ANGELA

ANGELA’S SUGGESTIONS FOR DAY TRIPS OUT

1. 1. Goodrich Castle one of the most complete medieval castles in Britain with special audio tour included in the price, then on to Whitchurch and Symonds Yat West (river, boat trips, canoe hire, adventure playground) could also call at The Butterfly Zoo or/and The Amazing Hedge Puzzle beforehand. Then on to Symonds Yat East and The famous Yat Rock, a fantastic vantage point and where you can watch the Peregrine falcons (the fastest birds in the UK!!) through telescopes

2. 2. Either carry on from Symonds Yat Rock or on another day visit The Forest of Dean and the many stopping off places in the forest. The Sculpture Trail commences at Beechenhurst Lodge. (The full Sculpture Trail is about 3.5 miles long, but it can also be explored in a series of shorter distances). Other stopping off places beside water include, Mallard’s Pike, Cannop Ponds or Newent Lake. Hiring cycles from Pedalabikeaway at Cannop Valley is fun for all. I have completed the family cycle path route with my daughters and I am over 50! Dean Forest railway where you can enjoy a steam or classic diesel train ride through the woodlands. Forest Model Village, Clearwell Caves, Puzzle Wood, Dean Heritage Centre and Go Ape, a high wire forest experience for the more adventurous of us! are all amongst other options to visit.

3. 3. Garway Hill Just 20 minutes away, take a good road map and drive part way up a rough track and walk the rest of the way up, take a picnic. Nothing there except a few sheep, horses, peace and quiet and stunning views.

4. 4. Market towns of Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth, Abergavenny, Ledbury and Hereford, with its cathedral which dates from 1079 AD and also houses The Chained Library and Mappa Mundi.

5. 5.Tintern Abbey Cistercian abbey, founded in 1131 in the beautiful Wye valley. Remarkably complete abbey church rebuilt in the later thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, with extensive remains of cloister and associated monastic buildings. The drive from Monmouth to Chepstow via Redbrook, Llandogo and Tintern (A466) is very scenic.

6. 6. The Black and White Village Trail covers 40 miles taking you on a journey through beautiful black and white villages in Northwest Herefordshire. During the route you will pass through the market towns of Leominster, Kington, Eardisland, a very pretty village and Weobley, famed for its crooked medieval buildings, not forgetting Pembridge with the old market square and bell tower.

7. 7. Hay on Wye, The famous town for many, many second hand bookshops. Every year, around 80,000 visitors flock to the town's annual literary festival.A must is to drive from Hay along the unclassified road, signposted Capel y Ffin and Abergavenny. A scenic drive over the Black Mountains, passing through Capel-Y-Ffin and Llanthony where there is a remarkable Augustinian Priory, pony trekking is also available and then drive onwards to Abergavenny.

8. Big Pit ( National Mining Museum of Wales ) Free admission, go 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. Set in scenic countryside in The Brecon Beacons National Park.

9. Hampton Court Gardens, Hampton Court, Herefordshire is a castle on the meadows of the river Lugg, backed by a steep wooded escarpment and surrounded by woodland and grounds of 1,000 acres. Founded by King Henry in the early 15th century the castle has been completely restored. The Van Kampen Gardens at Hampton Court are spectacular and although a recent development, are now receiving national recognition.

There are also numerous churches, Garway, built on the site of a Knight's Templar preceptory, Kilpeck, a gem of romanesque architecture and carving, also castles, Skenfrith remains of an early 13C fortress, set in a picturesque village by the river, Raglan and Eastnor.The National Birds of Prey Centre, Newent. Numerous open gardens and walks in Black Mountains, Brecon Beacon, Malvern Hills, Forest of Dean and many other places of interest to visit.

However take a trip to either Ross-on-Wye or Monmouth Tourist Information Centres for a variety of specialised tourist information catering for your specific interests.

CLICK HERE TO ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT MY "LINKS" PAGE WHERE YOU WILL FIND MORE SPECIALISED VISITS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN ETC.