Imagine a large group holiday at Dovesway, this gorgeous Grade II listed manor house all to yourselves. Sleeping 18, with a games room and a private hot tub, this is a wonderful place to stay for family holidays and celebrations, for sophisticated hen weekends and for walking breaks in the Herefordshire countryside.
Dating from 1674, Dovesway absolutely oozes historic character and makes quite a magical backdrop to your group holiday. There are flagstone floors, oak panelled walls, exposed wattle and daub and centuries old timbers; part of the charm is the ‘wonkiness’ – walls that lean and floors that aren’t quite straight. It feels welcoming and homely, it’s a place to dream, somewhere to completely unwind, far, far away from the push and shove.
Have a little explore and you’ll find plenty of walks right from the doorstep; wander down to the village at Dilwyn for a bite to eat at The Crown Inn, stroll into Pembridge for lunch at The New Inn or The Cider Barn where there are views over the fields. There’s no shortage of cosy country pubs round here, as well as award winning restaurants like The Stagg at Titley and The Causeway Restaurant & Bar at Herefordshire Golf Club.
Get togged up for an outdoor adventure in the Black Mountains where the views from Hay Bluff are astonishing; walk along Offa's Dyke on the Welsh border, spend a day discovering the incredible natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park and check out the many exciting activities on offer there. Pootle about on the Black and White Village Trail spotting the quirky old half-timbered buildings that this area is known for, go and see the pretty Shobdon Church and the hauntingly beautiful Dore Abbey.
There are gorgeous gardens to amble around, like Westonbury Mill Water Gardens and Hergest Croft, there are grand and imposing houses to visit – Berrington Hall and Croft Castle are both just a short drive away. Spend a morning or an afternoon browsing the famous book town of Hay on Wye, go to Ludlow on market day when the air is lively; whilst you’re there, see the medieval castle where every September, Ludlow Food Festival is held. In Hereford you can view the Mappi Mundi and the Chained Library at the Cathedral or browse the quirky shops in the Independent Quarter.
Take the little ones to say hello to the animals at the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre less than 30 minutes drive away, plan a trip to Symonds Yat to see the wonders at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, enjoy a cruise on the River Wye, go paddleboarding or canoeing; take your binoculars and see if you can spot the peregrine falcons that nest in the cliffs. Wherever you go, whatever you do, even if you don’t go anywhere at all, your stay at Dovesway will be one you’ll never forget – for all the right reasons.