Local Area
Walking
There are footpaths straight from your doorstep, a selection of leaflets and an Ordinance Survey map are provided in each let.
Shobdon village is a 20 minute walk away and from there you can visit Shobdon Church (listed as one of 100 important churches in England) and Shobdon Arches, and explore Shobdon Hill Wood. A circular walk can be found on the Powys Ramblers website.
Croft Ambrey is an ancient hill fort dating back to 500 AD which can be accessed from Croft Castle. The climb to the top of the Croft gives panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. There is another ancient hill fort at Wapley which is also worth a visit.
Outdoor Activities
Canoeing – is great fun on the River Wye, canoes can be hired from a number of place around Hay-on-Wye.
Wild swimming – The Lugg is a great spot for wild swimming enthusiasts and you can towel off at The Riverside Inn. You can also swim in the Teme at Leintwardine, a lovely spot with an excellent pub, The Lion.
Horse riding – There are two riding centres nearby, Noakes Farm and Riding Wales, both about 20 minutes away, one towards Worcester and one towards Wales.
Oaker Wood Leisure – Local outdoor activity centre where you can try quad-biking, target shooting, raft building and a host of other activities.
Places to visit
Small Breeds Farm and Owl Centre is a good day out, with many rare breed small animals.
Dunkertons Cider for local, award-winning organic cider.
The Workhouse in Presteigne, great cafe and shop selling lovely rugs and textiles.
The Black and White Village Trail – explore the historic villages of the county
Monkland Cheese Dairy, watch the cheese being made and sample your favourites (check website for dairy tour days and times)
Devotees of stately homes will love grand Berrington Hall (NT) and Croft Castle (NT). Hampton Court Castle has gorgeous gardens, maze turrets and tunnels, wonderful grounds and the orangerie restaurant.
Hereford, see the stunning Cathedral and ‘chained library’ containing the famous Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map known to exist.
Elan Valley, 72 square miles of glorious landscapes and historic reservoirs.
Hay-on-Wye, famous for its world renowned annual literary festival and bookshops.
Markets
Ludlow farmers market takes place every other Thursday in the market square.
Ludlow flea market is on the first and third Sunday of every month.
Ludlow general market, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday every week
Leominster has a general market on a Friday in Corn Square.
Eating and drinking
Ludlow is 20 minutes to the North and has many great pubs, restaurants, delis and local suppliers, and an excellent castle!
CSONS at The Green Cafe – Excellent and interesting food served in a beautiful location on the river, booking is advised
Pizza Ten – unusual hand crafted pizzas in a modern atmosphere in a pretty courtyard
Harp Lane Deli – lovely quiches and nibbles and awesome cheese selection
Ludlow Farm Shop – previously voted the best food hall in the country
Prices Bakery – really good artisan breads, cheeses and onion pasties
The Fish House – traditional fishmongers with an informal bar serving fresh seafood with a glass of something refreshing
Leominster
Coffee#1 – good coffee, fresh juices and cakes served in a 15th century Tudor building
Flying Dutchman Cafe – Good value food and generous portions. Daily specials, vegetarian and vegan options always available
Dimarco’s Fish & Chips – Excellent fish & chips and only a ten minute dive away
The Mousetrap Cheese Shop – great selection of cheeses, chutneys, local beers and ciders
Eating and drinking
The Angel in Kingsland – family run pub overlooking the village green which serves quality, pub style food.
The Grange at Mortimers Cross – A 20 minute walk away, The Grange offers good value pub lunches as well as being a cafe and farm shop.
The Riverside in Aymestrey – Sustainable, locally sourced food served in a riverside pub with good walks nearby.
The Lion in Lientwardine – Excellent, locally sourced food, recently named The Best Pub in Shropshire.
The Harp at Old Radnor – Home-cooked food in a lovely old Welsh longhouse inn perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Radnor Valley
The Boot Inn Orleton – A community owned, traditional village pub which serves great food and has a lovely beer garden.
The Cider Barn – near Pembridge is a 450 year old, Grade II listed barn at Dunkertons Cider Mill. Celebrating Herefordshire’s fantastic produce in their excellent food and drink.
On the doorstep
Shobdon Shop and Post Office is 5 minutes by car and has locally-sourced every day provisions.