Top 20 Family Days this Summer
Our top 20 discoveries unveil a tapestry of experiences to be woven in Herefordshire. Trace ancient trails and landmarks, immerse yourself in city life, or seek out rural escapades. Herefordshire invites you to explore, enjoy, and create cherished memories this summer.
CASTLES
Eastnor Castle
Located between Ledbury and Malvern, Eastnor Castle offers activities for all ages, making it perfect for families. Explore the magnificent state rooms with guided tours and enjoy views of the Herefordshire countryside. The castle grounds feature a lake, arboretum, and deer park. Children will love the adventure playground, knight’s maze, obstacle course, and woodland play area. Check out their mainstream events, and children’s activities such as Animal Encounters, Dinosaur Shows, and Circus Skills. Adults can unwind with Mellow Mondays throughout the summer.
For accessibility information, visit here.
Learn more at Eastnor Castle.
Hay Castle
In the heart of Hay-on-Wye and recently redeveloped, Hay Castle offers a blend of ancient and modern architecture. Explore the medieval keep, art gallery, creative workshops, and enjoy the rooftop views of Hay and the River Wye. Discover exhibitions, medieval costumes, the crown jewels of the Independent Kingdom of Hay, and the original Honesty Bookshop. Summer events include Antiques Evaluation days, print clubs, talks, a book fair, creative workshops, outdoor theatre productions and a regular weekly Tuesday evening market.
Accessibility: A lift provides access to all floors except the cellar.
Learn more at Hay Castle.
Ludlow Castle
Explore one of England’s finest medieval ruins in the market town of Ludlow. Join archaeologist Leon Bracelin for tours and enjoy summer concerts with artists like James, Elbow, Anne-Marie, and Madness. Family events include storytelling, outdoor cinema, and living history performances, and September sees the annual Ludlow Food Festival in the Castle grounds.
Find accessibility information here.
Learn more at Ludlow Castle.
Hampton Court Castle
Predating Hampton Court Palace in London, Hampton Court Castle boasts Dutch and sunken gardens, waterfall and aquatic features, and beautiful grounds. Enjoy guided tours of the historically dressed rooms, a castle play area, a yew maze, and the Orangery café and terrace. Look out for family events like The Old Bear’s Nature Trail.
For accessibility information, click here.
Learn more at Hampton Court Castle.
MUSEUMS & LANDMARKS
The Waterworks Museum
This interactive museum on the banks of the River Wye showcases the history of Herefordshire’s water supply with working industrial artifacts. Kids love the Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park, where they can play with full-size mechanical devices and learn, and there are also fun little trails to occupy and educate them. Don’t miss the in-steam days and family fun days, where you can see the machines in action and enjoy a picnic (there is an onsite café with light refreshments too). Explore the additional WW2 bunker and memorabilia too. The museum boasts the UK’s best collection of hot air engines and almost all the machines and pumps are among the last working examples on public display. Families love this hidden gem!
Accessibility: The museum has facilities for visitors with disabilities, check their website or phone ahead.
Learn more at Waterworks Museum.
The Black and White House Museum
Located in Hereford City’s High Town, this distinctive 17C timber-framed building is a showcase of Jacobean life, offering activities, costumes, and memorabilia to capture children’s imaginations. Volunteer-led tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Accessibility: A virtual tour is available on the accessible ground floor.
Learn more at Hereford Museums.
The Museum of Cider
Explore the history of cider-making at Hereford Cider Museum, recently celebrating 50 years with a special exhibition. Built on the original Bulmers site, discover cider mills, presses, and 18C cider flutes of yesteryear and Herefordshire’s apple heritage as it remains the country’s largest cider-producing county. Visit the champagne cider cellars and the cosy tearoom.
For accessibility information, click here.
Learn more at Cider Museum.
Hereford Cathedral
The Cathedral is home to many world treasures including the famous Mappa Mundi ancient world map, and the incredible Chained Library in its atmospherically controlled chamber. Climb the Cathedral tower, through the internal roof areas for panoramic city views, and participate in the Escape Room challenge. Enjoy the Cathedral’s 6 acre waterside grounds and gardens. Explore ancient crypts, marvel at the modern ‘Ascension’ SAS memorial window and more, with a resident tour guide. With an excellent onsite café we recommend taking your time to enjoy every moment. Look out for the many events this summer on their website and Facebook page.
For accessibility information, click here.
Learn more at Hereford Cathedral.
Find more historic and heritage locations on our website here
NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES
Croft Castle, Berrington Hall, The Weir Garden, and Brockhampton Estate
Immerse yourself in history and nature at these National Trust properties; Embattled Croft Castle’s ancient woodlands and hill fort, Berrington Hall’s 18C Henry Holland designed mansion and Capability Brown’s gardens and boating lake, The Weir Garden’s riverside tranquillity and Roman remains, and Brockhampton Estate’s picture postcard medieval manor house. There are plenty of events going on all summer for children and families to get involved in.
