Things to do
Local area
The location is ideal for exploring not only the village of Llangrove and the Wye Valley, but also the Forest of Dean and Wales. You’ll be surrounded by breath-taking scenery and rural tranquillity, Thatch Close Cottages is hard to beat!
The Golden Valley
Through all seasons The Golden Valley shimmers in the sun, glistens with autumn colours and looks like a winter wonderland when blanketed with snow. CS Lewis was bewitched with Herefordshire’s outstanding natural beauty when he fell in love with its Golden Valley.
Hay-on-Wye
If you’re in Herefordshire for the annual Hay Festival in May/June each year, you’ll pass through Hay-on-Wye. It’s an historic town that attracts thousands of book lovers every year to catch up with their favourite authors being interviewed, political debates, historical discussions, children’s book clubs or cookery classes. There’s something of interest for people of all ages.
Symonds Yat
The Wye Valley area is simply stunning. Symonds Yat straddles the River Wye over two counties – Herefordshire & Gloucestershire. The Yat Gorge was once mined for iron ore but today it is most popular for the Symonds Yat Rapids to enjoy your canoeing adventure on the River Wye.
Forest of Dean
One of the most fascinating regions of Britain, the Forest of Dean nestles between the Wye Valley, the Vale of Leadon and the Severn Vale. Although it is predominantly in Gloucestershire, it is literally right on your doorstep. There is so much to explore and discover there and oodles of activities to keep you busy.
Wye Valley
The natural beauty of the Wye Valley runs through the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Monmounthshire. One of the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, each season brings its own delights. From the spring and summer greenery to the magical feeling of autumn mists and snow-capped hills in winter months.
Its ancient forests have superb specimens of trees, an abundance of wildlife including Wild Boar, Deer, Badgers and a cacophony of birdsong. Symonds Yat Rock provides a fabulous viewpoint of the River Wye, and is reputed to be the best viewpoint in Britain. From the rock, the river can be seen to follow dramatic U-bends around Huntsman and Coppet Hill. In the distance you can see across Herefordshire towards the mountains of Mid Wales.
The river Wye is famous for its Salmon fishing and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its nutrient unpolluted water, which supports an abundance of animal and plant life. At any time of year, you may see Kingfishers darting across the waters, and the swans as they glide gracefully along the river surface.
Cathedrals, Castles, Homes & Gardens
If historic houses are of interest to you, then look no further than Historic Herefordshire. There are numerous medieval country estates, castles and stately homes:
- Hampton Court Castle, built 1427, has some of the most stunning gardens with a maze to enjoy situated between Hereford & Leominster
- Eastnor Castle is dramatically situated in the foothills of the Malverns near Ledbury. In the beautiful grounds you’ll find an arboretum, a lake, spectacular walks and trails, an adventure playground, tea room and more.
- Goodrich Castle stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat.
- Hereford Cathedral was built on a place of worship used since Saxon times and contains some of the fines examples of architecture from Norman times to the present day.
- Belmont Abbey was founded in 1959 as a monastery of the English Benedictine Congregation dedicated to St Michael and All Angels.
- Hellens Manor is a beautiful historic house in Much Marcle, Ledbury, and is a living monument to much of England’s history.
- Dore Abbey
- Snodhill Castle
- The Laskett
National Trust:
Walking & cycling
Walking
Whether you want to amble or ramble, there are ample walks to discover around Herefordshire. Take in the magical views from hills and trails such as Hay Bluff and Offa’s Dyke, which was voted as one of the best national walking trails by Lonely Planet. Bordering Wales, pop over to climb Pen y Fan in the hauntingly beautiful Brecon Beacons.
The Forest of Dean was originally designated by the Saxons for hunting, The Normans created it as The Royal Forest of Dean. As a result, over the years the ancient woodlands have flourished.
Walk in the dappled shade, savour the aroma of pine as you wander through the countless miles of footpaths.
Designated footpaths range from under 2 miles to over 28 miles in length. Here are some recommended walks in the Forest of Dean.
Cycling
It’s beautiful cycling country here too. If you prefer to do your exploring on two wheels, there are numerous cycle routes to venture throughout Herefordshire. The city of Hereford itself boasts over 20 miles of traffic-free paths. Herefordshire.gov.uk has some fantastic suggestions to help you start planning the routes you can explore during your holiday at Thatch Close Cottages.
