshouses acquired their name from the granddaughter
of
one of her executors, who married Harcourt Aubrey.
Ledbury has been
home for three
famous
poets, John MASEFIELD, William LANGLAND, and Elizabeth BARRETT-BROWING.
Elizabeth
was born in 1806 at Coxhoe Hall in Durham, and in 1809 her family moved
to
live at Hope End, just north of Ledbury. It was here where Elizabeth
started
writing her poetry, although she never returned after the family left
in
1832, saying that to do so 'would be like seeking to bring together a
plucked
flower and its broken stalk'. The Institute, a
memorial
to her, is housed in the library building and is also home to a
collection
of books associated with the Dymock poets and John Masefield, who was
Poet
Laureate in 1930. The Barrett Browning Institute was built on the site
of
the old tannery and was opened in 1896 by Sir Henry Rider Haggard.
Bye Street, Ledbury,
Herefordshire
HR8 2AA
Tel:01531 632133
Belmont Abbey
Belmont
Abbey,
the home of a community
of
Benedictine monks, is set in extensive gardens. The Abbey Church was
built
as the pro-Cathedral for Wales in 1859 to the design of E W Pugin.
Visitors
are welcome to join the monks in their daily round of prayer.
Refreshments
are available at Hedley Lodge, originally the monastic guesthouse.
Tearoom/restaurant
available.
Belmont Abbey,
Hereford, HR2
9RZTake
the A465, Hereford-Abergavenny road from Hereford. After the 'Tesco'
roundabout,
take the first right and the Abbey entrance is on the left. Open all
year
Abbey Church: free
Gardens: by permission/donation
email: enquiries@belmontabbey.org.uk
Beautifully
sited above a wide valley with sweeping views to the Brecon Beacons,
this
elegant Henry Holland house was built in the late 18th century and is
set
in parkland designed by 'Capability' Brown. The rather austere external
appearance
belies a surprisingly delicate interior, with beautifully decorated
ceilings
and a spectacular staircase hall. There are good collections of
furniture
and paintings, as well as a nursery, Victorian laundry and Georgian
dairy.
One room has a display of costumes from the collection of Charles Paget
Wade.
The attractive walled garden contains an historic collection of local
apple
trees.Not all of the costume collection is displayed, but can be viewed
by
appointment. Please write to the property or tel. Costume Curator
The Bishop’s
Meadow
is parkland in the centre of Hereford and is adjacent to the banks of
the
River Wye. The recreation facilities here include a number of hard
tennis
courts, a rounders pitch and a putting green. For the less energetic,
it’s
only a short stroll to the Victoria footbridge and the popular Castle
Green
area of the city. Spot the Mappa Mundi tree carving – the famous
medieval
map, which is on exhibition near Hereford Cathedral.
Hereford HR1
Bishop’s Palace
The Bishop’s
Palace
in Hereford stands overlooking the water on the banks of the River Wye.
The
much-altered palace is situated to the south of the cathedral, and
originally
of the 12th Century. Built by William de Vere, its Great Hall measures
95
feet by 55 feet. The palace was used by the bishops, powerful marcher
lords,
as their main residence. The building today conceals its timber
arcading,
which was constructed on an immense scale, though this can be seen
within
the hinged Georgian pilasters
Hereford HR4 9BL
Black Friars
Monastery
The Dominican
Friars
Monastery was founded around 1276 and was dissolved by Henry VIII. King
Edward
III was present when the church was consecrated as was his son, the
Black
Prince, and three Archbishops. The church stood on the South West side
of
the building. The refectory and the Priors House remain and are circa
1322.
Additions made in the 17th century by Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton
Court,
Hereford were converted into a residence. The ruins were restored
during
the early 1960s.
"Domesday
manor
house
with
surrounding 4 acres of old English gardens. A David Austin rose garden
with
37 varieties, herbaceous borders, yew
hedges,
courtyards and old walled kitchen garden. Fourteen acres of vineyards.
Wine-tasting.
David Austin roses and plants for sale. Café/gift shop open
daily.
Sunday roast lunch. Catering for conferences, weddings and parties.
Wine-tasting
guided tours by arrangement." Open
10.00am
to 4.30 pm-ish all
year
except Christmas/New Year
This 35.65 acre site in Wye
Valley
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is designated a local nature
reserve.
The species rich grassland and woodland is managed appropriately for
nature
conservation in association with the local commoners.
On the minor road between
Mordiford
and Woolhope (next to Haugh Wood).
Woolhope
Herefordshire
Brockhampton Estate
Brockhampton Estate in
Herefordshire
is protected by the National Trust, and is a collection of superbly
preserved
medieval farm buildings around a 14th Century moated manor house. There
is
also a crooked gatehouse and an enchanting ruin of a Norman chapel, and
the
surrounding grounds and woodlands provide miles of peaceful walks and
trails.
a delightful market town with a
Teddy
bear museum, Wildlife Gallery, Norman Church and a Heritage Centre
offer
an interesting insight of the of the past.At Bromyard,
you
can see rural England at its best. Traditional countryside events,
such
as BromyardBromyard
Folk Festival in September are held annually. Nearby is Brockhampton
Estate where you can enjoy walks through miles of park and
woodland,
home to a rich variety of wildlife and the chance to visit a medieval
moated
manor house.
Steam Gala in July and
Tourist Information
Centre The
Bromyard Centre, Cruxwell Street, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4EB
email: tourism@herefordshire.gov.uk
The Heritage Centre is a short
walk
from Bromyard town centre and is a museum which is dedicated to hops
and
hop picking. The displays tell the history of hop growing through the
seasons
and include life-size scenes from hop picking life along with many
early
tools and artefacts. There are workshops for children, which take place
during
the school holidays. The displays are on the ground floor and
accessible
to wheelchair users. Admission is free.
Rowberry Street,
Bromyard,
Herefordshire HR7 4DU
Tel: 01432 260692
Bromyard
Pottery
Pottery
workshops for all abilities and ages on Bromyard Downs, an area of
outstanding
natural beauty. You can book as an individual or as a group, also
special
occasions like hen and birthday parties or as a holiday a holiday
activity
The timber-framed Butcher Row
House,
which until 1830 had been part of a row of 15 burgage houses and shops,
was
once sited in the middle of Ledbury High Street. The earliest reference
to
it was as a shop in 1468. It is now home to the Folk Museum displaying
objects
of local history including a collection of musical instruments, from a
hurdy-gurdy
to a Tibetan pipe made from a thigh bone, and reproduction helmets and
breastplates
as worn in the Battle of Ledbury in 1645. Admission is free.
Burgage Hall, Church Lane,
Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1DW
A typical squire's house built
around
the surprising survival of a 14th Century Great Hall. The east front
was
re-designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1912. A display of
costumes, natural
history specimens and working model fairground. An archaelogical dig is
in
process as well. Pick your own soft fruit in season. Organised parties
by
arrangement only - minimum 12..
Eardisland,
Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9DN
Signposted 5 miles west
of
Leominster
on A44.
Capler
Camp, near Fownhope, is an iron-age hill fort
with
a viewpoint overlooking the river. Just one of many stunning views in
the
Herefordshire and surrounding areas. Please feel free to visit
the
website above for similar attractions.
Castle Cliffe,
built
largely by William Fitz Osbern, started life as the medieval water-gate
of
Hereford Castle. Its sandstone walls are five feet thick and would have
formed
a vital part of the castle’s fortifications. In the 13th Century,
visitors
to the castle who were arriving by boat would have used an archway to
enter
the grounds, and this is still visible on the exterior of Castle Cliffe
–
now a window. The water-gate has also served time as the city’s
Bridewell
(a prison) and the governor’s dwelling.
Quay Street,
Hereford H41 2NH
Castle
Pool
The
Castle Pool once formed part of the moat which surrounded Hereford
Castle.
William Fitz-Osborn built the 11th Century motte and bailey castle to
defend
the city from Welsh lords such as Owain Glyndwr. The castle has long
disappeared,
and only the original layout is now visible, with the north and east
ramparts
around 20 feet high, but the moat remains a scheduled ancient monument
of
significant importance. Today, what is left of the moat forms a duck
pond
and is one of Hereford’s most popular open spaces.
Cantilupe
Street, Hereford HRI 2NU
Church Lane,
Ledbury
The famous Church Lane in
Ledbury
has been the scene of many period films and television appearances. The
numerous
black and white buildings with their overhanging storeys line the
narrow
cobbled walkway, which leads up to St Michael and All Angels Church.
Almost
all the buildings here are 16th Century and include shops, an inn,
eateries
and a specialist chocolate shop. A 16th Century painted room, depicting
Tudor
knot gardens was uncovered in 1988 in what is now Ledbury Registry
Office.
