Berrington Hall

The Berrington Estate was purchased from the Cornwall family in 1775 by Thomas Harley, a banker in the City of London. The grounds are by 'Capability Brown. Berrington Hall is set over a beautiful valley. The interior of Berrington Hall has decorated ceilings and fabulous collections of furniture, paintings and everyday items of Victorian life. There is an attractive walled garden.
 
The old saying 'death and taxes' would be quite appropriate for Berrington Hall. In 1957 the property was handed over to the treasury in payment of death duties. Presumably the Treasury, at a loss with what to do with it promptly handed it over to the National Trust. 

For photographs of Berrington Hall & grounds click here or view on You Tube
 

Berrington Hall, Nr Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 ODW. Tel: 01568 615721

Ledbury

Ledbury is a market town in Herefordshire close to the Malvern Hills. It has some beautiful buildings of timber framed design of which the most magnificent is the old Market House.

There are some excellent independent shops and restaurants.

 For photos of Ledbury click here or view on You Tube

Brockhampton Estate

Handed over to the National Trust in 1947, the Brockhampton Estate in Herefordshire still operates traditional farming and has extensive areas of woodland under its control. The park and the woodland makes excellent walking for those who are feeling energetic. 

The Lower Brockhampton House is of late 14th century and a moated manor house. The ruined chapel is interesting and well worth a look round. Woods & Parkland Walks, Tea Room & NT Shop.Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Herefordshire. WR6 5TB. Tel:  01885 488099

For photos of Brockhampton House click here or you can view the photos on You Tube

Ross on Wye

Ross on Wye in Herefordshire is a beautiful market town situated on the River Wye and close to the Forest of Dean. The Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean are popular tourist destinations. The spectacular surrounding countryside and picturesque village atmosphere of Ross on Wye with its impressive 17th century Market Hall is picture postcard material.

Ross on Wye in 1821 consisted of just under 3000 citizens in 600 dwellings. An agricultural community it became an important place for the nearby farms and villages to trade their produce. The Market House still holds markets twice a week. Agriculture still plays an important role today although tourism has become on of the main sources of income for the town.

Wandering around the town you would think that Ross on Wye has a fascination with hedgehogs. This stems from the fact that the Celts invaded Ross on Wye over 1,500 years ago and called the area Ergyng which means Land of the Hedgehog. In Saxon times this was changed to Arkenfeld and later Archenfield.

The River Wye undoubtedly makes the town all the more beautiful. The parkland by the riverbank allows visitors to stroll alongside the river bank and admire its scenery. Ross on Wye is an excellent gateway to the Forest of Dean, The Malverns, Brecon Beacon and the Cathedral cities of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester.

For more photos of Ross on Wye click here or view on You Tube