|
|
|
Herefordshire
|
Goodrich Castle stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the
passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The
castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English thegn
Godric who gave it his name. The visitor centre
features a small exhibition which explores life at the castle from its
origins in the late 11th century until its dramatic fall in 1646, and
includes Civil War artefacts found at the site. A cafe serves meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
|
|
|
Croft Castle is a late 17th-century house with fine Georgian interiors and a family connection dating back more than 1,000 years. There are restored walled gardens, stunning views over the Welsh Marches and miles of marked walks. It is renowned for its fine parkland, which contains more than 300 veteran trees. A walk through the woodlands reveals the Iron Age hill fort at Croft Ambrey, which commands views over fourteen of the old counties.
Facilities inclue a tea room and plant sales.
|
|
|
Hereford, meaning 'army ford' was for many years a border garrison town
against the Welsh. Just to the north of the river in the city centre, Hereford
Cathedral forms the main point of architectural interest, an
amalgamation of various styles from the 11th century onwards. In the 1980's the sandstone New Library was specially built to house the Mappa Mundi. Dating from 1300 and drawn on a single sheet of vellum (calf skin), this remarkable map provides an extraordinary insight into the medieval mind.
|
|
|
Berrington Hall is a distinctive late 18th century Henry Holland
mansion, set in landscaped grounds, with amazing painted ceilings and
French Regency furniture. There
are sweeping views towards the Brecon Beacons in Wales, and the walled
garden boasts an historic collection of local apple trees. Experience the servant's quarters, and English Naval hero, Lord Admiral
Rodney's apartment displaying costumes from 'The Wade Collection.' Facilities include a tea room and plant sales.
|
|
|
At Shortwood Family Farm you can get close to the animals and
learn about real life on an ordinary farm. Milk a cow by hand, feed the
pigs and goats and watch the machine milking the dairy herd. Hold a tiny newborn piglet or feed a calf with a bottle of milk. Take
a trailer ride around the farm and see the beneficial effect that
Organic Farming has upon wildlife. You can even take home some Organic
Produce.
Kids can also visit Mini Farm World, Pets Corner and the Play Area.
|
|
|
Dating from 1750, Mortimers Cross Mill is a rare one-man-operated
water mill in part working order, situated next to the River Lugg. In
addition to crushing grain to make flour in the traditional way, the
mill exhibition is expanding to include micro-hydro electricity and
alternative energy. 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.
|
|
Hampton Court, Herefordshire is a castle on the meadows of the river
Lugg, backed by a steep wooded escarpment and surrounded by woodland
and grounds of 1,000 acres. Original Victorian walls enclose flower gardens divided by canals, island pavilions and avenues. Climb to the top of the gothic tower for a panoramic view of the gardens or descend underground to a tunnel that leads to a waterfall. Visit the Orangery Restaurant, located in a grand conservatory designed by Joseph
Paxton.
|
|
|
Symonds Yat West is a small village on the Herefordhire side of the
River Wye, conncted to Symonds Yat East on the opposite bank by two hand ferries. For a small fee, the ferryman will
pull you accross the river using an overhead rope.The river here has cut a deep gorge in the limestone,
exposing many impressive cliff faces. Nearby, Symonds Yat Rock towers over 390 ft above the river, and is an
excellent vantage point from where to see peregrine falcons and other
wildlife.
|
|
|
Hay-on-Wye has an attractive setting, amidst rolling forested
hills, and its narrow bendy streets are lined with an engaging
assortment of old stone houses. Most of the town is given over to the book trade, with over 30 shops selling everythinig from modern to antiquarian publications. The Hay Festival of Literature
and the Arts, held over ten days at the end of May is now a major
national event, having grown from1,000 visitors in 1987 to upwards of 150,000 visitors in the present day.
|
|
|
Explore the beautiful river Wye by kayak or canoe from Glasbury-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Situated close to the literary town of
Hay-on-Wye, Wye Valley Canoe Centre hires Canadian Canoes, Double and Single Kayaks. Paddle off downstream to Hay-on-Wye which is
a five mile journey taking approximately two hours, or to the Boat Inn
at Whitney, which is ten miles away and takes about four hours. All
equipment is provided, including waterproof barrels to store your kit
in, and a map.
|
|
|
|