Ledbury,
Herefordshire HR8
Churchill Gardens
Churchill
Gardens is a large park which has the most spectacular views over the
city
of Hereford as well as the Welsh borderlands. It is an unspoilt and
often
quiet area to visit, with benches dotted about the gardens making it
suitable
for picnicking. There is a fragrant garden containing plants known for
their
aromatic traits and the mini arboretum is a popular place for casual
strollers
as well as dog walkers. There’s a car park nearby at Venns Lane.
At the Cider
Museum
in Hereford you can learn all about the traditional way apples were
turned
into cider. In the reconstructed cider-house, see the cider-making
exhibits,
used on farms up to 300 years ago. Then take a look at the presses, Vat
House
and 19th Century bottling machinery. Visit the Champagne Cider cellars
where
a fermentation process was first used in 1905. And then watch the
distillation
process and sample some of the products.
Following the
Norman Conquest, certain
nobles
who had accompanied William of Normandy to England were granted lands
in
the Welsh borders. The area of these lands was not detailed – the
official
view was that ‘they could hold what might be won at the point of a
sword’.
The intention was to
form a line of defensive positions, both to hold the area for these
‘Marcher’
Lords, and to serve as bases for future conquest of the Welsh.
Castles
were built all along the borders, of which Clifford Castle was one, the
others
being at Wigmore, Ewyas Harold, Monmouth and Chepstow.Built
in
1070 on a cliff above the River Wye. It was last used in the 15th
century
and has fallen into ruinsClifford
lies
in
the bend of the River Wye between Hay-on-Wye and Bredwardine, and is
located
mainly on and around a headland looking over the river. .
Lying west of the
Malvern
Hills in Herefordshire (in the middle of England), Coddington vineyard
is
one of the smaller commercial vineyards in the UK: it is quite
literally
a back-garden vineyard. Until recently winemaking took place off-site,
but
in the last few years a small winery has been built, so owners Denis
and
Ann Savage now have total control over the wines. Four grape varieties
are
grown: Bacchus, Kerner, Ortega and Pinot Gris. The wines are of a
uniformly
high standard.
Coddington
Ledbury
Herefordshire
HR8 1JJ |
Tel: 01531
640668
Fax: 01531 640668
Court Farm &
Leisure
- Tillington
Court
Farm Mountain Boarding Centre is situated in beautiful countryside just
three
miles north of Hereford. It is the first official Maxtrak Centre in the
county
and provides an excellent venue for mountain boarders of any ability.
The
Centre is well equipped with every necessary facility including a large
car
park and refreshments. Plus our farm shop, offering top quality fresh
fruit,
vegetables and meat, plant centre, coffee shop, animal corner,
childrens'
play area and fishing with two well stocked carp pools all within
walking
distance of the mountain board slopes. Don't worry about the gear - all
the
latest mountain boards and safety kit are included.Both shop and
mountain
boarding are open April to October - fishing all year. Farm Shop
Opening
Times
Approx May to the end of October9.30 - 6.00 daily. Closing times vary
early
and late in season.
Tillington, Nr.
Hereford,
Herefordshire,
HR4 8LG
From
Hereford, follow signs for Leominster A49. At the 'Beefeater
Roundabout'
take first left, at next traffic lights go straight across. Next right
is
Tillington Road. Then, after the school, turn right by business park.
The
farm drive is 100 yds down on the right hand side. Email:
wainhouse@onetel.net.uk COURT FARM
CLICK
Croft Castle is an imposing
country
house containing fine Georgian interiors and furniture, and with family
connections
dating back to the Norman Conquest. There are restored walled gardens
and
a park with a magnificent avenue of ancient Spanish chestnuts and
panoramas
across the once turbulent border country. The Iron Age hill-fort at
nearby
Croft Ambrey commands views over 14 of the old counties.
12th
Century Cistercian Abbey used as a church. Wonderful architecture,
wall-paintings
and carvings. Open all year 9.00 am to dusk. Mobile wooden ramps for
wheelchair
access. Public telephone and bar meals nearby. Wide roadside verges
afford
easy parking. June Music Festival, August Welsh Male Choir and many
other
concerts. Open
all the time 9.00 am till dusk
Abbey Dore, HR2
0AD
Abbeydore is on B4347 between Pontrilas and Hay-0n-Wye. Turn off the
A465
at Wormbridge or Pontrilas at Brown Tourism signpost. From Hay, follow
B4348
and follow the Brown Tourism signpost at Vowchurch. DORE ABBEY CLICK
A cider
shop selling a range of bottles and
draft
ciders available in gallon demijohns or in your own containers.Dunkertons
have
made organic cider and perry to Soil Association stanndards since
1988.
They were the first in Herefordshire. Using a traditional press and
mill,
circa 1930, the cider is made to extremely high standards using time
honoured
methods.
Fairytale Georgian Castle
dramatically
situated in the Malvern Hills. Set in an area of outstanding natural
beauty
and surrounded by a deer park, arboretum and lake. Beautifully restored
interiors
contain medieval armour, tapestries and Italian fine art. Eastnor
Castle
is all about trees, particularly conifers. The Arboretum planted by
Lord
Somers from 1852 to 1883 is now mature, and full of champion specimens.
Many
are rare, including a tall American Beech, (Fagus gradifolia) and an
enormous
Red Hickory (Carya ovalis). New last year : Tree trail
(£1.00)Children's
funsheets, adventure playground, assault course, Knight's maze,
lakeside
and woodland walks and special events. The castle can also be hired for
exclusive
business and private events.
Regular
weekend potters wheel and clay workshops for individuals and groups.
Special
events include hen parties, corporate team building and other away
days.
School holiday and birthday party sessions available for children. Home
of
the Flying Potter - let us come to you.Fantastic clay workshops
designed for
aspiring potters of all ages and abilities. Learn to throw a pot on the
potters
wheel. Sample a whole range of amazing techniques. Discover hidden
talents.
The positive and inclusive nature of the tuition means everybody
achieves
amazing results. Perfect stress relieving activity, working with clay
engages
mind, body and soul. Participants are so absorbed there is little
capacity
to dwell on anything else. Expert tuition and small friendly groups
ensure
plenty of individual attention and guidance. Sessions designed for
complete
beginners, improvers and advanced pot makers. Weekend, weekday and
evenings
available all year round.
Home Farm,
Eastnor, Ledbury,
HR8 1RD
Eastnor Pottery is situated on the country estate of Eastnor Castle,
close
to the Malvern Hills. Eastnor is two miles east of Ledbury on the A438.
Once
in the village, follow the signs for the pottery. Home of the Flying
Potter
- let us come to you. Email:eastnor.pottery@ukonline.co.uk
This life-size
bronze
statue of Edward Elgar, complete with his beloved Sunbeam bicycle,
stands
in the north-east of Hereford Cathedral Close. The sculptor, Jemma
Pearson
undertook extensive research into the composer’s life, his work and his
interests
before beginning work on the statue. Edward Elgar lived in Hereford
from
1904 to 1911 and it was while he was here that he composed some of his
finest
work and achieved widespread recognition. The statue was unveiled in
September
2005.
Fairytaleland
is
an enthralling place for children all year round, with seasonal
changes,
including Easter Bunnies Egg hunt quiz, whilst Splendours of the Orient
is
a oriental centre specialising in exclusive conservatory, lacquered and
hand
carved furniture, beautiful oriental giftware feng shui accessories,
water
features and more.
Jubilee
Park,
Symonds Yat,
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6DA
Wine
Merchant
of the Year for Central EnglandThe Vineyard sits on 8 acres
of
tranquil Herefordshire countryside and was first planted in 1985 with
Huxelrebe,
Kerner, Madeleine Angevine and Seyal Blanc which in recent years have
produced
excellent medium, dry and sparkling white wines. Two reds, Rondo and
Regent,
were planted in 2004 and we are looking forward to their first harvest
in
2007. The Vineyard Café provides wine tasting and light meals
from
local produce. Open Wednesday to Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm.
Surrounded by Herefordshire's
hopyards
and cider orchards, we grow white and red grapes in four acres of
vineyard.
Taste our wines in the winery; tour the vineyard; visit our model
vineyard.
Groups by arrangement
Open from April to October from Wednesday to Sunday
at
11.30 am to 5.00 pm. Other times by arrangement
Paunton Court,
Bishops Frome,
Herefordshire,
WR6 5BJ
Brown tourism signs from A4103 (Frome Hill) and A465 (Bromyard). Off
B4214 email:jeannie@fromewine.co.uk
Tel:
01885 490768
Galanthus Gallery & Cafe
See
art, love art, buy art ... set in a beautifully converted barn,
Galanthus
Gallery shows the very best in contemporary art including painting,
sculpture,
ceramics, glass and jewellery, in exhibitions that change monthly. In
our
light, airy cafe, try out delicious lunches and irresistible cakes,
made
using fresh local ingredients - or simply linger over coffee and a
newspaper
in our sunny courtyard.There is plenty of parking and the building and
grounds
are wheelchair accessible.Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, six days a week.
