Unusual places to stay in Herefordshire

If you’re planning a domestic holiday this summer, why not book somewhere unusual to stay? There are many unusual places to stay in Herefordshire – we’re talking luxury glampsites and vintage caravans, centuries-old houses and llama farms. After all, staying somewhere quirky makes for a fun experience! Herefordshire is an ideal place to base yourself if you’re looking for sustainable stays or off-grid options; there are mountains to trek, riversides to amble along and woodland trails to navigate. Continue reading and discover your next unusual stay in Herefordshire:

Stay in a hop kiln at Wall End Farm

Situated near a working farm on the North Herefordshire/South Shropshire border, Wall End Farm Holiday Accommodation is one of the most idyllic places to stay in Herefordshire. There are three accommodation types to choose from – each with its own accolades – and is a perfect choice for those looking for going back-to-basics with a touch of modernity.

Consider the Hop Kiln, for example, which sleeps up to four guests. This self-contained property has been renovated so you can enjoy traditional features, such as exposed beams and brickwork, tied in with modern additions including luxury toiletries and stylish fittings. The Hayloft is a similar story, and accommodates two guests – perfect for couples looking to escape reality. Better still, you can book both together for a group of six guests. The last holiday retreat that Wall End Farm offers is the Farmhouse, which sleeps two and, as well as its own en suite, even has its own sitting room.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, the result is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Nearby surroundings offer a variety of activities, including walking, cycling, tennis and fishing. Stop off at a country pub or village tearoom to round off this ultimate Herefordshire experience.

Stay on a llama farm at Old King Street Farm

Sharing a space with llamas? Old King Street Farm is definitely one of the more unusual places to stay in Herefordshire. But that’s what they’re all about; its two holiday cottages are located on a quiet road on a llama farm. It goes without saying that while you’re here, you should head out on a llama trek – these friendly, curious creatures are the perfect hosts to show you around the village of Ewyas Harold.

The five-star Cider House sleeps two and boasts a large double antique brass bedstead, en-suite bathroom (shower and roll-top bath included) and a relaxing living area. The four-star Pomona Cottage sleeps up to four guests with a large double bedroom and a twin bedroom, and includes a shower room, kitchen/dining room and separate living room. Pomona Cottage is a great option for those with accessibility requirements as it is all located on the ground floor (excluding the double bedroom). If you’re a larger group looking to stay here, you can rent both houses together to sleep up to six guests.

Away from the farm, you can stop off at the village’s chip-shop (a must-try), take the long-distance Herefordshire Trail or explore the 12 acres of paddocks and woodland. It’s easy to spend a full week exploring the countryside – and who wouldn’t want to befriend a llama in the process?

Stay in a former train station at Rowden Mill Station

Head back to yesteryear at Rowden Mill Station, one of the quirkiest places to stay in Herefordshire. Rowden Mill Station was first built in the 1890s, and while it’s outwardly been charmingly restored to its original specifications, internally it is now fully equipped for modern living.

The rooms are still delightfully named after train themes. The Station Building sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, with a wood-burning stove in the lounge, kitchen and family bathroom. The highlight of this room is its canopy which stretches over the platform; sit here with a coffee and marvel at the incredible countryside views. A little further along the station is the Parcel Office, a self-contained space with an en-suite bathroom, wood-burning stove and kitchen facilities, plus its very own home-cinema.

This is a great place to base yourself if you’re planning on exploring the Malvern Hills and the Wye valley. The nearby historic town of Hereford and the ‘Black and White’ villages around Leominster are also well worth seeing. Or if you’d rather tuck into fine food and drink, Bromyard is a 5min drive away where you can take a cider and perry-making trail.

Immerse yourself in ancient woodland at Rapids Cottage

Connect with Mother Nature with a stay at Rapids Cottage. This self-catering cottage is the ultimate place to stay in Herefordshire for rural romantics looking to unwind. While the cottage itself was built in the late nineteenth-century, it has a Scandi-style interior with comfortable sofas, warming log burners and plenty of rustic charm. You can end each day with a relaxing dip in your very own hot tub.

You’ll truly feel you’re at the heart of tranquil nature here; sip tea on the master bedroom balcony and watch the local wildlife, follow one of the cycling trails through the Wye Valley or give water sports a go. Local inns and tearooms are peppered along the riverside, making for a perfect respite during a long walk.

Featuring superior scandi style interiors, the enchanting décor in soft delicate hues reflects the tranquillity of nature. It’s a great place to feel totally off-grid; but just in case of emergencies, there is free wi-fi available...

Stay in an earth sheltered lodge (or Hobbit House!) in Toad Hall

Toad Hall is a self-catering accommodation that is truly one of a kind; it’s affectionately known as Hobbit House, which is why its setting and interior may feel familiar! This earth-sheltered lodge looks similar to the ‘Hobbitons’ houses in New Zealand used for filming in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Thankfully, you don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to experience this once-in-a-lifetime stay; you only need to venture as far as Pembridge in North Herefordshire. The place is decked out with three bedrooms (x1 double, x1 twin, x1 bunkbed), two showers/toilet rooms and a fully fitted modern kitchen. Guests can also enjoy air conditioning, free wi-fi and free parking. Children and dogs are also welcome!

That’s not all – venture outside to enjoy your very own patio area which comes with a firepit and barbecue. It’s perfect for those balmy evenings with good food and company, before gazing up to watch the stars shine overhead.

