Hay-on-Wye (twinned with Timbuktu)
Avid readers and book enthusiasts will be in heaven on a visit to nearby Hay-on-Wye. Famous for being the ‘town of books’, most of the shops are book specialists and there are good antique shops, clothes shops and restaurants as well. The dramatic panoramic beauty of Hay Bluff is a 10 minute drive from the centre and Hay is about a 40 minute drive from The Bell.
The Hay Literary Festival held in May/June has become legendary with famous authors and speakers including Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu, Stephen Fry and more. This article sums up the whole 10 days perfectly. www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/articles/hay-festival-how-to-get-tickets-advice-guide/.
Click here for more information
We are fortunate to have many beautiful gardens close to The Bell. Some run very interesting courses and many of the ‘pupils’ stay at The Bell and then drive there.
Growing in the Border Garden Courses – NP7 8UB Practical horticultural courses and talks at the nearby Blackbrook Estate in Monmouthshire – 2 miles from The Bell. Courses take a hands-on educational approach, teaching people of all gardening abilities. See website for details and dates of their courses, which run from Autumn through to Spring
Kentchurch Court and Gardens – HR2 0DB
Just a 15 minute drive from The Bell, Kentchurch Court is considered to be one of the most important historic houses in England. It is also the ancestral home of the Scudamore family.
Nestling under Garway Hill in the Monnow Valley, Kentchurch Court has been in the Lucas-Scudamore family for almost 1,000 years. The current house dates to the 14th century, although the family can trace its roots to 1042 when Ralph Scudamore came over to Herefordshire from Normandy, building a castle in Ewyas Harold for Edward the Confessor.
Kentchurch Court forms part of a wider estate covering some 5,000 acres. It is first and foremost a family home who are the current custodians from a long line of Scudamores that have lived in this famous house. Whilst still a private estate, the gardens and house are now open to the public on specific days during the year.
The Laskett Gardens – HR2 8HZ
The Laskett Gardens, set in the idyllic countryside of Herefordshire on the Welsh borders, are the creation of Sir Roy Strong CH and his late wife Julia Trevelyan Oman. Uniquely biographical, the gardens depict the lives of Roy and Julia and their deep love for each other. They were begun in 1974 and continue to evolve. The ex-director of the National Portrait Gallery and Victoria & Albert Museum, Sir Roy now pursues a freelance career as writer, consultant and broadcaster and continues an active role in overseeing the gardens, now run by the Perennial Trust charity. See website for details
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/design/33201/the-laskett-gardens-paradise-remade.html
Old Field Forge Courses – Highly recommended
Just a few minutes from The Bell in the village of Garway is the specialist Old Field Forge, dedicated to teaching traditional blacksmithing techniques to create unique ironmongery. The Academy offers 3 or 5 five hour packages, tailored to individual requirements.
Stay at The Bell and attend one of their courses. They have a romantic package where couples can make infinity or wedding rings for each other in iron, chrome gold or silver! For more information contact www.oldfieldforge.co.uk or call 01981 580016
Monnow Events
Monnow Events is in Monmouthshire, close to The Bell, and specialises in a number of outdoor activities including clay pigeon shooting, paint balling parties, quad bikes etc. It caters for groups both large and small.
Call Pam on 01981 580206 01981 580206 for further information. www.monnowevents.co.uk
Canoeing/Kayaking
There are a few companies that rent out canoes/kayaks on the River Wye. It is always a good idea to book in advance.
Contact: Monmouth Canoe Hire
01600 713461/716083
Herefordshire & Borders Canoes & Kayaks
01981 580555 01981 580555 www.hbcanoekayak.co.uk
West Symonds Yat Canoe Hire
01600-891069 01600-891069 / 07860-848136 07860-848136 www.canoehire.com
Wyedene (Symonds Yat East)
01600-890129 01600-890129 www.hay-on-wye.co.uk
Para Gliding, Power Motoring at the Welsh Hang Gliding Centre Abergavenny
01873 854090 01873 854090 www.welshairsports.com
Dewstow Gardens and Grottoes
01291 430444 01291 430444 www.dewstow.co.uk
Go Ape in the Forest of Dean (ideal for children)
Visit http://goape.co.uk/days-out/forest-of-dean
Tourist Offices
Monmouth 01600-713899 www.monmouth.org.uk
Ross-on-Wye 01989 562768 Herefordshire www.visitherefordshire.co.uk
Hay-on-Wye 01497-820144 01497-820144 www.hay-on-wye.co.uk
Visit Wales 02920 499909 www.visitwales.com