Closed
on Wednesdays.
www.galanthusgallery.com
Wormbridge,
Herefordshire, HR2
9DH
Galanthus Gallery & Cafe is in Wormbridge on the A465 main road
between
Hereford and Abergavenny, about 8 miles from Hereford. There is plenty
of
off-road parking. info@galanthusgallery.com
Superbly
sited, high above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is still largely
intact
and protected by wide and deep ditches cut into the rock. This
magnificent
red sandstone castle, with a 12th century keep standing three stories
high
and extensive remains from the 13th and 14th centuries, looks across
the
beautiful Wye Valley to Symonds Yat. A free audio tour recounts the
infamous
'siege of Goodrich castle'Open 24 March - 31 October: daily 10.00 am -
5.00
pm (6.00 pm June-August)1 November - 28 February: Thursday-Monday at
10.00
am - 4.00 pm. 1st - 31st March 10.00 am - 5.00 pmClosed 24-26 December
and
1 January
This carved black and white timber building was formerly
a
Market House built in 1633 by the King’s carpenter, John Abel. It once
stood
at the junction of Broad Street until an Act of Parliament around 1852
decreed
it a traffic obstruction. It was sold to Mr Arkwright, of the Spinning
Jenny
family as a private residence and moved to its present location in
1855.
When it came up for auction in 1939, the council bought it for Council
Offices
to prevent its sale and export to an American buyer.
The town
of Hay-on-Wye lies on three borders. The national
boundary with England, and the county boundaries of Brecknockshire and
Radnorshire
run through the town. Typically of Hay, the county boundary is marked
by
the famous River Wye, while the national boundary is hidden away,
marked
by the Dulais Brook which trickles down the valley a hundred yards or
so
away from the remains of the old Town Wall. The third boundary is that
with the Brecon Beacons National Park, in whose corner Hay sits.The town
has
always held an important place in the region, being on the road to
Brecon,
once the most important town for miles around. Because of this it has a
history
of coaching inns and pubs, and the tradition of offering food and
lodging
to travellers continues with accommodation and cuisine being among the
best
on offer in Britain.
Tourist Information
Centre -
Hay-on-Wye, Oxford Road, HAY-ON-WYE,
Herefordshire,
HR3 5DG HAY ON WYE CLICK
Hellens was founded in the 13th
century
and there are additions from Tudor and Stuart times. The house has
connections
with the Black Prince, Queen Mary and the Civil War. There are some
fine
furniture and pictures in the period rooms. The house is situated in
pleasant
grounds with gardens, ponds and trees, a knot garden and a
newly-planted labyrinth.Hellens
is open to the public from Easter
Sundayto 30th September on Wed, Thurs, Sun and Bank Holidays, for
guided
tours only at 2.00, 3.00 and 4.00 pm. Groups and schools at other times
by
appointment.
Much
Marcle, HR8 2LY
From the A449 Ledbury-Ross road, turn onto the B4024 and Hellens is
signposted
on the lefthand side.
Hereford is the livestock and
agricultural
centre for Herefordshire and neighbouring mid-Wales. The characteristic
red
soil and the climate of the county lends itself to grass production,
becoming
the home ground of the internationally renowned beef breed of "white
face"
Hereford cattle. Benjamin Tomkins, who inherited a bull calf and a cow
from
his father's estate in 1723, founded the Hereford breed approximately
two
and a half centuries ago. Livestock and general market each Saturday,
open
market every Saturday and a Farmer's Market on the third Thursday in
the
month 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Early closing day : Thursday
Hereford
is the Cathedral City with the relaxed atmosphere of a country market
town.
Its origin dates back to Saxon times and today visitors delight in the
harmony
of a rich heritage and modern facilities. A historic centre of
international
importance, the magnificent Hereford Cathedral
hosts Europe's oldest Music Festival every three years- The Three
Choirs
Festival
Tourist Information Centre,1 King Street, Hereford
HR4 9BW
In the centre of
Hereford, on
the
corner of Broad Street and King Street, opposite the Cathedral
E-mail: tic-hereford@herefordshire.gov.uk
Hereford
Cathedral houses
the largest pre 15th Century map in the world – the Mappa Mundi. Drawn
on
vellum and dated to 1300, the author was Richard of Haldingham.
Containing
drawings of plants, animals, towns and cities the map gives us a
glimpse
into the medieval world. Also housed in the Cathedral is the Chained
Library
– a unique example of 17th Century books secured by chains allowing the
books
to be read but not removed.
The building
which houses
Hereford Museum and Art Gallery is Victorian gothic and has been used
to
exhibit local historic artefacts since 1874. The wall of the stairway
leading
up to the museum holds a Roman mosaic, found at Kenchester. The display
cases
in the downstairs foyer are changed regularly and the main museum has
hands-on
exhibits for all ages. Presentations on view in the art gallery change
every
six to eight weeks. There is wheelchair access from the library on the
ground
floor.
The Herefordshire Light
Infantry
Museum
tells the story of the Herefordshire Light Infantry in campaigns such
as
Galipoli, Egypt and Palestine. It also describes their inception as the
Herefordshire
Rifle Volunteers raised in 1860, and in modern times, their involvement
in
the arrest of Admiral Doenitz at the end of World War 2.Guide dogs
permitted
Disabled status: level 2
Admission: free Opening Times: By appointment only
TA
Centre, Harold Street,
Hereford,
Herefordshire, HR1 2QX
On
the
A438, leaving the Hereford ring road towards Ledbury, turn onto the
B4224
to Fownhope & Newent (Eign Road). Take the first turning right and
turn
right or left at the t-junction into Harold Street.
No prior knowledge
of Hereford is required as all clues are solved by observation.
Both young and old will be fascinated whilst getting out for a couple
of hours seeing the sites and solving the clues. Children will enjoy
beating adults to solve the clues! We even supply a map just in
case you get lost. The answers are at the back of the book so you
can check any unsolved ones before you leave.The hunt starts at the
Tourist Information Centre , King Street, Hereford, HR4 9BW.From
Hereford or just visiting, you will be surprised at how much you walk
past without even noticing. We so often walk around blinkered without
appreciating the great features which make our towns and cities
fabulous. By following our hunt these things will be highlighted rather
than hidden away. Our Hereford treasure hunt packs contain all the
necessary elements for you need including maps, clues, answer sheet,
and tips on how to get things going.
The Victorian
Holy Trinity
Church in Hereford was erected in 1885. The nave was built using the
13th
Century church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Madley as
a
base for the design – the use of Bath stone being the only example in
the
diocese. The attractive chancel screen was dedicated in 1930 and the
organ
pipes, from the original instrument by Eustache Ingram, are also
ornately
decorated. The glass in the Lady Chapel is worthy of note, depicting
the
Madonna and child and made 1950.
Bulmers is the worlds largest
cidermaker.The
company was founded in Hereford, England in 1887 by Percy Bulmer, the
son
of a local clergyman.Percy made just 4000 gallons that first year. Now,
Bulmers
makes 65% of the five million hectolitres of cider sold annually in the
UK.Cider
remains the 'core' of the Bulmers business, its main brands, Strongbow,
Woodpecker
and Scrumpy Jack, are all market leaders.Bulmers cider can be found
worldwide
and Strongbow is sold across Europe, Scandanavia, USA, Australasia and
the
Far East.
Kentchurch Court,
Herefordshire,
is a stately home that has been in the Scudamore
family for over 1,000 years. Surrounded by a deer park that dates
back to the Knights Templars, the house lies at the heart of an estate
spreading over 5,000 acres.Kentchurch Court
nestles under
Garway
Hill in the Monnow Valley, tucked away in the once turbulent border
country
between England and Wales. The present owners are Mr and
Mrs
John Lucas-Scudamore.
Symonds Yat is world famous for
its natural
river scenery. The river winds its way through Symonds Yat gorge and
village,
dividing it into East and West. Our river trips, which start from
Symonds
Yat East and last around 40 minutes, start at 11.00 am. Full commentary
telling
of the natural beauty and history of the area is provided by the
captain,
whose family have been in the business for four generations. Light
refreshments
available. Evening trips with bar and buffet for parties can be
arranged.
The Kingfisher seats 32 and the Wye Pride seats 50. Open from March to
the
end of October.
Wye
Rapids Cottage, Symonds Yat
West,
ROSS-ON-WYE, Herefordshire, HR9 6BL
Leave the A40 (Ross-on-Wye - Monmouth) at the Little Chef. Follow the
brown
tourism signs to Kingfisher Cruises at Symonds Yat East.
Kington, a small historic,
market
town on the English Welsh border mentioned as 'Chingtune' in the
Domesday
Book is a natural focus for walkers. To the north, Offa's Dyke Path and
the
Mortimer Trail bounder the beautiful scenery of Mortimer country.
