We cannot believe that Christmas is just around the corner and that we will soon be saying goodbye to such a glorious autumn! The countryside has been an amazing riot of colours with the good weather we have enjoyed in spades, here in Herefordshire.

Life on the estate now gets ready for winter, and we look forward to much revelry as people join us in the holiday cottages for the Christmas period. There is so much to do locally as long as you are prepared for the weather, as they say there is never bad weather, just bad clothes!

For those that enjoy the outdoors the nearby mountains, from Hay across to the Black Mountains stretching into Wales, make for great walking terrain. The views are spectacular and the cafes of Hay-On-Wye are a must visit, to warm you back up after a bracing ascent to the top of Hay Bluff!  

Nearby Hereford is great for enjoying a spot of Christmas shopping, and we would recommend stopping at a great artisan burger bar - The Burger Shop, where you can enjoy delicious locally sourced food served with a smile! For those of you staying with friends, The Shack Revolution is the place to visit. Owned by a local farming family, their cocktails are renowned and can certainly get a party started. And for those who want something a little more sedate, Castle House next to the architectural beauty of the Herefordshire Cathedral, provides a tranquil and classy atmosphere to sample local cuisine at a really high standard.

If I have whetted your appetite, we have some late availability on several of the cottages, particularly for mid week, so do get in touch with our Guest coordinator Sarah on 01544 340241.

Whatever you are doing over Christmas, we hope you have fun and if you are stuck for gift ideas, there is always my delicious Cassis ( www.britishcassis.co.uk) to share with friends. Sorry for the shameless pitch!

Best regards,

Jo