‘This overlooked county has everything for an affordable half term break’

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Close to the Cotswolds and Wales, the hidden gem of Herefordshire has been steadily upping its offering for all the family and now it’s a great place for all ages to spend a week

The most precious things in life are not things, though try convincing a 9-year-old who’s rattling post Fortnite as you encourage them to “enjoy the scenery”.

Creating special holiday memories can be a thankless task when it comes to kids, leaving you more drained than refreshed when you return home.

Now three kids deep, we’ve explored endless beaches, theme parks, soft plays, nature walks, bike rides and city breaks spanning a decade. We’ve been fortunate to travel, but it’s not been without its challenges, and we frequently find ourselves running out of ideas – and steam.

That’s when you know it’s time to broaden your horizons. The UK has so many overlooked destinations, and one standout is Herefordshire.

As a staunch northerner, finding Herefordshire on a map felt like a game of ‘pin the tail on the donkey.’ But remove the blindfold and you soon realise how well-located it actually is – and for me, less than three hours drive from Manchester.

It’s also less than 90 minutes from the picturesque Cotswolds and the bustling city of Birmingham, and under an hour from Wales. It borders Shropshire to the north, Worcestershire to the east and Gloucestershire to the south-east. In other words Herefordshire is at the heart of so much beauty and adventure for families.

Within the county there are plenty of accommodation options. We found Aymestrey Lodges to be spot-on for our needs – two adults, two children and a baby – offering ample space, nature right outside our door and no more than 30 minutes from most attractions – plus, we had our very own hot tub!

The site features five lodges, each strategically placed for maximum privacy. Our stay in ‘Ash’ was both comfortable and spacious – we even brought along the baby walker, and our little one happily wheeled himself around while we got ready each day.

Aymestrey Lodges also provided an Ikea Antilop high chair – the most reliable and easy high chair that you could wish for (if you know, you know), plus an immaculate travel cot. They really go the extra mile to ensure you feel at home. Each lodge comes with a full kitchen, perfect for those cosy nights in or if, like us, your kids are quite particular about what they eat.

That said, with so much to explore in the county, the lodge served as our sanctuary to unwind between adventures. Families can choose from castles, country parks, a stunning cathedral, and numerous outdoor activities on a daily basis.

The highlight of Herefordshire is the amount of unique experiences it offers. Take the Waterworks Museum, for example – a fascinating place run entirely by knowledgeable volunteers who share insights about giant pumps, engines, and the treatment of our drinking water. It’s a rarity to find an attraction that captivates both a 5-year-old and an 85-year-old!

Another great destination is Hampton Court Castle, which we all loved although the maze is not for the easily panicked (me)! My husband managed to find his way out with our two youngest boys a good 15 minutes before me and our eldest. But certainly if you have the whole day, it’s endless fun.

Once you reach the turret in the centre, you can enjoy a view of the maze and reflect on where you took a wrong turn – something I was all too familiar with. We also explored an underground tunnel that led to a stunning secret waterfall. The Archers of Teme were offering free archery on the day we visited much to my sons’ delight, but even without that, there’s plenty to keep you busy with the adventure playground, beautifully maintained gardens, a riverside walk, and of course, the maze itself. On a sunny day, packing a picnic and finding a spot by the massive sculptural tree stump is a must.

After all that outdoor fun, shopping along the renowned Drapers Lane in Leominster is a real treat. Although there were roadworks during our visit, it’s easy to see how this shopping area is unique, with countless antiques, auction houses, and intriguing window displays.

For those who appreciate great cafes and restaurants, Hereford boasts a delightful mix of modern eateries and traditional dining. Leaven Pizza (home to the best tiramisu bar none) and The Burger Shop (which could easily be at home in Manchester’s Northern Quarter) are both wonderful surprises. I expected only traditional pubs and quaint tea rooms, but Herefordshire has much more to offer – further proving it’s on the up as a destination for both visitors and locals.

Back out in Aymestrey and just a short walk from our lodge is The Riverside at Aymestrey, offering fine dining at its best. With an on-site kitchen garden, you can see the ingredients growing before enjoying seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Many fine dining spots can be unwelcoming to young children, but The Riverside was incredibly accommodating. The kids declared their sausages “mmmm, very good,” which is high praise from a 9-year-old.

Finally, no trip to Herefordshire – known as the orchard county – would be complete without sampling the local cider or my new favourite, perry (pear cider).

Newton Court in Leominster is the perfect place for this. The family-run farm features a shop, visitor centre, and café that could rival any National Trust location. Owner Paul Stephens, personally conducts orchard tours, taking you from tiny pip to the first sip and concluding with a ploughman’s lunch and your choice of cider or fresh apple juice for the kids. With fun games like Giant Connect Four, local artwork for sale, and even the family dog to greet you, it’s a wonderfully varied and truly local experience.

With school-aged kids, it can feel like every other week is a half term, and the long summer break is always just around the corner. Choosing a holiday destination that suits all can often leave you feeling uninspired as well as short on cash.

Yes, it is tempting to book Center Parcs for the fifth consecutive year or return to that familiar all-inclusive resort in Spain. But if you’re craving a different affordable adventure that’s closer to home, this recent family holiday was special; no one reached for their devices on the journey home. And in today’s world, that in itself is a rare and wonderful thing.

Book the holiday

• A four-night stay during October 2024 half term at Aymestrey Lodges costs from £400 (this includes the special 20% mid-week October discount for Beech which is a two bedroom cabin sleeping four and including a hot tub) www.aymestreylodges.co.uk
• Waterworks Museum costs £6.50 for adults and is free for kids under 16 (open Tuesdays and some Sundays)
• Hampton Court Castle costs £29 for a family ticket to the gardens (2 adults and 3 kids)
• Leaven Pizza – pizzas from £7.50
• Burger Shop – classic Hereford beef burger costs £11 with kids burgers from £7
• Newton Court Cider Tours cost £25 including a tour, tasting and ploughman’s lunch. For under 18s accompanying adults the cost if £15 for the tour, apple juice tasting and a ploughman’s lunch.

More info at www.visitherefordshire.co.uk