Offa's
Dyke Path continues to the south, with the Black Mountains and the
River Dore
on either side of the splendid walking country of the Golden Valley,
connecting
with the Wye Valley Walk in the book town of Hay-on-Wye.Market Days:
Livestock
on Thursday, General market on Tuesday and WI Market at the Baptist
Church
Hall on Friday morning 10.00 am to noon.Coaches: Drop-off point at Mill
Street
Car Park and street parking along Mill Street.Early Closing:
WednesdayBus
Stop: Mill Street Car Park
displays
the history of Kington from Roman times to the present day. The
exhibition
focuses on domestic bygones and is changed annually. The museum also
has
an elephant, the legacy of a time when circuses with exotic animals
travelled
the country. Find out for yourself.Guide dogs permitted
Disabled status: Level 3 Admission: free Opening times: April -
September,
10.30 am to 4.00 pm
Mill Street,
Kington, HR5 3DL
In the centre of Kington, opposite the Burton Hotel
Kinnersley
Castle
hosts events to help with the
upkeep
of this historic building, which dates back to Norman times.
Kinnersley Castle is a family
home,
not a business, and the events we host cover areas that coincide with
our
own interests and beliefs. Proceeds from these events are seen as a
contribution
by those who enjoy visiting us towards the upkeep of a property in
constant
need of love, maintenance and improvement.Family members
are ‘hands-on’
with
the running of the building. To help you get in touch with the right
person
we have listed our specific responsibilities and contact details. If
you
are interested in holding your own event at the Castle do also check
the
private bookings section to get a feel for what sort of things happen
here.
Our
specialist herb nursery offers an extensive range of culinary,
medicinal
and aromatic herbs. See them on display in the delightful herb garden,
a mix
of formal design and informal planting, set against the high beech
hedges
and lawns of Lawton Hall. Fragrant plants abound, attracting a host of
bees
and butterflies - a herb garden to delight your senses. Entrance to the
nursery
is through traditional farmyard buildings. An old hop-kiln provides the
setting
for a small shop, offering a variety of herbal gifts, including
home-made
pot pourri and herbal garlands. A warm and friendly welcome and helpful
advice
await you. Refreshments available. Disabled visitors welcome but there
are
many gravel paths which would prove difficult. Dogs are permitted.Open
Easter
to mid-October, 10.30 am - 5.30 pm Closed on Tuesdays.Admission:
Nursery
free.
Lawton Hall,
Eardisland, Nr.
Leominster,
HR6 9AX
From Leominster follow A44 west. Fork right onto B4520, continue 2 1/2
miles
to Lawton. We are on the left. herbs@lawtonhall.co.uk LAWTON HALL
HERBS
CLICK
Ledbury is a picturesque market
town,
situated on the eastern side of Herefordshire, close to the Malvern
Hills.
With easy access to the motorway network and main line railway, this is
an ideal location from which to explore Herefordshire and the
surrounding
area. Well known for its black and white architecture, this lively
market
town has achieved the Gold Award in the Heart of England Region section
of
the Britain in Bloom competition in 2005. Ledbury has a wealth of
individual
shops, selling high quality products and offering a friendly service,
together
with exciting local craftspeople.Gold Award in the Britain in Bloom
Medium-sized
Town CategoryGeneral market : Tuesday & Saturday Livestock market :
Wednesday
Ledbury Heritage Centre, with
its
overhanging first floor, was built about 1480 and was probably first
used
as a Guildhall. In the 17th Century, the Latin Grammar School moved
here,
with the masters who until 1770 were clergymen, living in part of the
house.
Boy’s names are carved on a few of the timber panels and scratched into
the
window glass. Exhibits include Ledbury's railway and canal past, a
hands-on
timber-framing puzzle and some dressing-up clothes. Also features
information
on John Masefield and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Leominster lies in the heart of
the
Marches, the beautiful borderlands of England and Wales. The town dates
from
the 7th century and its first recorded name is Llanilleni, the Welsh
name
meaning 'church on the streams'.
Leominster's history can be seen throughout the town, retaining its
medieval
and Tudor characteristics, narrow streets and timber framing. A
highlight
of Leominster shopping is the abundance and variety of antique shops,
ranging
from high quality antiques to cheap and cheerful bric-a-brac and
regular
antique auctions are held at the Fine Art sales rooms. There are many
fine
restaurants in the area. General market : Friday Farmers' market
:
Second Saturday in the month 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Early
closing : Thursday
Tourist Information Centre, 1
Corn
Square, Leominster HR6 8LR
The Tourist Information
Centre
is
signposted from all carparks which are free. It is in the Corn Square,
on
the corner of Drapers Lane and has level access.
E-mail: tic-leominster@herefordshire.gov.uk
Leominster & District Folk
Museum
displays artefacts from the local district. Exhibition areas include a
cider
mill and press, Victorian stable yard, and school room alongside the
main
gallery. The museum also displays the results of local archaeological
excavations
and has a large collection of material relating to the Leominster-born
Victorian
artist, John Scarlett Davis. Opening Times April-October Monday-Friday
11.00
am-4pm, Saturday 11.00 am-1.30pm
Etnam
Street, Leominster,
Herefordshire,
HR6 8AQ
From
the tourist office in Corn Square, cross the square to School Lane from
where
the museum is visible on the other side of Etnam Street.
No prior knowledge
of Leominster is required as all clues are solved by observation.
Both young and old will be fascinated whilst getting out for a couple
of hours seeing the sites and solving the clues. Children will enjoy
beating adults to solve the clues! We even supply a map just in
case you get lost. The answers are at the back of the book so you
can check any unsolved ones before you leave. The hunt starts at the
Tourist Information Centre , Corn Square, Leominster, HR6 8LR. From
Leominster or just visiting, you will be surprised at how much you walk
past without even noticing. We so often walk around blinkered without
appreciating the great features which make our towns and cities
fabulous. By following our hunt these things will be highlighted rather
than hidden away. Our Leominster treasure hunt packs contain all the
necessary elements for you need including maps, clues, answer sheet,
and tips on how to get things going.
The Lion Gallery can be found
in
the historic town of Leominster, and since opening in 1995 has
showcased the contemporary crafts and fine artworks of artists from
Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders. A fascinating collection of
jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, original prints, photographs and
paintings are joined by a programme of frequently changing special
exhibitions.
Longtown
Castle stands on the Welsh border at the base of the Black Mountains.
It
is a fairly standard motte-and-bailey earthwork, built by William de
Lacy
in the 1180's on the site of a square enclosure that may have been a
Roman
fort. In the early 13th century another Walter de lacy, Sheriff of
Herefordshire,
rebuilt the defences in stone. He built a curtain wall around the
bailey,
which he divided into two halves with a cross-wall, and he added a
circular
keep on the motte. The best preserved part of the curtain walls is the
cross-wall
in which there are the remains of a gateway flanked by two half-round
turrets.
The circular keep, uncommon in England but relatively popular in Wales,
was two-storeys high. It was built on a sloping plinth and was
strengthened by
three semi-circular buttresses. The buttress that contained the spiral
staircase
has collapsed leaving a gash in the side of the tower.The
castle
was abandoned in the
14th
century, although it was temporarily refortified in the early 15th
century
during the Owain Glyndwr rebellion.
Longtown,
Hereford,
Herefordshire
At
the north end of the village of Longtown, 10 miles north of
Abergavenny,
on minor roads off the A465 LONGTOWN
CASTLE
CLICK
Mappa
Mundi and
Chained
Library Exhibition
The Mappa Mundi
and
Chained Library Exhibition in Hereford houses both the incredible
medieval
map of the world and over 200 medieval manuscripts, including the
Hereford
Gospels of the 8th Century. Famed as a unique treasure, the Mappa Mundi
shows
how 13th Century scholars saw the world, both geographically and
spiritually,
with Jerusalem as the centre. The full stories are told through
original
artefacts, models and interactive computer technology. There is a
café
and shop also on site.
The story of Ross and the Wye
Valley
displayed in the famous sandstone Market House of 1650. Frequently
changing
community exhibitions and hands-on displays. Audio explanation of the
development
of the area available in English, German and French.Open April to
October,
Monday-Saturday 10:30 to 5.00 pm, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10:30
to
4.30 pm. November to March, Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am to 4.00 pm.
Access: Accessible for disabled visitors with disabled toilet
facilities.Admission:
Free. Donations welcome.
In
the Herefordshire countryside lies the Monkland Cheese Dairy where they
produce
by hand their own speciality – Little Herefordshire Cheese – from an
original
recipe. Watch the cheese being made, sample it and other British
cheeses,
savour the smells and atmosphere and enjoy light refreshments in their
café.
Connected to the Monkland Dairy are the Mousetrap Cheese shops in
Ludlow, Hereford and Leominster where Little Hereford can also be
bought along with other versions including oak smoked and sage
varieties.