Toad Hall is quite a cosy affair – think wooden furnishings and round door frames – but there’s plenty of other things to do to help you spread out. On-site amenities include a shared playframe, a games room, a fishing lake, woodland walks and mountain bike trails.

Stay in a vintage caravan with Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans

Choose Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans for a natural, authentic stay in the countryside, with its glampsite nestled in a wildflower meadow. It provides fine views over the Wye Valley to the Black Mountains.

You can stay in one of three vintage vans which are all decked out with a rustic feel; there are wood-burning stoves, vintage quilts and feather duvets and pillows. Or, if the campervan life isn’t for you, a short walk from the glampsite is the Hayloft, a nineteenth-century building that has been lovingly restored and refitted with an upcycled, contemporary feel.

Buy local produce (sausages, bacon, farm eggs, burgers) and cook over the campfire, or start the day listening to the birdsong with a cup of freshly ground coffee. Of course, its setting practically demands you explore the nature here, with mature trees, dappled light and wildflowers to be enjoyed.

They make every effort to embrace sustainability and environmentally-friendly methods; their shared shower stack is made from upcycled materials, their mess tent offers a wild dining experience and you can even sample their very own cider, made from apples from their orchard.

Stay in a tipi in an orchard at White House Farm

Nestled along the banks of the River Rye, White House Glamping is made up of six tipis in the old apple orchard of White House Farm. Each tipi can accommodate up to five guests (with one smaller one for four guests), making it the ideal option for friend- and family-getaways.

Inside each tipi you can expect the basic (but extremely cosy) necessities such as comfy linen. There’s a separate kitchen area, firepits, toilets and showers. Another great thing about this site is that it’s totally off-grid – which means no wi-fi! If you’re looking for a stay with a difference, make sure you book with White House Glamping. Embrace the lack of digital devices by roasting marshmallows over the campfire, cook up a storm on the barbecue or settle down for the evening with a good book. Drivers can enjoy free parking and there’s even an electric car charging point.

Daytime activities range from swimming, canoeing and fishing. Thanks to its setting, there are plenty of invigorating local walks and the site also offers farm tours which makes for a pleasant local experience.

Stay in a hand-crafted yurt in an orchard at Dragon Orchard Retreat

For an out-of-the-ordinary stay, why not sleep over in a hand-crafted yurt? Situated on Dragon Orchard Retreat in Ledbury, you can choose from a studio apartment – Dragon Nest – or a yurt in the centre of the orchard.

There’s a real focus on detaching from your usual routine and reconnecting with nature; you’re encouraged to embrace the space you’re in, immersed in the trees and soaking up the natural cycle of the seasons, in order to leave you feeling more energised in both body and spirit.

You might want to opt for a few nights (there’s a two-night minimum stay) to really make the most of your time. Yurts include a double bed and a pull-out sofa bed, a wood stove burner and simple storage spaces. Enjoy free and private parking, as well as a secure cycle storage for those who wish to explore further out.

Children and dogs are also welcomed; with no-wifi, it’s a fab spot to reconnect with nature, enjoy the great outdoors and feel the undeniable magic that comes with a stay here.

Enjoy a real farm holiday at Drovers Rest

Gets hands on with a real farm holiday at Drovers Rest. We’re talking animal encounters, campfires, feast nights, workshops and more. This organic farm is nestled in the foothills of the Black Mountains, in the Golden Valley on the border of Wales. Once a place where locals used to rest with their stock on their way down to the London markets, today the site has a more laid back vibe.

While its accommodation is award-winning, it isn’t all about image; it’s about getting stuck in, too. Book onto their Epic Events & Workshops or Food Nights & Sunday Lunches to connect with the site and feast on organic, seasonal produce.

There are individual units available to stay in, or for larger groups you can book the entire site (seven glamping tents and three cottages). Those with accessibility requirements can enjoy a range of facilities, with free, private parking available. There’s also an on-site cafe and free wi-fi so you can check in with the real world when you want; but with so much going on, chances are you won’t feel the need to check your phone!

Go glamping and camping on the banks of River Wye

This riverside bolthole is one of the coolest, most unusual places to stay in Herefordshire, UK. Whitney Bridge is one of only eight privately owned toll bridges left in the UK, with its seriously snazzy pods overlooking the banks of the River Wye.

This is the place to come for a riverside adventure made up of glamping, camping, canoeing, and fishing, ideal if you're combining your stay with some of the top things to do in Herefordshire. When evening comes, or if it’s a rainy day, you can curl up with a good book or watch a film on television. Each pod is decorated with modern fittings and furnishings, with double beds and bunk beds.

In terms of facilities, there’s an on-site restaurant and café, as well as a separate drying room and your very own private outdoor space (patio or garden). If you’re ready for the ultimate cosy staycation, look no further than Whitney Bridge.

Enjoy a rural retreat at Nature’s Nest

Looking to get away from light pollution and road noise? Consider booking a staycation with Nature’s Nest, where you can fully relax in an area of outstanding beauty. This scenic spot will give you ultimate glamping vibes: their luxury tents include bathrooms, kitchen, wood burner, mains electricity, wi-fi and even a hot tub.

Once you’ve made the most of your luxury tent, you can explore further out with private access to the River Wye. Here you can hire a boat (or bring your own!), buy a fishing pass or simply don your walking boots to trek through the natural beauty of the area. With the chirping of birdsong, the trickling of the riverstream and your boots clomping through the grass, you’ll be ready for another alternative staycation in Herefordshire in no time.

This article was written in partnership with Visit Herefordshire.