2 Bedroom The Wye Valley, Herefordshire & Worcester cottages

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On the western borders with Wales, Herefordshire is one of the most rural and sparsely populated counties in England. Hundreds of apple orchards attest to the continuing success of the county in the manufacture of cider and apple juice. Just to the east lies the beautiful county of Worcestershire, separated from its neighbour by the Malvern Hills; at its highest point this stunning range of hills affords a spectacular panorama of the Severn Valley, and out to the Bristol Channel, the Welsh mountains, and, on a clear day, views of up to thirteen counties. The Wye Valley is part of the stunning border with Wales, with the banks carved into cliffs in places, and the rolling countryside beyond creating lush flood meadows for grazing cattle.

Things to do in Herefordshire, Worcester, the Wye ValleyThe Wye is one of the leading salmon and brown trout rivers in the country, and no visit to the area would be complete without taking a boat trip down the river, or perhaps hiring a canoe or kayak to get one of the best perspectives of life along the river. There are infinite possibilities for walkers too, with Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk leading candidates. The Black and White Trail, and the Cider Route are other popular local alternatives, with cider production and Hereford cattle still very much a part of the local landscape and economy. Whilst the Cider Route takes visitors through many of the finest orchards in the county, and also offers two cycle routes through the best cider-growing locations, the Black and White Village Trail celebrates the special architectural characteristics of some of the most attractive traditional buildings in the area.

Top Destinations

Worcester – The city celebrates the 360^th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester in 2011, and much of the area’s rich and varied ecclesiastical, industrial and political past can be seen in the amazing local architecture. The city is particularly proud of its fine cathedral and a stunning Guildhall.

Malvern – Malvern Museum houses displays detailing the geological structure of the Malvern Hills, as well as local medieval history and memorabilia from the days when the town was a focus for its Victorian spa and ‘water cure’.

Ross-on-Wye – An impressive 17^th century market hall and Tudor timbered buildings continue to make the town a draw for tourists. Nearby, Symonds Yat is a world-famous beauty spot, where the river has carved a dramatic gorge through the towering limestone cliffs, making it the perfect location to find a myriad of birdlife, including Peregrine falcons. When weather permits, an unusual man-powered rope ferry connects the east and west sides of the gorge.

Hereford – The cathedral city and county town is yet another fine settlement on the banks of the River Wye. Home to the annual Three Choirs Festival, and once the residence of the composer Sir Edward Elgar, Hereford also hosts an annual Walking Festival, to encourage visitors to explore its beautiful countryside.

Monmouth – Perhaps slightly bizarrely, Monmouth Museum is home to one of the best collections of memorabilia recording the life of Norfolk son and national maritime hero, Admiral Lord (Horatio) Nelson; items include personal letters, commemorative items and - amazingly - his glass eye.

Tintern Abbey – The ruins of the Cistercian abbey lie in the village of Tintern, on the banks of the River Wye as it stretches through Monmouthshire. During the 13^th century the abbey was largely rebuilt, much of the work sponsored by the 5^th Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod. Today the ruins and grounds make a perfect spot to picnic on a Summer’s day.

Leominster – Known as the ‘town in the marshes’ Leominster is situated in the heart of beautiful border countryside; an historic market town, with some fine architectural structures, including those associated with its important religious past, pre-Norman Conquest, Leominster also boasts impressive medieval and Georgian buildings. Just beyond the town lies the dreamy woodland of the Queenswood Country Park.

Hay-on-Wye – Centre for the world-famous Hay Literary and Arts Festival, this town of bookshops becomes a place of national pilgrimage each Summer, with a packed programme of readings, reviews and other cultural events.

Chepstow – The home of Chepstow Racecourse, and set close to the confluence of the Rivers Wye and Severn, the town also boasts a fine local museum. Chepstow Museum focuses on the varied history of the town, including its shipbuilding, salmon fishing and wine trading past. Chepstow Castle is the oldest surviving stone fortification in Britain, and dates from Norman times, when the strategic importance of the crossing point over the River Wye and the steep limestone gorge made it an excellent location for an imposing defensive construction.