A rare one-man-operated
18th-century
water mill in part working order. Nearby there are attractive gardens
and
woodland walks, a stone weir and the significant Aymestrey Limestone
Quarry.
Special day and evening guided tours for groups are available by
arrangement
with the owner. Please call for details.
The city of
Hereford
has its own Nelson’s Column, set on the site of the old castle. Admiral
Nelson
came to Herefordshire on a number of occasions and was made a Freeman
of
the City. The column was erected in 1809, several years after the
Battle
of Trafalgar with money from public subscription. Unfortunately, funds
ran
out and there wasn’t enough money to commission the statue, hence the
urn
on the top. Canons were added at the base of the column in 2005,
marking the
battle’s bicentenary.
Newton
Coppice consists of 15 hectares of semi-natural woodland and was once
part
of the Royal Forest of Haywood. The ancient forest was regarded as one
of
the finest hunting grounds in the kingdom and would have supported wild
boar,
deer and wolves. The woodland also provided timber for various city
buildings
and it’s believed that timber to build Hereford Castle came from here.
The
Wye Bridge also benefited, as Edward I granted timber to repair the
bridge
in 1303. There are easy access pathways along the wood’s main route.
Included
in
the National list of
Craft
Shops and Galleries.A
wide range of contemporary crafts in a Victorian Chapel setting.Work
by both established local and nationally known artists and makers
alongside
innovative work by talented newcomers Exhibitions are held seasonally
four
times a year.
Pembridge is in a key position
on
the popular Black & White Villages Trail in the heart of rural
North
Herefordshire.
Open Daily:Mon - Sat 10am - 5.30pmSundays 11am - 5.30pm
East
Street, Pembridge,
LEOMINSTER,
Herefordshire, HR6 9HB
On the A44 Leominster - Rhayader Road
The Parish of Orleton has 420
houses,
a population of over 850, a Post Office Stores, farm shop, 2 pubs, the
Boot
and the Maidenhead, Church, Chapel, Village Hall and an excellent
primary
school and Doctors surgery.
With its mix and comparative affluence the community has retained its
clubs,
societies, amenities and vibrance.
Parkfields Gallery, Ross-on-Wye
shows
a diverse and extensive range of high quality art & contemporary
craft,
ranging from paintings and prints to ceramics, glassware, sculpture,
furniture,
fashion textiles and jewellery. Art buyers' credit scheme.
Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
4
High Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9
5HL
From the Market House in Ross, walk up the High Street for about 200
yards.
Parkfields is opposite Lloyds TSB Bank
The
Preaching Cross was built in the 14th Century and underwent extensive
restoration
work in the 19th Century. It is the only remaining example in the
country
of a preaching cross that was erected by the Friars in the cemetery.
Sir
John Daniel, who was beheaded for meddling in the baronial wars during
the
reign of Edward III, gave land to the Black Friars Monastery order and
the
cross was erected along with the original structure. The architecture
is
early decorated Gothic.
Queenswood consists of 103
acres of
semi natural woodland and is listed as a Sight of Special Scientific
Interest.
The arboretum has a 67-acre tree collection, which includes more than
500
rare and exotic trees as well as a profusion of bluebells in spring and
orchids
in summer. There are way-marked trails around the woods and easy-access
pathways.
From the viewpoint both the Black Mountains and the Malvern Hills can
be
seen. There is a children’s play area, picnic sites and a licensed
café.
High on a sandstone cliff
overlooking
a large loop in the River Wye is the historic market town of
Ross-on-Wye.
Built of red sandstone in the 13th century, St. Mary's Church dominates
the
view and is well worth a visit. In the centre of the town, twice weekly
markets
are held under the sixteenth century Market House in which is found the
Heritage
Centre. The River Wye is very much part of the town, attracting many
canoeists,
rafters and rowers. Less strenuous pursuits include fishing, walking
and
simply enjoying the tranquility of the river bank. A full list of the
events
happening on the river, including the 100-mile Raft Race and Ross
Regatta,
can be obtained from this information centre.General market : Thursday
and
Saturday Livestock
market
: Friday Farmers'
market : First Friday in
the month 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Early closing : Wednesday
Tourist Information
Centre,
Swan
House, Edde Cross Street , Ross-on-Wye , HR9 7BZ
No prior knowledge of Ross-on-Wye is required as all
clues are solved by observation. Both young and old will be
fascinated whilst getting out for a couple of hours seeing the sites
and solving the clues. Children will enjoy beating adults to solve the
clues! We even supply a map just in case you get lost. The
answers are at the back of the book so you can check any unsolved ones
before you leave.The hunt starts at the Tourist Information Centre ,
High Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7BZ. From Ross-on-Wye or just visiting,
you will be surprised at how much you walk past without even noticing.
We so often walk around blinkered without appreciating the great
features which make our towns and cities fabulous. By following our
hunt these things will be highlighted rather than hidden away. Our
Ross-on-Wye treasure hunt packs contain all the necessary elements for
you need including maps, clues, answer sheet, and tips on how to get
things going.
Parts of the
chapel
and hall are 13th Century, the site once occupied by a house of the
Knights
of St John of Jerusalem. Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Court,
Hereford,
founded the almshouse in 1614 as a refuge for soldiers and mariners.
The
old dining hall serves as a medieval museum and the Chapel is still
used
as a place of worship. Nell Gwynne is credited with having persuaded
Charles
II to found the Chelsea Hospital after the fashion of Coningsby
Hospital.
The museum is open by pre-booked request.
St Michaels and All Angels,
Ledbury,
was described by Pevsner as the premier parish church in Herefordshire.
There
are rounded-arch Norman arcades and redundant round clerestory windows
along
the long nave. The ornate 17th Century font was found buried underneath
the
Victorian one now in use. Many beautifully worked memorials include a
14th
Century effigy of a lady and that of a child who died in 1851. To the
side
of the church is a detached tower, built in the 13th Century; the
embattled
belfry and spire were added in 1723.
Hereford’s
Shire Hall has the look of a Greek temple about it; not surprising when
you
consider that its design was based on the Temple of Theseus, in Athens.
It
was built between 1815 and 1818 at a cost of £52,000 and covers
an
acre of land. The builder was Sir Robert Smirke, a leading architect of
the
Greek revival, who fashioned the huge Doric columns on the building’s
façade
from sandstone. The Shire Hall is a popular venue for concerts and a
variety
of fairs.
The Small Breeds Farm Park and
Owl
Centre is a magical place to experience animals, birds and owls. The
main
display field has trees and shrubs framed by mature oaks and is home to
Kune
Kune Pigs, six breeds of goats, Dexter Cattle, Soay Sheep and Alpacas.
Visitors
have the opportunity to hand feed many of the animals. The Owl Garden
is
an intimate and tranquil place for visitors to observe all the British
Owls
as well as examples from around the world. It is often possible to
observe young owls being hand reared in the early part of each season.
The beautiful Landscaped Waterfowl Enclosure is home to Ducks, Geese
and Swans from around the world. Chicks and ducklings are being hatched
almost daily.
small Palladian mansion
designed
by James Wyatt. Park and grounds by Humphrey Repton whose 'Red Book'
along with antique china and watercolours are on display.
15th - 28th May & 14th - 27th August: 2 - 5 pm. Guided tours: 2, 3
&
4 pm.
The
beautiful
villages of Symonds Yat East and West, Ross-on-Wye, are two of
the
most well known in the Wye Valley. Approximately six miles from the
town
of Ross-on-Wye, the villages are a hive of activity and a popular spot
for
taking forest walks, canoeing, taking a cruise along the River Wye or
enjoying
a cream tea. There is a traditional rope ferry, which is moored at the
Saracen's
Head Inn and crosses the river regularly, taking passengers between the
two
villages. As well as being a pleasurable experience, this short
crossing
saves a five mile journey by road.
From Ross-on-Wye
at the western
end
of the M50, take the A40 towards Monmouth and turn onto the B4164 for
Symonds
Yat West after about 6 miles. River Wye is on your left. A lane from
the
B4229 serves the other bank. SYMONDS
YAT EAST CLICK
A visit to the Victorian shop,
which
is home to Teddy Bears of Bromyard, is like a trip down memory lane.
The
shop is brimming with teddy bears, dolls, and gifts for the collector
and
there is a teddy and doll ‘hospital’. The museum is downstairs and
houses
many nostalgic exhibits, including Disney toys, pedal cars, prams and
Thunderbirds,
Captain Scarlet and Stingray puppet displays. There are some rarities
and
a few surprises, such as a massive Steiff Bear and a real Dalek.
12 The Square, Bromyard,
Herefordshire
HR7 4BP - England, UK
The Old House is
a Jacobean
black and white building. Built in 1621, it once formed part of
Butcher’s
Row before opening as a museum in 1929. The house has a wealth of
period
English oak furniture with a kitchen, dining hall and parlour on the
ground
floor and bedrooms on the upper. Among the exhibits are baby walkers
and
cradles, a master bed and wall paintings. The museum has a hands-on
activity
area and admission is free.
