It took its time, but hopefully the sun is finally here to stay! Our beautiful corner of rural Herefordshire is looking vibrant, and our gardens are full of colour and life. We’re so lucky to be in such a peaceful location, but one which is so well connected to local activities, things to do and places to visit.
If you’re still looking for a summer getaway that will meet the whole family’s needs, come and stay with us this year. As well as our lovely gardens (two whole acres at Monnington House and Garden Cottage, and a safe, enclosed garden at The Cider Mill), games room with pool table and table football, table tennis room, football field* and board games in case the weather is wet, we can recommend all of the activities below, all of which are within 12 miles of Monnington on Wye. Bring up to 24 people and 4 dogs to join in the fun; Monnington House sleeps 12, Garden Cottage sleeps 6 (or combine with Monnington House to sleep 18), and The Cider Mill sleeps 6, all on one level. If your summer dates are flexible this year, take a look to see if we have any last-minute availability, which may come with a discount. Visit our Booking page to check.
Whether you book The Cider Mill for a small group, or take all three properties for a larger crowd, you will find bedrooms each with an ensuite or accompanying bathroom, space to gather together or spread out inside or outside, and kitchens with all the equipment you could need. Both the indoor and outdoor dining areas at Monnington House can seat 24, and although we can provide caterers, with Oakchurch Farm Shop and its butchery, deli, and local fruit and veg just over a mile away, you’ll always have provisions for a picnic, wherever your days take you!
Here are some of our favourite activities and places to visit in the local area …
🚲 Book Drovers Cycles to lead an escorted bike tour around the local villages. Bikes will be provided and the tour starts from our door, so no need to get the car out!
🥾 Walk all or part of our stretch of the Wye Valley Walk (Bredwardine to Byford section). Pick up the route at the end of our drive. Stop at Garden Café at Brobury House and Gardens for brunch, lunch or tea. (2.5 miles on foot, or 3.8 miles by car)
🌹 Explore the National Trust’s Weir Garden and its wildlife, birdlife and historic features. Dogs are welcome to join you. (5 miles)
🛶 Hire a canoe for a full or half day from Hereford Kayak Canoe at Byecross Campsite, and paddle down the Wye taking in the views. (7 miles away)
🎣 Apply via the Fishing Passport and fish for barbel and chub at Sugwas Court. (7 miles)
🏎 Visit Herefordshire Raceway karting track and test your driving skills on their 600 metre race circuit. (8.2 miles)
🗺 View the Mappa Mundi in Hereford Cathedral for a history fix. Great if the weather is a bit wet. (10 miles)
🍄 Spend half a day foraging with Wild Food UK at Drovers Rest organic farm. Your visit includes homemade refreshments such as elderflower champagne or hogweed and wild garlic soup! (10 miles)
🛍 Browse around the bookshops and galleries in Hay-on-Wye, or maybe watch a film at Richard Booth’s Bookshop Cinema. (12 miles)
🎱 Or just relax at home by reading, having a game of football outside or challenging your family and friends to a game of pool or table tennis in our games room (Monnington House only).
If you’d like to book a break this summer or next – our 2025 diary is open – you’ll full accommodation details, availability and a booking form here on our website, and there is much more information about the local area in our new digital guides. Click here for Monnington House and Garden Cottage, and here for The Cider Mill. Please get in touch if you have any questions about our properties or would like to enquire about dates for 2026.
* The games room, table tennis room and football field are only available to Monnington House guests.
