Paul’s guidebook

There is lots to see and do in Herefordshire, but you might just want to relax and do nothing in the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy the private garden area at the side of the conservatory. You can access a public footpath via two stiles in the paddock at the rear of the property that runs across the surrounding fields or if you feel like a 30 minute gentle stroll around the top of this historic hill, simply walk 100 metres out through the front gates and you will find a path on your left that leads onto the top of the hill. It is very beautiful and peaceful. The path will lead you all the way around the top in a complete circle. If you are an early riser, the sunrise directly through your bedroom window is often breath taking. An equally spectacular sun set is visible if you take a five minute walk to the top of the woods. A 5 minute drive will get you to the Tesco Express (38 Holme Lacy Road, Hereford, HR2 6BY), or if you need a larger choice of groceries, another 3 minutes down the road will take you to a large Asda store on the edge of Hereford City (Belmont Road, Hereford, HR2 7JE). There is also a Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons in Hereford. You may like to arrange an online delivery prior to your stay. If you would like to spend a relaxing day at the Historic Grade I Listed Holme Lacy House, this is just a 5 minute drive away, where you might enjoy a massage or beauty treatment and a lunch or supper overlooking the magnificent gardens and lake (Tel: 01432 870870). Alternatively, you might like to visit the award winning Holmer Park Spa only 15 minutes drive (Tel: 01432 370 222) Afternoon tea is also available at Holme Lacy House (5 minutes drive - details above); and also at The Castle House overlooking the lake near the Cathedral (Tel: 01432 356321) only 10 minutes drive. A 7 minute drive will get you to Left Bank Village which has many different versatile and quirky spaces, including beautiful river terrace floors which overlook the glorious River Wye, Hereford's only exclusive rooftop cocktail bar, Charles' Bar, with The Boiler Room, which is the Charles' Bar private dancefloor. It is also home to Hereford's only underground night club, The Speakeasy. To the rear of The Left Bank Village, you'll find the De Koffie Pot cafe-bar,  with a contemporary art gallery. Also overlooking the central riverside courtyard is the Grade II listed Gwynne House. (Tel: 01432 357753) Hereford itself has the Cathedral which houses the famous Mappa Mundi. There are lots of interesting shops especially in Church Street, which you can access through an archway to the left side of Marks and Spencer. Below are two links to restaurants in Hereford town centre (about 10 minutes drive): https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g186302-Hereford_Herefordshire_England.html ‪https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=list+of+resteraunts+in+hereford+town+centre&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari‬ ‪There are a number of restaurants close to the Cathedral, including Ask and Pizza Express, The Bookshop, a coffee shop and bistro in the church. Further into the town centre ‬Ellie Gouldings' brother is the chef at Gilbies Bar and Bistro. A five minute walk from the city centre to the north will take you to a recent contemporary shopping centre at The Old Market with Next, Debenhams, TK Max and a cinema. There are 7 restaurants which include Miller & Carter, Frankie & Bennies, Nandos, The Beefy Boys, Zizzies and Wildwood Kitchen. Kayaking and canoeing is available (approximately 10 minutes) away at the Left Bank Canoe Hire, HR4 9DG, on the River Wye. Tel: 01432 264807 Next to the river is De Koffee Pot if you would like lunch. There is also Hereford Canoe Hire, HR1 4LP. Tel: 01432 873020 Out into the surrounding countryside there are several pubs, most of which serve food. Three places we can recommend are: The Lough Pool at Sellack. HR9 6LX  Tel. 01989 730888 The Butchers Arms at Woolhope. HR1 4RF  Tel. 01432 860281 The Cottage of Content at Carey. HR2 6NG  Tel. 01432 840242 These all have a great atmosphere and serve excellent food. You will need to book a table in advance if you want to eat. High Town Taxis knows where we are located . Tel: 01432 354 321   Further afield, by car you could visit: Eastnor Castle    40 mins drive. The Malvern Hills   50 mins drive Ludlow   55 mins drive Hay on Wye   1 hour drive Back at home, there is complementary tea, coffee, milk, sugar, biscuits and filtered water. There will also be bread, butter, milks and eggs. If you prefer either filtered or espresso coffee then please make use of the coffee machines provided. If you want to light the wood burning stove in the conservatory and snuggle down for a cosy evening, lighting it is fool proof, and we have left instruction on the kitchen work surface - firelighters, kindling, coal and logs provided. There is also a BBQ and charcoal on the shelf by the window, at the far end of the gym, for your use.