Bike hire is available from Drover Cycles in Hay on Wye.
Sporting & other activities
Fishing: Close by is the River Wye, probably the best Barbel river in the country. The Wye has pike and salmon, the salmon mainly running in spring time. You can rod or fly-fish. The coarse fishing is also very good. We also have some of the best commercial lakes in the country. Chub, Carp, Perch, Tench and Bream are also popular with fishing enthusiasts. Even the smaller rivers like the Monnow or The Garron have trout. Take a look at these fishing venues in Herefordshire.
- Tipton Hall Riding School
- Noakes Farm Riding Centre
- Wyedean Canoe Hire
- River Wye Canoe Hire
- Paddleboarding Adventures
- Adventures With Dave
- Hereford Kayak Canoe
- Land Rover Experience Eastnor
- Kington Golf Club
- Hereford Golf Academy & Footgolf Centre
- Shobdon Airfield
- Herefordshire Raceway
- Wye Valley Laser Tag
- Laserclayz
- Battlelands – Paintball and more
- Clearwell Caves for potholing
- Hereford Racecourse
Food and drink
Crisp. Juicy. Sweet. Rich. Moreish. They’re just a handful of superlatives you’ll hear people use to describe the fine food and drink created from quality Herefordshire local produce; from Ross-on-Wye in the Wye Valley to Leominster and Mortimer Country, from Kington and the Golden Valley to Bromyard, Ledbury and the Malvern Hills. And at the hub of it all, Hereford City.
Whether it’s our world-renowned beef, spring asparagus, summer cider and apple juice or winter root veg, you are never far from the local producers. You’ll find the origin of produce proudly displayed on menus at hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes across our county.
The Royal Arms, Llangrove – The local pub the Royal Arms (decent beer and meals) is a comfortable walk across the fields and also dog-friendly.
Woods of Whitchurch (2 miles) is an excellent local store and also has a cafe, open from breakfast time, and does takeaways.
The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold – 12 miles from Herefordshire, this food pub has a roaring wood burner during the winter months and a sun-drenched terrace to sit in summer.
Rowlestone Farmhouse Ice Cream – Luxury dairy ice cream made on the farm. You can enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches, paninis cake and ice cream at their Ice Cream Parlour (closed during the winter).
Ross on Wye Cider & Perry Company – Visit the cider farm and experience a detailed tour of the orchards followed by a tutored cider session of their bottled cider and perry.
Frome Valley Vineyard – Tours start in the winery and continue to the Model Vineyard that shows you some of the ways the vines are grown. Then it’s on to explore the Main Vineyard before heading back for tasting.
Wythall Estate Vineyard Tours & Tasting – Book a guided walking tour of Wythall Estate’s Vineyard followed by a tutored wine tasting back at the Manor house.
Family fun
Go Ape
Go Ape – the UK’s number 1 forest adventure.
Arthurs Stone
Arthurs Stone. A Neolithic burial plot with views across the Golden Valley in Herefordshire and the Black Mountains of south-east Wales; the landscape that inspired CS Lewis. The 5000-year-old tomb was excavated in 2022.
Puzzle Wood
Puzzle Wood in the Forest of Dean is an atmospheric part of an ancient woodland. A popular film & TV location, set-jetters will love spotting where their favourite scenes were filmed. The list includes: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows, Star Wars – The Force Awakens, The Huntsman’s Tale, The Secret Garden, Da Vinci’s Demons, Doctor Who, Merlin and many others.
Wye Valley Falconry
Wye Valley Falconry – Entertaining and informative interactive Birds of Prey experience.
Newbridge Farm Park
Wye Valley Miniature Golf
Wye Valley Miniature Golf – Including a maze, butterfly zoo & more
The Viking Games
The Viking Games – Traditional Nordic games adapted for 21st Century fun!
Pumpkin Pete’s
Pumpkin Pete’s – Herefordshire’s best Pick Your Own pumpkin patch and first Maize Maze.
Green Spider Climbing
Green Spider Climbing – Awesome climbing and bouldering centre of children aged 4 and up.
Museum without Walls
Museum without Walls – Ross-on-Wye’s virtual museum uses AR (augmented reality) to help you step back in time.