Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
The Riverside Inn serves a wide range of foods, sourced locally when possible, in a relaxed and picturesque environment. You can enjoy lunch seated outside by the river, or you can dine inside surrounded by beautiful oak beams, pine tables and a log fire.
A family run restaurant in the centre of Hereford, the Ponte Vecchio promises true regional Italian cooking. Comprehensive lunchtime and evening menus on offer as well as monthly changing specials and superb coffee.
More cheese Gromet? Mousetrap's knowledgeable and dedicated staff have been serving in Hereford, Leominster and Ludlow for the past 25 Years
Fun Days Out
Phil Price Rally School is a long established family run driving school, that extends a warm welcome to all its customers. They provide an ideal venue that allows you to put their fleet of RWD and 4WD Subaru Impreza's to the test, either on the test track or the main rally track. All the staff are highly trained and highly qualified to ensure you get the most from your driving abilities. Additionally they are very friendly, patient and encouraging in boosting your confidence and pushing you to your limits and will have you trying various different driving techniques during the day. Safety is paramount and you are provided with the appropriate equipment and given a full safety briefing before going out in the car. It is a thrilling and invigorating experience where you can really put the car through its paces if you dare. You get the maximum amount of driving during your day and it represents excellent value for money. Phil Price Rally School is a well organised and highly motivated towards providing the best service and customer satisfaction and all the staff are passionate about what they do and this enhances your overall time here. An electrifying jam packed day, highly recommended.
Recently voted Herefordshire Family Attraction of the Year, the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre is an enchanting mix of animals, birds and beautiful owls. Adults and children alike will be captivated by the antics of these tame animals and the friendliness of the owls which live in the aptly named Owl Garden. A perfect family day out!
Llanidloes - 15.1 Miles (24.2 KM)
A great place to hike or bike, especially over the beautiful mountain road between Machynlleth and Llanidloes. It is also the perfect place to simply relax, stroll around and soak up some of the lovely Welsh scenery. The town is also known for its counterculture and liberal views and was awarded Fairtrade Town status in 2006.
Enjoy a relaxing day out in the country. Travel by steam train through the beautiful Banwy Valley. Don't miss the very popular tearooms serving homemade cakes.
Enjoying the stunning Herefordshire countryside, Grove Golf and Bowl offers two nine hole golf courses, ten-pin bowling, a first-class restaurant and snack bar. With friendly staff and a peaceful environment, a day at the Grove is perfect for all the family, come rain or shine!
Woodland children's play area with easy access path and waymarked trails, panoramic views, seasonal events and licensed café.
Experience what life would have been like down a mine as you follow the 'Miners Trail'. The self guided path takes visitors on a tour through the old mine site, featuring fascinating exhibitions. Admire the water wheels, pan for silver-lead and iron pyrites, hear the 'captain's tale' and have fun discovering the history of the mine and the lives of the miners.
An impressive array of shops in this centre offer hours of happy shopping and browsing. Recharge your batteries at a variety of eateries.
Shortwood Family Farm is a must if you have children. This organic dairy farm has free range pigs, sheep, poultry, ponies, donkeys and goats living in an open and carefree environment. There are animal feeding tours and tractor rides giving visitors the opportunity to take part in and learn about life on a farm. There is also a picnic area and a children?s playground.
Beach
Devil's Bridge Falls - 25.6 Miles (41 KM)
Visit these world famous unique waterfalls which attract thousands upon thousands of visitors. One of these visitors was William Wordsworth who wrote 'Torrent at the Devils Bridge'.
Biking & Hiking
Cycle, trek or horse ride through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, eight counties and two countries. Although 177 miles in its entirety, it is an easy route to pick and choose from depending on how energetic you are feeling!
Every September, Llandrindod Wells hosts the annual Heart of Wales walking festival - with many guided walks to suit all levels of fitness and abilities. Even if you dont visit when the walking festival is on, you can still enjoy the views of the gentle rolling countryside to the moderately rugged hills of the heart of Wales.
Kerry Ridgeway - 12.4 Miles (19.8 KM)
A lovely route of about 15 miles encompassing some beautiful countryside and fascinating historical landmarks. The ridgeway follows a gentle trail which is perfect for cyclists, hikers and horse riders alike. Its line can be traced back as far as the Iron Age and along the route visitors can spot Bronze Age burials and remains.
Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails in the Dublin Mountains offer a series of single track roads and paths designed especially for mountain bikers. Explore beautiful scenery while enjoying the challenging trail designed to challenge and work experienced riders. The trail starts and ends at a car park and at 8kM in length takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes to complete.
This trail is a route through some of the prettiest villages and landscape in England. The circular route from Leominster passes through fabulous scenery before returning to the town.
Golf & Sports
Whatever your experience or age, Underhill Riding Stables have horses or ponies to suit you. So you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the Mid Wales countryside on horseback.
Rhayader is a small market town in the heart of the 'Lakeland of Wales' on the banks of the River Wye which stretches 1 mile south and 4 miles north of the town. Brown trout and Grayling fishing available and salmon fishing is renowned on the River Wye.
A great leisure centre featuring a 20m swimming pool, fitness suite and squash courts. Whatever your age or fitness level there is something for you. Why not go for a relax in the jacuzzi or take a swim in the pool?
Ustrike - 13.3 Miles (21.3 KM)
Freshen up your bowling skills and enjoy an evening at Ustrike - the only ten-pin bowling centre in Mid Wales! If you get a bit hungry or thirsty, a bar and dining area is also available.
The 16 acre lake at Llyngwyn is a popular fly-fishing destination. Rainbow and brown trout are found in the lake throughout the year. River fishing is available on the river Wye for elan, marteg, trout, grayling, and some coarse fish. Elan Valley contains 4 lakes which cover an area of 850 acres.
Builth Wells Sports Centre includes many sporting facilities such as a swimming pool, squash courts, sports hall, fitness suite and an all weather pitch. They also have several classes on offer from pilates to cardio kickboxing - something to suit all tastes and caters for the whole family.
Outdoor karting arena for visitors to drive their own fleet of powerful twin engine karts on an arrive and drive basis. Computerised lap timing can do bookings for 1?30 people. See if you can win the Grand Prix!
Black Mountain Activities is a family run outdoor adventure specialists. They are located within some of the most stunning countryside there is within the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. This natural landscape provides an amazing adventure playground complete with gorges, rivers and mountains. They are able to offer a whole host of activities including gorge walking, white water rafting, mountain biking, land carting, hill walking, archery, paintballing, raft building, kayaking, open canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, rock climbing and abseiling, high level ropes course, orienteering and caving. The team are all professional and highly trained and safety is paramount here and the equipment is well looked after and in excellent condition. Before any activity you are given a full safety brief and they run through the equipment. They are open daily and throughout the year, and offer a choice of adventures from half day to five day courses. Whichever activity you choose you are assured a challenging and unforgettable time, you will more than likely have a few marks and bruises for all your efforts but, definitely worth it. There are activities to suit all ages and abilities so everyone can have a fun time. All of the team are great so friendly, informative and chatty they certainly enhance your time here. Black Mountain Activities are friendly and professional, offer a huge range of activities that are great value for money, an experience to be tried again and again!
Designed by the veteran champion James Braid, this course caters for all abilities. You'll be taken back by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds this course including the giant mountain peak of Snowdonia. There's a bar and restaurant in which to relax after a round of golf.
Based in the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park, Llanthony Riding and Trekking has a hack or trek suitable for all riders, even if you've never been on a horse before! Choose a quiet trek with a stop for lunch in a local pub or a hack through the hills, a great day out for everyone involved. Equipment is provided if required.
Great entertainment with 17 computerised bowling lanes, pool tables and the latest video games. Café bar with garden patio as well.
Nature Reserves
Nature Reserve with bird watching and well marked out nature trails you can walk round. A beautiful location at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, with a whole host of differing habitats. There are also events that are set up at Gilfach Nature Reserve such as Badger Watching.
Gardens & Woodlands
The Hergest estate to which these gardens belong sits in the heart of the Welsh Marches. The 6 distinct areas within the gardens, each with a different look and feel extend to over 70 acres. After wandering the gardens, enjoy a scone in the tearooms and pay a visit to the gift shop.
