The Area in & Around Eastnor
The Castle grounds and Eastnor Deer Park If you have some time on the day, you’re very welcome to explore the castle grounds. There are woodland paths, lakeside views and plenty of quiet corners to wander at your own pace. Directly opposite the castle is Eastnor Deer Park, a large historic area of open parkland that’s ideal for a gentle walk. You’ll often spot red deer roaming freely, and there are footpaths that link into the surrounding countryside.
Ledbury Nice nearby market town, small independent shops, cafés and pubs. Easy to wander around, with a mix of local food shops, bookshops and places to stop for a coffee or lunch. A good place to stay overnight - as we have a free shuttle booked from the castle to the center of town after the wedding.
Malvern Hills Nearby hiking area if you fancy getting outside. There are loads of walking routes, from short, easy ones to longer hill walks with big views across the area. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped town.
Ross-on-Wye and the Wye Valley A riverside town with walks along the Wye and lots of ways to be on or near the water (canoeing, paddleboarding, etc). There are also plenty of pubs and cafés around for afterwards.
Hereford, Creswell
Hereford Hereford is best known for its cathedral, which houses the Mappa Mundi, a remarkable medieval world map. Beyond that, the city has a relaxed feel, with riverside walks along the Wye, antique shops, museums and a good range of cafés and restaurants. Would highly recommend walking in the black mountains, Craswall.
Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye. Hay is great. We’ve stayed here a bunch of times - its really great. Endless independent bookshops, vintage/antique stores etc. The River Wye runs through it where you can book Kayaks/Canoes for the day.
Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons National Park If you’re making a proper weekend of it, the Brecon Beacons are a bit further but well worth it. The Pen y Fan Horseshoe is a classic 11km loop that takes in the three highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons. Alternatively there’s point-to-point, iron-man, vertical limit, or if you’re really hardcore, go to the Elan valley. The Cwm Llwch Horseshoe is another 11km circular walk and one of the quieter, more scenic ways to reach Pen y Fan. The route passes waterfalls and a glacial lake before climbing onto ridgelines and summiting Corn Du and Pen y Fan. The Carmarthenshire Fans via Nant-y-Llyn is a longer 16km loop and a full day’s walk, taking in waterfalls, flat-topped mountains and two glacial lakes. The Elidir Trail is an easy 5km woodland walk following a path past waterfalls.