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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.
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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
website:
www.threecounties.co.uk/
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.
Tourist
Information Centre, Queenswood Country
Park , Dinmore Hill, Nr. Leominster ,
Herefordshire HR6 8LR Tel: (01568)
797842
email: queenswoodtic@herefordshire.gov.uk
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.
Tourist
Information Centre, Queenswood Country
Park , Dinmore Hill, Nr. Leominster ,
Herefordshire HR6 8LR Tel: (01568)
797842
email: queenswoodtic@herefordshire.gov.uk
Tel:01568
798320 - Fax: 01568 798329
Shipley
Gardens
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
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