Located near Rhayader, this picturesque Site of Special Scientific Interest is a fabulous location for a leisurely stroll, a mountain bike ride or a fishing trip. With stunning lakes, abundant wildlife and superb views it is a perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
A wonderful 4-acre site with a vast array of plantlife, from the native to the very rare. Located in and amongst a collection of medieval farm buildings there are plenty of features to be explored and admired in this lovely garden. Visit the cider press, the pools, the grotto and the kitchen garden.
Broadfield Court is a beautiful estate situated in the outstanding North Herefordshire countryside. Wander around the gardens, enjoy lunch in the award winning café and round off your visit tasting Bodenham wines in the 16th century winery.
Local Attractions
Clara House & Spa in Clara, County Offaly is a great place to relax and treat yourself. Treatments include massages, facials, balneotherapy and peat therapy. Take advantage of the on-site accommodation to enjoy a truly relaxing weekend break, 2 bedroom apartments for 4-5 people are available with both catered and self-catered options.
An interesting craft centre, established in 1984 in an old GWR railway station. Set in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Wye, this craft centre is now an important local attraction with nearly 20,000 visitors a year. Admire the work of painters, potters, sculptors and photographers alike with new exhibitions that change on a monthly basis.
FreeRein Riding Holidays offers the opportunity to have the ideal riding holiday in the perfect location of the picturesque Welsh countryside. They cater to all level of rider whether you are a complete beginner, are a new or an experienced rider there is a trip to suit you. The horses and ponies are gorgeous, really healthy and with friendly temperaments. On arrival you are allocated a pony to suit you. The staff are brilliant so friendly, helpful, patient and encouraging and above all they are all highly trained, professional and knowledgeable. All equipment is provided so you don't need to take anything along with you, you will get all the maps and information that you will need and the support network is excellent. They offer a choice of holidays from learning to ride holidays as well as guided and self-guided riding holidays, that vary in time, from two to seven day treks. You take in some of the most stunning, dramatic and breathtaking landscapes as you canter through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The accommodations are wonderful, more than adequate and the food is very good. FreeRein Holidays are well organised and operated by a professional and experienced team that ensures a first class experience. The holidays are so good that once you have experienced one you will be wanting to return again, can't recommend enough.
Ludlow - 22.4 Miles (35.8 KM)
Set within the beautiful south Shropshire countryside, Ludlow is a flourishing market town famed for its excellent eateries, festivals and castle. Stunning buildings line the winding streets adding to the atmosphere of, according to Sir John Betjeman, ""the most perfect town in England.""
High quality seasonal produce which has been reared and grown or made within the area of a 30 mile radius. Open to visit every second Saturday in a month. Refreshments and live music too.
Historical & Heritage Sites
A beautiful grade II listed property and one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in Wales. The hall was originally built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson; however a huge expansion project led by the Philips family in 1869 doubled its size. Recently restored by the current owners, this magnificent house features some beautiful interiors and impressive collections. Take a stroll around 12 acres of gardens overlooking the ?Abbey of the Long Valley? which dates from the 12th century.
Discover a world of Victorian judges and criminals in this award winning, interactive museum. After undergoing heavy restoration, this fascinating attraction boasts original furnishings and interiors which allow visitors to be transported back in time to the 1870s. Explore the damp and dingy prison cells, the impressive apartments that once belonged to Victorian judges and witness the trial of William Morgan in the courtroom.
Delve into the fascinating world of Rhayader Museum and Gallery, where various exhibitions document and explore local heritage. These exhibitions are constantly changing and offer great insights into numerous projects. The museum gallery focuses on the nature of culture, society and economics in the shaping of the local community.
Built on the former site of a motte and bailey castle in the early 13th century, this Norman castle is located on the Welsh border and commands spectacular views across Montgomery in Powys. Although now in ruins, the site is still worth a visit for the stunning setting and sense of history.
A ruined Welsh castle dating from the 13th century with spectacular views across the Severn Valley. Its complex evolution is a fascinating one; changing between Welsh and English hands, however ultimately it was to be left in a state of ruin by the late 14th century. Due to recent excavations the public can once again view what remains of this fascinating castle.