A tranquil garden of 4 hectares
(10
acres) on a steep slope above a bend in the River Wye, The Weir is most
spectacular
in spring with drifts of snowdrops, daffodils and narcissi. In summer
the
sheltered setting provides the perfect habitat for butterflies, bees,
dragonflies
and damselflies.
The bird population is prolific and varied. The many
vantage
points provide spectacular views of the Wye valley and the
Herefordshire
countryside.
Swainshill
nr Hereford Herefordshire HR4 7QF
Tel: 01981
590509
Troughles
Troughles Fine Foods is quite
simply
the premier supplier of specialist fine foods and ingredients in the
West
Midlands. To our customers we form an invaluable link in their
important
daily supply chain, stocking an impressive portfolio of over 3,000
individual
lines of fresh, ambient and frozen goods such as Caviar, Saffron and
Foie
Gras to seafood and charcuterie produce. Delivering daily to the
region's
finest dining restaurants and leading chefs, we are now able to offer a
unique
shopping experience to individual discerning clients with prices
slightly
higher than those of our trade customers but still well below those on
the
High Street.So whether you are planning that all-important dinner
party,
catering for a family gathering or simply have a love of seriously fine
food,
we may be just what you are looking for. Visits to our premises are on
a strictly by appointment basis and should you wish to make an
appointment, please ring 01568 616121/610299 and speak to either
Cheryll, Paul or Hilary.
Unit 5 & 6 Croft Business Park,
Southern Avenue,
Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0QF, UK
E-Mail : troughles@aol.com
Tel: (01568)
610299
Fax
:(01568) 612888
The
Waterworks Museum
-
Hereford
is
a hundred-year time-capsule of working machinery and social history
which
tells the story of drinking water supplies. The range of engines and
pumps
on display is unique and some of the machines are the last examples of
their
kind working anywhere in the world. The treasure of the collection is
the
oldest working triple-expansion steam engine in the U K. It stands
two-floors
high and is quite awesome in operation.The Museum has open days and
in-steam
days on 18 days during the summer season but also welcomes group visits
(by
prior arrangement) throughout the year. All children and students free
entry.
Group prices are governed the size of the group. Easy parking, visitor
centre,
refreshments, picnic tables, souvenirs, children's trails and disabled
access.Guide
dogs permitted Opening times:Easter - 2nd October, most Bank Holidays
&
last Sunday in the month, 2.00 - 5.00 pm Tuesday, 11.00 am to 5.00 pm
Broomy Hill,
HEREFORD,
Herefordshire,
HR4 0JS
Follow the Heritage signs from the Wye Bridge in Hereford (A49). info@waterworksmuseum.org.uk
is
situated on the site of the old police station and courtroom. The
museum
displays artefacts and archives which put Weobley in context through
its history.
Weobley is full of Black and White timber framed houses and the museum
also
focuses on the features of timber framing. Regularly changing displays
Guide
dogs are permitted Disabled status: level 3 Admission: free
Opening times: April-September, Monday, 10.00 am - 1.00 pm &
Thursday,
2.00 - 5.00 pm July-September, Wednesday, 2.00 - 5.00 pm Bank Holidays:
11.30
am to 4.30 pm.
Weston’s Cider is one of the
UK’s
most famous cider makers, and has been producing its range of cider and
perry
at its brewery in Much Marcle for over 125 years. ‘The Bounds’ is a 400
year
old farm house amidst the apple and pear orchards, and here you will
find
the Weston’s Visitors’ Centre, where visitors can gain an insight into
how
Weston’s operate, as well as taking in the garden and museum, tea
rooms,
and meeting the dray horses.
Whitbourne is in north-east
Herefordshire,
right on the border between it and Worcestershire. It is set in
magnificent
countryside, with views towards the Malvern hills to the East and the
Welsh
mountains to the West. There are walks in plenty - Bringsty Common,
much
of which is within the parish boundary, offers an almost unlimited
variety
of walks, habitats and wildlife, with the nearby Lower Brockhampton
(National
Trust) if you prefer woodland and pasture. We also have the River Teme,
and
our own two brooks, the Whitbourne and Sapey Brooks offer peace,
solitude
and interest. Although Whitbourne is in the
county
of Herefordshire, it is in many ways closer to Worcester than it is to
Hereford.
It is on the County Boundary. More teenagers attend college in
Worcester
than in Hereford. The W.I. is affiliated to Worcestershire. The
postcode
is WR6. But our roots are strongly Hereford. When you cross the River
Teme you are in a different world - the world of Hereford cattle, cider
apples and people who smile and trust you to pay later
There has been a castle at
Wigmore
since 1069, and its earthworks date largely from the 12th century
although
the surviving ruins date from the 13th and 14th centuries and represent
the
fortress of the Mortimer dynasty from which they controlled large parts
of
central Wales. Passing to Richard, Duke of York, and ultimately to
Edward
IV, it became a royal castle. Ludlow offered better accommodation and
Wigmore
was rarely used, being partly ruinous by the 16th century. Sold by
Elizabeth
I in 1601 to the Harleys of nearby Brampton Bryan, it was technically
held
by Sir Robert Harley for Parliament in the Civil War. However, he could
not
garrison it, and rather than risk its being seized for the crown, it
was slighted
before it saw any action. As a consequence, it was not remodelled in
the
16th century and its defences were not modified in the 17th century,
leaving
the medieval castle remarkably undisturbed.
Located
8
miles W of Ludlow on
A4110.
Accessible via footpath3⁄4 mile from the village on Mortimer Way WIGMORE
CASTLE
CLICK
Wye Bridge
The
Wye Bridge in Hereford, built in 1490, replaced an earlier structure of
around
1125. For 200 years it was the only bridge that crossed the River Wye
into
Hereford. In 1645, when the city was under siege, local people
destroyed
one of the arches in an effort to keep out the invading Scots; it was
later
rebuilt but in a different style from the rest. The bridge has five
piers
and six spans which vary in width from 28-31 feet. Originally there was
a
gatehouse, demolished in 1782.
Bridge Street,
Hereford HR4
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with some of the world's
most
beautiful and delicate creatures as they fly around you. Watch as they
emerge
from their chrysalides, court, lay eggs and sup nectar from the many
spectacular
tropical plants.It's a safari, where you explore and hunt to find
answers
which baffled people for centuries. Why don't butterflies grow? How
long
do they live? Where do they lay eggs? How do you find caterpillars?
What
do they eat? What eats them? How do they survive? Find out about their
incredible
lives and learn how to attract native butterflies to your own garden.
Opening
Times: Summer - 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily
Winter - 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily (times may vary)Dogs not permitted
Disabled
status: Level 4
ubilee
Park,
Symonds Yat West,
Ross-on-Wye HR9 6DA
Take
the A40 Trunk Road between Ross-On-Wye and Monmouth
Turn off the A40 at Whitchurch and head south on the B4164 towards
Symonds
Yat West. At the roundabout take the Symonds Yat West exit. Follow the
B4164
for 100 metres to find The Amazing Hedge Puzzle on your left, opposite
the
Old Court Hotel. WYE
VALLEY
BUTTERFLY CLICK
Tel: 01600 890360
THE
GARDENS OF HEREFORDSHIRE
Abbey Dore Garden
Abbey
Dore Court Garden is located at the Southern end of the beautiful
Golden Valley, just 15 miles from Hay-on-Wye, 12 miles from Hereford
and 15 miles North of Abergavenny. Just in view of the famous 1147
Cistercian Abbey is this lovely six acre garden made up of a number of
very different parts. The walled garden has nine individual borders,
divided by brick paths. Only bulbs mark where the orchard once was.
This area now has a central path, with wirework arches leading to a
sculpture with water. Over the river a small
arboretum of young and unusual trees leads to a seat under two large
sequoias. There are other seats throughout the garden where visitors
are encouraged to sit and enjoy the peace of the garden. Alongside the
garden is a small nursery specialising in herbaceous perennials. Home
made food is also available from The Stables which is set in the old
cobbled courtyard besides the garden.Opening times - April to
September. Daily. Open 11am to 5pm.
Abbey Dore Court
Hereford Herefordshire HR2 0AD
Abbey Dore Court garden is 3 miles west of the A465 between Hereford
and Abergavenny.
Arrow Cottage Garden is a delightful array
of 24 separate 'rooms', each with its own character - formal or
overflowing with exuberant and imaginative planting. It is a garden for
all seasons - early spring brings the snowdrops and, a little later,
bluebells along the Woodland Walk. In spring and early summer the
peonies and old roses combine with complementary plantings of geraniums
and other hardy perennials. As summer fades into autumn the vivid
colours in the hot border take over. Throughout the year the gentle
sound of flowing water from the fountain, rill and stream permeates the
garden.
