According to the famous line in Lerner and Loewe’s song from My Fair Lady, “In Hertford, Hereford, and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen”. But it does sometimes rain!
And when it comes to a short break in the UK, the only thing that’s guaranteed is the unpredictable weather. Luckily, Herefordshire has plenty of fun things to do with the whole family if the weather is just a little less than perfect.
If you are looking for ways to entertain the kids during your stay at Monnington House, here are our top 7 child friendly activities to try out when it’s raining in Herefordshire:
1. Choose from 16 flavours at Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream… Nothing’s more synonymous with a British getaway than ice cream.
For a delicious holiday treat, head down to Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour, which is just a short drive from Monnington House, in nearby Hay-on-Wye.
A family-favourite destination for over 30 years, their tasty treats are fresh, healthy and made using whole sheep’s milk.
There are loads of yummy ice cream flavours to sample, ranging from mint choc chip to Lebanese coffee – can you try them all? They serve scrumptious hot lunches and drinks throughout the day too; the perfect excuse to get cosy inside when it’s raining!
2. Bowl a strike in the MFA in Hereford
Nothing beats a spot of tenpin bowling on a rainy day. Only a 20 minute drive from Monnington House in Hereford is MFA Bowl Tenpin Bowling.
With plenty of lanes, retro arcades and American-style food to enjoy, a couple of hours will soon turn into a whole day.
There is also an all-weather golf course involving 12 holes of fun, themed rounds, where you and your family can tee-up your skills and have a great time putting against each other.
3. Scale new heights at Green Spider Climbing
Whether you are new to climbing or a seasoned Spiderman, Green Spider Climbing, billed as Hereford’s premier climbing and bouldering venue, offers the perfect opportunity to burn off some energy.
With over 200 roped routes and 60 boulder problems to solve, there’s more than enough to keep the little ones entertained.
The friendly staff are on hand to help them at every step of their climb, and if you would prefer to sit back and relax then why not head to the Green Spider cafe for a delicious cup of Fairtrade coffee and a slice of cake?
4. All aboard the Dean Forest Railway!
If you want to get out and explore but would rather not get soaked, then hop aboard the Dean Forest Railway.
Offering a fun 4.5 mile ride through the magical Forest of Dean in the Wye Valley, there are 5 stops in total offering so much to see and do, from the Norchard railway museum to an array of charming country pubs where you can enjoy a hearty pub lunch. Delicious!
5. Throw a pot at Eastnor Pottery
Located in the Country Estate of Eastnor Castle, Ledbury’s Eastnor Pottery gives you the chance to create wonderful pottery and clay creations that you and your family will cherish forever.
With a whole menu of projects on offer, including adorable pinch pot animals and a taster on the potter’s wheel (so much fun – if a little messy!), unleash your inner artist and have loads of fun trying something new!
6. Visit the Small Breeds Farm at Kington
The Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in Kington is just 4 miles away from Monnington House and such a crowd pleaser, whatever the weather.
It has been welcoming visitors since 1991 to share its wonderful collection of miniature, rare and friendly creatures.
Expect to see Pygmy goats, miniature Zebu, the world’s smallest breed of cow as well as the Ouessant, the most diminutive of all sheep from Brittany. Not forgetting miniature horses and donkeys as well as all the British Owls, alongside 27 other spectacular species from around the world!
In very wet weather, animals are displayed under cover. There is also wheelchair access to all areas of the farm, with free mobility scooter loan on site.
7. Make the most of Monnington House
Who doesn’t love a bit of home baking when it’s miserable outside? A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to create some delicious treats with the little ones.
And Monnington House’s kitchen is extremely well equipped with a 4-door Aga plus 2 electric ovens, so there’s more than enough space to let their creativity run wild!
Why not organise your very own junior Great British Bake Off? Here’s a really easy recipe for chocolate crispy cakes which always go down well. Wonderful for entertaining little ones at home when you would rather stay cosy and warm indoors!
Alternatively, Monnington House has a table tennis room and a games room, complete with pool table and table football. Ideal entertainment for all ages on a rainy day.