Bronllys Castle is a former Norman fortress that dates back to the thirteenth century and constitutes a round stone keep that is surrounded by a twelfth century motte. The tower is eighty foot tall and contains three floors, if you climb the steep steps you are awarded with superb views over the surrounding countryside. It sits in a prime location that overlooks the junction of two rivers, the Llynfi and Dulais, within a small wood. The purpose of the tower was to protect the main route into the Welsh territory. Bronllys Castle offers a lovely spot to enjoy some nice walks and a picnic on this quiet and tranquil site.
Set above a wide valley with excellent views to the Brecon Beacons. A great day out for everyone: countryside walks, ornamental gardens and a spectacular house.
Home to the Herbert family, this medieval castle sits high above some world famous gardens. It's home to a beautiful collection of treasures from India as well as one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. (Wheelchair access to ground floor only)
Housed in a converted 19th Century warehouse alongside the Montgomery Canal, this museum tells the story of Montgomeryshire. There are various exhibitions running throughout the year.
This castle stands in 12 acres of lavish gardens. There is a maze with a Gothic tower at its centre and an underground tunnel that leads to a waterfall in the sunken garden. The orangery restaurant situated in the large conservatory adjoining the castle serves delicious food and drink, much of this fresh from the kitchen garden.
Brecon Cathedral has a long and varied history, today it stands as the Mother Church of a large Diocese and is a centre of welcome and worship for all. The Cathedral is quiet unassuming and small in relation to other Cathedrals but, what is unusual about this building is that it is positioned in a walled close. The remnants of the former monastic buildings serve as the administrative centre for the Diocese in addition to housing the Cathedral clergy and a Heritage Centre and Restaurant. The grounds that surround the Cathedral are lovely, so peaceful and quiet. Inside is lovely too, it is not very big but has some great features and architecture, unusual wooden vaulted ceilings, commemorative plaques, a stunning antique font, stained glass windows and more. Within the Cathedral is the regimental chapel worth a visit, it has connections with the Zulu War/ Rorkes Drift, it has a collection of interesting military and historic flags and a war memorial book. There are some descriptive guide sheets available that provide all the information on the Cathedral. What strikes you most about the Cathedral is the calmness and peacefulness of it here.
The Silver Mountain Experience is a unique and interesting day out, located high in the Cambrian Mountains, the site consists of abandoned mine workings, mystical forests and plunging streams that will take you back through time. Not for the faint hearted is the Black Chasm, this is classified as 12A and will take you on a terrifying underground experience, as you travel through the dark and abandoned mine tunnels you never know who you will encounter, be prepared, not recommended for the faint hearted! For the younger adventurers there is the Dragons Tale, you will help to find Grotty, Silvers Mountain's resident and bashful dragon. Being one of Wales best maintained Silver-Lead Mines, there is lots of history and you can experience for a short time what it was like to be a miner in these mines in a bygone era, uncover interesting facts of mining life during the A Miner's Life tour, your guide will lead you through the passageways and impart the history of the mines. The whole area offers so much to explore for all ages, junior members of your family can take part in the Magic of Woo Hoo Wood, where they can construct dens amongst the trees, build dams in the stream or play in the water area. Other activities include gem and gold panning, interactive challenges, nature trails and quiz trail, there is so much to see and do here. Onsite is a cafe where you can relax and have some refreshments. As the terrain is uneven in many places, flip flops/sandals are not recommended and also the underground can be cold so warm clothing is also recommended. The staff are friendly and helpful and add to the overall experience. A great day out regardless of age that is reasonably priced.
A wonderful, little museum. Established in 1928 by the Brecknock Society it is now run by Powys County Council. Set in a delightful historic building it offers a glimpse of the area over time.
Now ruined, this once fortified manor house was built between 1284 and 1293 by Robert Burnell, the Chancellor of England. He was said to be a good friend of King Edward I. This relationship meant that the castle had a very special purpose in British politics at this time. Legend has it that the first Parliament in which all the Commons were fully represented took place here in 1283.
Hereford cathedral is full of surprises and hides many a treasure including the Mappa Mundi. The Cathedral has stood in Hereford since Saxon times and displays some of the finest examples of British architecture.