Arrow Cottage
Ledgemoor
Nr Weobley Herefordshire HR4 8RN
From
Weobley
turn left at the top of the main street and then follow the road round
to
the right signposted Wormsley and The Pyons. After 1m, turn L
signed
Ledgemoor. 2nd R (no through rd). 1st house on L. Following signs
to
the Marshpools Inn will take you past the garden.
‘The
Garden at The Bannut’, is set in the beautiful Herefordshire
countryside,Manicured hedges divide the garden into formal and informal
garden rooms, each with its own character and interest. Lawns, shrubs,
trees, herbaceous plants, colour themed gardens, spring and summer
flowering heather gardens and an unusual knot garden, provide visitors
with plenty to see throughout the whole season. Rhododendrons, azaleas,
pieris and other shade-loving plants thrive in the Old Goat Paddock –
and the Far Garden, with its many magnolias and other interesting trees
and shrubs, is also home to thousands of cowslips in the late spring.
Open 14 April to 1 October Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays &
Bank Holidays 12.30 to 5 pm.
Bringsty,
Herefordshire
WR6 5TA
The garden is 2½ miles east of Bromyard on the A44 Worcester
road (½
mile east of the entrance to National Trust, Brockhampton).
Beautifully
sited
above a wide valley with sweeping views to the Brecon Beacons,
this elegant Henry Holland house was built in the late 18th century and
is set in parkland designed by 'Capability' Brown. The rather austere
external appearance belies a surprisingly delicate interior, with
beautifully decorated ceilings and a spectacular staircase hall. There
are good collections of furniture and paintings, as well as a nursery,
Victorian laundry and Georgian dairy. One room has a display of
costumes from the collection of Charles Paget Wade. The attractive
walled garden contains an historic collection of local apple trees.Not
all of the costume collection is displayed, but can be viewed by
appointment. Please write to the property or tel. Costume Curator.
"Domesday
manor
house with
surrounding 4 acres of old English gardens. A David Austin rose garden
with
37 varieties, herbaceous borders, yew
hedges,
courtyards and old walled kitchen garden. Fourteen acres of vineyards.
Wine-tasting.
David Austin roses and plants for sale. Café/gift shop open
daily.
Sunday roast lunch. Catering for conferences, weddings and parties.
Wine-tasting
guided tours by arrangement." Open
10.00am to 4.30 pm-ish all
year
except Christmas/New Year
A
Victorian house (1880) and garden with fine views of the Wye Valley.
There is a terrace garden and a woodland garden. The garden has been
fully restored since 1972. The eight acres of
Brobury House Gardens are set against a sculptural backdrop of mature
trees on an exquisitely beautiful section of the river Wye and paths
lead through formal and natural planting to the watermeadow beside the
historic Bredwardine Bridge. The past
seven years has seen a programme of re-design and development with many
water features, a superb pergola (the young wisteria are growing
fast)and a formal terrace to complement the garden conservatory. A
small artoretum is being planted at the moment.
History The garden
was first established when the house was built in 1881. The trees and
terraces gave the structure to the gardens that still exists. Grand
greenhouses were built and half of these have been restored. Proir to
1881 the site was used as the vegetable garden for the rectory where
Francis Kilvert lived and died. His mulberry tree still graces the main
terrace lawn. Plants of Note: Wisteria, cornus kousa, stand of paper birches. Magnificent oak and victorian cedars and pines. Opening
times - All year. Daily. Open 10am to 5pm or dusk if earlier.
Brobury House,
Brobury,
by Bredwardine,
Hereford,
Herefordshire,
HR3 6BS map
Brobury House Gardens are 11 miles west of
Hereford and 1 mile south of the A438.
This superb garden has been
developed since 1993 by David Wheeler and Simon Dorrell who are also
well known for their publication ' Hortus'. There are three acres of
intimate garden rooms surrounding an 'Arts ands Crafts' house that have
been growing since 1913. Furnished with follies and fragrant flowers,
towers and topiary, pools and a potager, and paths to five acres of
specimen trees on the banks of a river, on the border with Wales. This
garden is an essential visit. “This is a garden to savour, and it is
likely to get even better. Lovely architectural features . . . backed
up by strong, colourful planting.” Ursula Buchan in The Independent,
July 2003. The gardens at Bryan’s Ground will be open in 2010 on
Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 3 April to 12 July, 2-5 p.m. Group
visits by appointment.
Stapleton
(Nr
Presteigne)
Herefordshire
LD8 2LP
12m NW of Leominster. Between Kinsham & Stapleton. At
Mortimers Cross take B4362 signed Presteigne. At Combe, follow signs map
A
fourteenth century castle with aspects of the garden dating from
several periods. There are old trees, an avenue of sweet chestnuts, and
a walled garden. Two avenues were planted in the twentieth century.
Opening times - Early March to mid December. See National Trust website
for days. Open 11am to 5pm. Park open all year daily from dawn to dusk.
Four-acres
of formal gardens and water meadows. Features a walled garden rose
pergola,
150 varieties of clematis some forming the clematis walk.
Wildlife
and formal ponds, herbaceous borders, potager and stunning views to
Black
Mountains.
Not open
to the public. Richard Payne Knight's house and garden survive in good
condition. Repton wrote that 'When I compare the picturesque scenery of
Downton Vale with the meagre efforts of art which are attributed to the
school of Brown, I cannot wonder at the enthusiastic abhorrence which
the author of "The Landscape" expresses for modern gardening'. See
comments by Humphry Repton.
- nr Ludlow,
Herefordshire,
, SY8
Eastnor
Castle Garden
A
nineteenth century ornamental castle with an arboretum and terraces
descending to a 21 acre lake. Opening times - Early April to early
October: open Sundays. Also July and August: open daily except
Saturday. Open 11am to 4:30pm.
Eastnor,
Ledbury,
Herefordshire,
HR8 1RL
Eastnor Castle garden is 2 miles south east of Ledbury on the
A438.
Not open
to the public. This was the estate of the most popular author on the
subject of picturesque beauty: Sir Uvedale Price. Sadly, the house is
ruined and the valley has been planted with poplars and conifers.
Humphry Repton wrote that 'Foxley is less romantic than Downton, and
therefore Mr Price is less extravagant in his ideas and more willing to
allow some little sacrifice of picturesque beauty to neatness, near the
house'. The mansion at Foxley was built
by Baron Robert Price, who became a Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas in 1726. A grandson, Sir Uvedale Price, became famous for his
work on the picturesque treatment of parks and gardens. His son, Sir
Robert Price, fell into debt and sold the state to John Davenport in
1856 and the house was largely re-built. During the Second World War
the house and the valley were used as a military hospital by the
Americans. The house fell to ruin and was demolished in 1948. Much of
the land was planted with conifers and poplars, as a cash crop, but the
Ha Ha on the perimeter of the garden can still be seen and it is likely
that the picturesque view from this point is not dissimilar from that
enjoyed by Sir Uvedale Price.
nr Hereford,
Herefordshire
Foxley is 8 miles north west of Hereford, north of the A480.
Hampton Court
Hampton
Court is a 15th century castle with 12 acres of gardens that have been
transformed over the last 10 years by Simon Dorrell and David Wheeler.
There is a conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton, Dutch Garden, Yew
maze, Wisteria arch and ornamental Kitchen Garden.
Hampton Court Gardens are magnificent new
gardens set in the grounds of a late medieval castle and surrounded by
a thousand acres of parkland. Rescued from neglect in 1994, the gardens
have been revived and transformed. Estate masons and carpenters have
meticulously restored many original structures, and inspirational new
features have been added. Today, water canals, island pavilions,
avenues and borders complement the established planting of the earlier
eras. The Gardens are a peaceful haven but also a place of exploration
with a maze, Gothic Tower and secret tunnel to a waterfall. The
Ornamental Kitchen Garden is both beautiful and productive and visitors
can sample its delicious organic produce in the Orangery Restaurant, or
enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Founded by King
Henry IV in the early 15th century as a reward for a knights bravery at
Agincourt, the castle and gardens have been remodeled several times
during their long history.
Plants of Note: Ornamental
working
Kitchen Garden. 150 yr old Wisteria
Arch Maze with hidden tunnel, tower and sunken
garden. Opening times - Late March to Late October. Daily except Monday
and Friday. Open 11am to 5pm.
Hergest
Croft is unusual in having been gardened continuously by three
generations of the same family over the past one hundred and thirteen
years. Four distinct gardens extend for over 28
ha with more that 5000 rare trees and shrubs extending from spring
blossom to brilliant autumn colour. The Kitchen Garden grows unusual
vegetables, also contains with Spring borders and double herbaceous
borders, and old fashioned roses. Brilliantly coloured rhododendrons
and azaleas up to 30 feet grow in the Azalea Garden and Park Wood. The
Gardens has over 60 champion trees in one of the finest collections in
the British Isles . Hergest Croft Gardens are sure to delight everyone
and well worth a visit March: Saturday & Sunday 12 noon –
5.30pm Then Daily from 1April - 31 October 12
noon – 5.30pm.