Learn more at National Trust Herefordshire.
Discover more country houses to explore on our website here
EXPERIENCES
Eastnor Pottery
Set within the estate of Eastnor Castle near Ledbury, spend a relaxing day or weekend learning pottery on the potter’s wheel. Eastnor Pottery offers remarkable experiences for individuals and groups, working with all ages and abilities, exploring creativity, and sharing the therapeutic benefits of working with clay. Enjoy the warm welcome and great fun in this creative setting, and bring your lunchtime picnic.
Book here: Eastnor Pottery Booking
Oaker Wood Leisure
Deep in rural north Herefordshire, get stuck into activities like paintballing, quad bike trekking, raft building, and high ropes, an Escape Room, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Laser Clay Shooting, the Low Ropes Assault Course, Target Shooting, and hilarious It’s a Knockout in a 175-acre woodland setting. Stay in the glamping village for a memorable family adventure.
Learn more at Oaker Wood Leisure.
Clearwell Caves
Discover the incredible underground world of Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean. Explore tunnels and chambers with rich mining heritage. This underground realm is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, geology and nature lovers alike. Walk the amazing caverns or go deeper into caves and holes themselves. Attend unique events like the Outpost Drive in concert, held 100 feet underground by candlelight!
Accessibility: Pathways are steep and uneven in many areas.
Learn more at Clearwell Caves.
The Viking Games
Experience Nordic games like axe throwing, stige, kubb, bullrings and molkky and archery in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. Prepare yourself for a fun experience that will have you laughing all day and might bring out your competitive side, especially the Viking cosplay photo at the end. There’s only one winner – Shields ready!
Learn more at The Viking Games.
Cup Ceramics
Join pottery sessions at Cup Ceramics in Hereford City. Suitable for beginners and experienced potters, these sessions are led by passionate experts. You can also buy their wares at the onsite shop and enjoy drinks and cake in the café.
Book here Cup Ceramics.
Find more exciting Activities on our website here
DESTINATIONS
Rowlestone Court
Visit Rowlestone Court Farm for over 50 flavours of natural homemade ice cream (in their parlour and café), woodland walks and trails, species-rich flower meadow, adventure play areas and farm animals. You can even camp to extend the fun. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening times and special events including an end of term Pizza & Play.
Learn more at Rowlestone.
The Hop Pocket Shopping Village
Explore 5.5acres of independent shops, a food and wine hall, and a café at Hop Pocket Shopping Village. Discover local produce and gourmet products, gifts and toys, crafts, fashion and homewares. The garden centre comes with expert advice and there is a large children’s play area alongside the welcoming café.
Learn more at The Hop Pocket
Warehouse 701
Discover antiques, retro items, and new modern treasures at Warehouse 701. This 20,000ft² warehouse features themed showrooms and outdoor displays. With reclamation and salvage at its heart an idle browse becomes an inspired creative project by the time you leave. Enjoy refreshments in the glass atrium café.
Full disabled access throughout.
Learn more at Warehouse 701.
Labels Shopping
With over 100 brands under one roof, offering something for everyone: women’s, men’s, home & garden, food, travel and gifts, a trip to this stalwart shopping village on the edge of Ross-on-Wye is well worth a visit. Theres a café and a deli to grab a bite to eat and plenty of films showing at The Gateway Cinema (which can also be hired for private events). Feeling energetic? Check out the state-of-the-art gym, 21 Wellbeing, where you can just drop in without membership. Look out for planned events on their website and book for ‘Chocolate Restaurant’ Escape Room fun.
The site is fully accessible
Learn more at https://www.labelsshopping.co.uk/
Find more wonderful destinations under Things To Do on our website here
ANNUAL EVENTS
Hereford Indie Food Festival
Celebrate local food and drinks at this four day urban festival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend in Hereford City Centre. With street food, music, and produce, enjoy performances by Gabrielle, Lottery Winners, Feeder, and Newton Faulkner as well as a mix of bands and DJ sets planned to wow the crowds. Attracting over 7000 people over the weekend, this amazing street party, also taking in the local restaurants owned by A Rule of Tum, has established itself as one of Hereford’s key events.
Get your tickets at Hereford Indie Food.
Down on the Farm Music Festival
Join the party at Gwatkin Cider’s Down on the Farm Festival from 9-11 August with live bands and idyllic rural surroundings. This year celebrates the tenth Gwatkin Cider’s Down on the Farm Festival, which started out as a one day event, and has now expanded to three full days of family party fun! Camping available.
Book tickets here Down on the Farm Festival.
Find more fantastic events for Summer 2024 and beyond on our BIG What’s on page which is updated daily.
We hope these suggestions inspire you to explore Herefordshire this summer. For more ideas, visit Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire.
For great places to eat in Herefordshire, click here.
For perfect places to stay in Herefordshire, click here.
For amazing places to enjoy in Herefordshire, click here.