Local Activities near The Cider Mill
The holiday cottage itself has a super large garden where you can enjoy quality time together – and maybe a spot of al fresco dining. But when you want to get out and about, there’s so much to see, do and explore in the Wye Valley and surrounding area. Here are just some ideas to help you start planning your stay.
Walk the Wye Valley
For walkers, the Bredwardine to Byford section of the Wye Valley Walk is a relatively easy, 4.75-mile (7.6 km) walk, taking approximately 2 hours to complete. It passes through scenic rural landscapes, including quiet lanes, orchards, and woodlands. The route features notable landmarks like Bredwardine Bridge, Brobury House and Gardens, and Monnington Walk, an avenue of Scots pine and yew trees.
The Wye Walker provides shorter circular walks along the length of the Wye – and is for those of you who want to do some walking in the country near this beautiful river in shorter bursts, as and when you have time.
Hay Festival
The Cider Mill is a very popular destination for Hay Festival Goers and receives guests from all around the world. Hay Winter Festival takes place from 26th – 30th November 2025 and Hay Literary Festival will take place from 21st – 31st May 2026 and from 27th May – 6th June 2027
River Wye
10 minute walk through the cider apple orchards where you can admire views of the river. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, paddling and swimming available nearby.
Canoeing on the River Wye
Canoeing on the River Wye at nearby Byecross on the other side of the river is very popular with our guests. Book a kayak or canoe from Hereford Kayak Canoe who are experts in these activities and offer a number of packages.
Wild Swimming
There is no direct access to the River Wye in Monnington on Wye. Access can be found at Bredwardine Bridge which is about an hours beautiful walk. Here you can paddle or swim. For expert advice on wild swimming please contact Angela Jones
Fishing on the River Wye
Fishing on the Wye is within walking distance. Bulmers Angling Club offer membership to everyone, see http://www.bulmersanglingclub.co.uk for details.
Getting up close to wildlife in Kington
Wildlife – for younger children, a trip to the Small Breed Centre at Kington is always popular. A great place to see owls, red squirrels, pygmy goats and alpacas close up.
Mountain biking and cycling in the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons
Mountain biking is popular in the Brecon Beacons – you could consider the Taff Trail. There is a purpose built XC ride at Hopton Wood near Ludlow. Or try cycling the Herefordshire Cider Route. Bikes including E Bikes can be hired from Drovers Cycles in Hay on Wye. They will deliver to the house.
Llama trekking in Herefordshire
Guests are loving trekking with the Golden Valley Llamas from Old King Street Farm. A wonderful day out for young and old as you trek through the beautiful Black Mountains in Herefordshire. This activity operates all year round. The llamas like to get out and about and need to be exercised!
Wales’ Premier Award-Winning Indoor and Outdoor training centre
For rainy days you could consider climbing at Llangorse in the nearby Brecon Beacons, which has an indoor and outdoor centre for rock climbing. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced who like a challenge!
Caving, pot holing and gorge walking in the Wye Valley
For those wishing to pursue outdoor activities in the Wye Valley, Herefordshire and Brecon Beacons Life Changing Activities provides instruction on caving, pot holing, gorge walking, raft building, etc.
What’s On
RHS Malvern Spring Festival
7th – 10th May 2026
Festival has plenty of inspiring gardens, spectacular blooms and plenty of ideas to try at home.
Hay Winter Festival
26th – 30th November 2025
Visit this winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer accompanied by carol singing, readings and evening entertainment.
Hay Literary Festival
21st – 31st May 2026
27th – 6th June 2027
A gathering in the staggering beauty of the Brecon Beacons. It attracts writers, film makers, comedians, politicians and musicians to delight and entertain.
Royal Three Counties Show
12th – 14th June 2026
Have a great day out celebrating great British farming and the countryside in the Malvern Hills.
Ledbury Poetry Festival
19th -28th June 2026
This takes place over 10 days. It is the biggest and best poetry festival in the UK featuring poets from all over the world.
Brecon Jazz Festival
Abergavenny Food Festival
The Abergavenny Food Festival is about food! It has been called the Glastonbury of Food Festivals (Observer) and is renowned for its fantastic atmosphere.
Hereford Military History Festival
26th – 28th September 2025
This festival will debut in autumn and will provide a thorough exploration of global military history through a variety of themes, the festival will become a place for intelligent conversations about conflict, and the lessons the past holds for current moment of geopolitical instability.
RHS Malvern Flower Shower
A celebration of food, the countryside and gardening.
Explore The Hereford Mappa Mundi
The Mappa Mundi is in Hereford Cathedral and well worth a visit.
Help create a zero carbon world at The Centre for Alternative Technology
The Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth has lots of activities for younger children and exhibitions about eco building and clean technologies for adults.
Catch at film in a tiny cinema in Hay On Wye
There is a small cinema at the back of Richard Booths Bookshop in Hay on Wye. Book early!
Quad bike across Kingsland, Herefordshire
Quad biking is available at Quad Nation, Kentchurch. Come and explore this spectacular 175 acre woodland site which offers some of the very finest quad biking terrains.
Relax on a spa break at Holmer Park
Health and Beauty Holmer Park and Spa in Hereford offers great treatments and good day packages. Its luxurious Health Club includes a state-of-the-art gym, fitness classes and 20-metre pool.
If you would like your hair doing or a beauty treatment then contact Pure Beauty in Eardisley on 01544 327526.