12 Unplugged Summer Adventures
Switch off from the everyday this Summer Holidays
With schools breaking up on Friday, July 18th, you might be on the lookout for ways to fill your days over the Summer Holidays. Prepare to unplug from everyday life, switch off your devices and spend time enjoying the great outdoors with our edit of terrific events and activities listed below (even more options can be found on our What’s On page here).
Medieval Themed-Fun at Croft Castle
Croft Castle's Summer of Play is taking a Medieval turn for 2025 and the line up is full of interactive activities that aspiring little knights and princesses alike will love. Themed activity zones on the lawn will bring legend, folklore and history to life and offer a unique way to kids to learn through play. The line-up includes 'have-a-go' archery, traditional weaving session, medieval dress-up and cooking, story telling, pottery and heaps more.
Farm Safari Sleepovers at Drovers Rest
Nestled at the foothills of the Black Mountains, just outside of charming border town of Hay-on-Wye is Drovers Rest, a 16th-century farmstead set in 200 acres of idyllic fields and woodland. Get hands-on with guided animal safaris, help feed the farm's friendly residents, or embrace your wild side with a campfire experience, toasting s'mores under the stars. After all that outdoorsy action, there's a full bar for cocktails at sundown. Accommodation options include a cottage, bell tents and luxury safari tents (they're dog friendly-too!).
Young Off Roader Experience at Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle is less than three miles from the market town of Ledbury and their Land Rover Experience is a Summer Holidays must-do for tweens and teens. Young adventurers aged 11-17 can tackle the estate's challenging terrains and obstacles – from grass tracks and steep inclines to thrilling water crossings – during an unforgettable 60-minute 'Young Off-Roader' experience. With a personal expert instructor by their side, even first-time drivers will discover their inner off-road champion.
Whilst you’re there, enjoy Eastnor’s beautiful lakeside walks, the Knight’s Maze, the Junior Obstacle Course, adventure playground, woodland play area, rope swings and the stunning castle itself. Visitors are invited to bring picnics or eat in the Castle Tea Room.
There are also exciting events happening throughout summer, from dragon-themed crafts and a Dino upROAR extravaganza, to Bush Craft Skills and interactive circus fun! Even the littlest drivers (ages 3+) can join the action, driving replica 'little' Land Rover Defenders on a special course in the castle grounds.
A couple of great places to stay in the area include the cabins or camping at Cwtch Cabins near Much Marcle or the Feathers Hotel at Ledbury.
Falconry Fun at Hampton Gardens
If you're looking for a wholesome, fun-filled family day out this Summer, Hampton Gardens is the place. There's loads for little adventurers and garden lovers alike to explore - from Victorian walled gardens and stunning water features to a 1,000-yew tree maze and hidden waterfall pathway. They have an excellent line-up of events running right through the Summer Holidays, including their much-loved Falconry Sundays, where stunning birds of prey soar saw and swoop into the skies right before your eyes - a real spectacle.
Pet the Animals at Small Breeds Farm Park
There are always plenty of youngsters to meet at Small Breeds Farm Park – perhaps you'll get chance to cuddle a goat kid or two, a baby donkey and or some owlets. Get in the pens with the friendly pygmy goats and feed them, watch the red squirrels scurry around and gaze at the 30+ species of owl. There are lots of open spaces and a small café for refuelling too!
Drift Downstream on the Wye
Embark on a multi-day canoe adventure on the stunning River Wye with Hereford Canoe Hire, offering incredible half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, complete with riverside camping. We particularly love the sound of their three-night trip, which sees adventurers float 28 miles (with some effort on your part, of course!) from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye, overnighting at beautiful campsites like Lucksall and Tresseck. All transfers are handled, making this a truly unique and effortless escape.
Forge Magic at Oldfield Forge
Fascinated by history and getting creative with your hands? An experience day at Oldfield Forge should be on your Herefordshire wish list. These brilliant interactive experiences teach the age-old art of blacksmithing and are suitable for ages 7+. From mastering basic forge techniques to crafting a unique, Harry Potter-inspired wand, a formidable dagger, or even a mighty sword – there's an adventure for every aspiring blacksmith! Bespoke packages can also be arranged.
Extend your visit with a stay at the charming Kilpeck Inn.
Step Back in Time at Brockhampton
Located just outside of Bromyard, Brockhampton is a magnificent medieval manor house and this Summer marks celebrates its 600th anniversary. That means a calendar jam packed with special events perfect for families seeking a fun-filled day out. Borrow a free balance bike, let the kids run wild on the natural play trail, and enjoy classic lawn and garden games. All 'Summer of Play' activities are included with normal admission – making it an ideal, fun-filled day out!
If you're looking for somewhere to stay nearby, Puddlestone Court is a great spot. Their luxury cottages all have private indoor pools, or access to a shared pool, as well as hot tubs and saunas.
Adrenaline Boosting Activities at Oaker Wood
Nestled within the picturesque woodlands just outside Leominster, Oaker Wood is an acclaimed outdoor activity and glamping centre designed to deliver unforgettable experiences for all ages. Activities offered include Paintballing, Quad Trekking, High Ropes, Rafting, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Laser Clay Shooting, a Low Ropes Assault Course - the list goes on!
Parents can choose to drop children off for a full day of activities or book a Family Day Experience to participate together. School Holidays Activity Days are available for 7-11s and 11-16 year olds.
The Viking Games in the Golden Valley
Home to an exhilarating range of Viking-inspired group activities, Viking Games is the place to channel Nordic gamesmanship outdoors with the family. Take part in one or all of six traditional games - Axe Throwing, Archery, Paintballing, Laser Clays, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige - adapted for twenty-first century fun and guaranteed to bring out the Viking warrior in all of us! There are options for those aged 8+.
Join the Dig at The Weir Garden
A Festival of Archaeology is landing at The Weir Garden this Summer. Aspiring excavators can watch the pros and volunteers as they seek to uncover the secrets of a site of possible Roman origins - building on the findings from ITV's renowned "Time Team" investigation in 2005/2014. It's a unique chance to watch history unfold before your eyes. There are a host of other goings-on along to get involved with on the same theme from the 'finds-tent' - where you can see up close the treasures emerging from the dig, to an archaeology treasure hunt around the gardens to Hereford Museum on the Move rolling in to showcase Herefordshire’s rich Roman history.
Build a LEGO® Castle at Old House Hereford
As part of their STEM-Fuelled Summer programme, Old House Hereford are offering LEGO® fans the chance to take inspiration from Medieval architecture and try their hand at building castles, drawbridges, throne rooms - whatever sparks their imagination. This workshop encourages creativity, problem-solving and a playful introduction to engineering as well as history. Check out their full programme for more must-visit, free events.
Need More Inspiration?
Head over to our listing pages to see all the amazing events unfolding across Herefordshire this Summer (and beyond!). Our schedule is updated weekly, so there's always something new to explore.
