How to spend a Weekend in Herefordshire
Visitors come to Holloways from all over the country and, as we are situated in such a beautiful and interesting part of the country, we hope you might be tempted to stay for the weekend and explore the fascinating county of Herefordshire.
So here is our guide to places to visit and things to do.
The Poetry of Ledbury
Ledbury is a picturesque town, situated on the eastern side of Herefordshire, close to the Malvern Hills. Well known for its black and white architecture, this lively market town has a wealth of individual shops, offering a friendly service, together with exciting local craftspeople.
The Dymock poets, including Robert Frost and Rupert Brooke, were a literary group of the early 20th century poets who made their homes in the village of Dymock. In July each year, the town is the venue for The Ledbury Poetry Festival (1st – 10th July 2016). The largest poetry festival in the country offers a mad mix of eclectic, eccentric and exciting music and poetry events. Scenic walks, readings, film and writing workshops are just a few of the events available to indulge the senses.
"A rare and genuine joining of place, poetry, and people," says Carol Ann Duffy.
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral towers over the centre of the city. The building contains some of the finest examples of architectural excellence from Norman times up to the present day. These include the Romanesque nave, the beautifully restored Shrine of St Thomas of Hereford in the north transept, the ancient south transept, and the award-winning twentieth-century New Library Building. There are four stunning stained-glass windows dedicated to the life and writings of seventeenth-century cleric and poet Thomas Traherne.
Hereford Cathedral is also home to the Mappa Mundi, a 13th-century map of the world, and a unique medieval chained library, the inspiration for the Hogwart’s Restricted Library in the Harry Potter films.
Chaining books was the most widespread and effective security system in European libraries from the middle ages to the eighteenth century, and Hereford Cathedral's seventeenth-century Chained Library is the largest to survive with all its chains, rods, and locks intact.
Contact the Visits Office at the Cathedral for information about guided tours: [email protected]
Weston’s Cider
Herefordshire is world-famous for its cider. Deep in the heart of the county, in the old village of Much Marcle, you will find Westons Cider Mill, nestled amongst acres of apple and Perry Pear orchards.
In 1880, Henry Weston joined the Herefordshire cider-making community and began a legacy of tradition and quality. Making cider and perry from his own fruit, collected from his orchards, Henry contributed to the annual pattern of life in the county. There was always a hogshead in the cider house for the farm workers, who, at the start of each day, brought their wooden ‘costrels' to the cider house to be filled with the day’s allowance.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy discovering the secrets of traditional cider making on one of the daily guided milltours.
You can nearly always see an old stone Herefordshire cider mill in the yard at Holloways. They make a stunning centrepiece for a garden, or large driveway when planted with flowers.
Eastnor Castle Land Rover Experience
Drive a Land Rover off-road in the dramatic setting of Eastnor Castle, near the Malvern Hills. Land Rover Experience Eastnor gives you the chance to test your skills over the wide-ranging diverse terrain. Drive over 43 miles of track set within the grounds of the enchanting Eastnor Castle. Enjoy spectacular views, picturesque woodlands and an impressive array of wildlife including buzzards, red kites, and Muntjac deer.
TASTER EXPERIENCE
The one-hour Taster Drive gives an introduction to the car and a test for your off-road driving skill. Half-day and full-day experiences are also offered. They make a great birthday present for the man who has everything!
Full details can be found on their website
Berrington Hall and Croft Castle
There are two stunning National Trust Properties close by each other, near Leominster, and well worth a visit. Berrington Hall with its beautiful gardens and Croft Castle surrounded by woodland and parkland.
Created as the perfect house in the perfect setting, Berrington Hall has many secrets for visitors to uncover. In this, one of Henry Holland's first houses, visitors can explore the family rooms and see how the servants moved around the house unseen by the family and guests.
The interiors include Biaggio Rebecca ceilings, fine period furniture and there are some pieces on display from the Wade Collection. Though it has a slightly austere exterior, the house has delicate interiors and a homely, welcoming feel.
Berrington was landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown's final creation. To celebrate his tercentenary, the National Trust are working in partnership with artists, Red Earth, Delicarta and the Embroiderers Guild to bring his story to life throughout 2016.
Croft Castle
Croft Castle sits deep in the heart of Herefordshire countryside surrounded by 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm, and parkland. Home to the Croft family for nearly 1000 years, this castle has many powerful stories to uncover.
In the castle, you can live life as Sir James Croft and find out how the family bought back their home in 1923. Explore the family photographs or sit and read through the auction catalogues. In the ambassador's room, you can discover the story of the Croft's and the devastating impact of the First World War on young men from the local parish. Find out about the criteria for enlistment during 1915 in the family room.
Step outside and explore the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and take a peek inside the 1908 glasshouse restoration project. Look out for the Georgian stable block and uncover some of the stories of how horses were cared for during the war years.
Take a break in The Glasshouse at Holloways
Take a break for lunch, or finish off a day of exploring the Herefordshire countryside, at The Glasshouse Café at Holloways. (Look for our brown signs on the A44).
Spoil yourself with a well-deserved afternoon tea — choose from a Cornish cream tea with homemade scones and jam, or a traditional afternoon tea on a tiered plate. All the family, from youngsters to respected elders will enjoy the relaxed surroundings of The Glasshouse, and Holloways Gift Shop is the perfect place to find a perfect memento to take back home from Herefordshire.