Disabled Access, tea rooms, plant sales,
gift shop.
How Caple
Court Gardens 11-acres of Edwardian gardens set high above the River
Wye with views towards the Forest of Dean and the Welsh Mountains.
Formal terraces with yew hedges, pools, statues and a traditional rose
garden contrast with less formal planting of mature trees and shrubs.
The Medieval Church contains beautiful stained glass windows, a Norman
font and a sixteenth century diptych. Tearoom & discount shop. Opening
times - Mid March to mid October. Daily. Open 10am to 5pm.
How
Caple,
Hereford,
Herefordshire,
HR1 4SX
How Caple Court Gardens are 10 miles south east of Hereford and 1 mile
west of the B4224.
E-mail: how.caple@clara.co.uk HOW CAPLE
GARDENS CLICK
Tel: 01989 740 626 Fax: 01989 740611
Ivy Croft Garden
The
garden was started in 1997. The cottage is surrounded by formal beds
filled with a wide range of plants. Paths lead away from the cottage
into less formal areas, set in open grassland. Plantings of willows,
grasses, ferns and snowdrops surround the ecological water treatment
system and seasonal pond. Mixed borders lead to a young perry pear
orchard, a vegetable garden surrounded by trained fruit trees and an
embrionic ‘natural wood’. Pleached limes partially surround the car
park and screen an area of alpines.
Ivy
Croft,
Ivington Green,
Leominster,
HR6 0JN
3m SW of Leominster. From Leominster take Ryelands Rd to
Ivington. Turn R at church, garden ¾m on R. From A4110 signed
Ivington, garden 1¾m on L map
Email: roger&sue@ivycroft.freeserve.co.uk IVY CROFT
CLICK
Tel: 01568 720344
Kenchester Water
Gardens
The
gardens and the nursery at Kenchester are equally important for anyone
interested in water-plants. The range of plants grown and offered for
sale is excellent, and includes nearly 210 cultivars of {Nymphaea}, of
which they have a National Collection. The gardens have pools and ponds
over a large area - well worth a longish visit. This is a dynamic
nursery which is getting bigger and better all the time. 9 am - 6 pm
(5.30 pm from October to March); daily; all year. 10.30 am - 4.30 pm on
Sundays. Closed Christmas Day. Admission Free
The main
feature of this garden is its National Collection of old {Dianthus}
cultivars, some 140 cultivars which flower in early summer. This is the
place to see such rarities as {D.} 'Fenbow Nutmeg Clove' and {D.}
'Cranborne Seedling'. Mr & Mrs Hughes also sell plants which they
have propagated from their collection. There is much more to see as
well as the pinks, including a sunken terrace garden, a large pond and
a grotto. 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday - Friday; 1 May to 8 July. And by
appointment. Adults £2 for National Gardens Scheme.
Kingstone Cottage Plants,
Weston under Penyard,
Ross-on-Wye,
Herefordshire,
HR9 7PH
Queenswood
Arboretum and Country Park
Queenswood
consists
of 103 acres of semi natural woodland and is listed as a Sight
of Special Scientific Interest. The arboretum has a 67-acre tree
collection, which includes more than 500 rare and exotic trees as well
as a profusion of bluebells in spring and orchids in summer. There are
way-marked trails around the woods and easy-access pathways. From the
viewpoint both the Black Mountains and the Malvern Hills can be seen.
There is a children’s play area, picnic sites and a licensed
café.
Shipley
Gardens surround a 17th Century Wye Valley homestead standing upon the
site of previous dwellings that since Roman times have administered the
adjacent ford and former ferry .The garden was made by Bob Macadie
after 1970 with plantings of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and
wildflower mixes. Garden Rooms are moulded into the base of the
escarpment next to the flood plain of the valley floor. The
owner-designer sees his garden as an example of "Robinsonian
Twentyfirst Century". William Robinson wrote a book on The Wild Garden
which continues to influence an ecological approach to garden design.
Opening times - End March to October. Daily. Open 10am to 6pm.
The gardens at Staunton Park date back to
the 1850s when they formed part of the "pleasure grounds" of the then
large estate.The present 10-acre garden contains many mature specimen
trees, a rose garden, kitchen garden and a Victorian rock garden, as
well as extensive mixed borders. A woodland path leads to a lake
surrounded by rhododendrons and continues round the lake, past the 18th
century dove-cot and back to the house offering views to the undulating
landscape of the Welsh Marches - an ideal garden in which to spend a
restful afternoon. This garden is part of the NGS scheme.
Staunton Park Gardens, Herefordshire. 2010 - Garden
is open as a part of the NGS scheme, Open every Thursday from mid May
until mid September 11-5, or by appointment (Minimum 8 Visitors).
Partial disabled access - ring for details. Home-made self-service Teas
available. Small selection of plants from the garden for sale.
Staunton Park,
Staunton-on-Arrow,
Leominster,
Herefordshire,
HR6 9LE
Staunton Park is located between
Pembridge and Titley/Presteigne. map
Stockton
Bury Gardens -Superb sheltered 4-acre garden with a very long growing
season giving colour and interest all year. Extensive collection of
plants, many rare and unusual set amongst medieval buildings; a real
kitchen garden, pigeon house, tithe barn, grotto, cider press, pools,
ruined chapel and rill, all surrounded by unspoilt countryside.open Wed
- Sun and Bank Holidays (1st April - beginning of October) 12.00 noon -
5.00pm. With regret unsuitable for children, 80% accessible for
wheelchairs, no dogs. Restaurant.
A
riverside garden with an impressive display of spring bulbs,
wildflowers throughout the summer and vivid autumn colour. The
wildflowers are managed to create a varied habitat for a wide range of
wildlife. The River Wye gives the garden a sense of movement. Opening
times - Mid January to end October. May to October and February:
Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. March and April: Daily.
Weekends only in January. Open 11am to 5pm (4pm in January and
February).
Swainshill, Near Hereford,
Herefordshire, HR4 7QF
The Weir Garden is 5 miles west of Hereford on the south side of the
A438. THE
WEIR
GARDEN CLICK
Tel 01981 590509
Westonbury Mill
Water Gardens
Featured
on BBC Gardeners World in September 2003 the 2 acre gardens at
Westonbury Mill are laid out around a tangle of streams and ponds
behind the Old Corn Mill. Planting includes a huge variety of moisture
loving and bog plants with splendid primulas, irises, rushes and
grasses. Numerous bridges connect the different areas of the garden and
you can walk through a forest of giant gunnera. There are unusual
features including a castellated stone tower with gargoyles which spout
water raised by an old iron water wheel. Adjacent to the main garden a
wild flower garden is being developed with walks besides the stream and
mill leat. Westonbury Mill is in a wonderfully peaceful area of the
Welsh Marshes close to the historic half timbered village of
Pembridge..
Opening times - April to September. Daily. Open 11am to 5pm.
Pembridge,
Herefordshire,
HR6 9HZ
8m W of Leominster. On A44 1½m W of village of Pembridge,
L into signed drive
Award-winning
17th-century
country house in a tiny tranquil valley set in
an acre of garden and 14 acres of private nature reserve. Comprising
three suites, each with its own sitting room and bath or shower room,
peace, comfort and privacy are assured. A renowned cuisine, committed
to using home-grown, local organic produce and Fairtrade ingredients
for our inventive menu. We
take pride in the quality and variety of the dishes we bring to your
table.
Good
Housekeeping:
top 20 B&Bs in the UK; Les Routières: Best B&B in Central England; Johansens: Best value for money; Hereford
Nature
Trust: Gold Award and Green Business Award.
Cottage
Farm,
tucked away under Merbach Hill, offers single, twin, family/double room
accommodation
on the ground floor. We serve vegetarian and traditional breakfasts in
our
upstairs kitchen or in the downstairs hall. Suitable for visitors with
minor
disabilities.
The full Directory is
available
from them.This section is included in
memory
of the late Alec Davey of R.Bromley & Co. Ltd- the wine
merchants,
to commemorate his 25 years entertaining all at the major events(1962-1987).
Read
about
him CLICK HERE
Buy
a
National County Card Here
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After the
departure
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throughout 
Award-winning
17th-century
country house in a tiny tranquil valley set in
an acre of garden and 14 acres of private nature reserve. Comprising
three suites, each with its own sitting room and bath or shower room,
peace, comfort and privacy are assured. A renowned cuisine, committed
to using home-grown, local organic produce and Fairtrade ingredients
for our inventive menu. We
take pride in the quality and variety of the dishes we bring to your
table.
