A 4-day Active City Getaway

Drop off your bags off at the Green Dragon Hotel in the heart of the city and get your outdoor gear on - ready for an afternoon’s canoeing. As you stroll to the river, you'll pass Hereford's iconic Cathedral which is famed for the Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map still known to exist.

Hereford Kayak and Canoe Hire offer canoe hire and lessons (book in advance) from Hereford Rowing Club. A two-hour paddle about gets you straight out on the Wye, following a full safety briefing. Paddling west will take you into the countryside more quickly, where you’ll soon spot some of the local wildlife.  Or, head east to spend a little longer meandering through the city.

Later, it's time to unwind over some well-earned drinks in the Offa Bar. Cocktail aficionado? Try one of the Head Mixologist’s unique creations, sampling spirits from award-winning local producers or book a Cocktail Masterclass if you want to have a go at shaking and stirring.

Make for the superb Bookshop restaurant to find a hearty yet refined supper - their sharing cuts are a good shout if you’re in a group. If it's too early to call it a night, The Jam Factory is the ideal spot for live music, DJ sets and more cocktails.

Fuel up at breakfast, ready for your first stop at Hereford Cycle Track. Bring your own bike or hire one from the team there. The 1km-long track has plenty of twists and turns, so test out your cornering skills then build up some erious speed on the straighter stretches. Got a competitive streak? Challenge each other to timed laps to see who’s fastest.

Next it's a game of padel over at Hereford Squash Tennis & Racketball Centre. A hybrid of tennis and squash, Padel is fun, fast-paced and easy to pick up. Book a court for a couple of hours and just go for it or ring ahead to book a coach. Alternatively, head to Bishops Meadow Community Sports Park, a scenic riverside spot for a game of tennis or pickleball.

Spend the afternoon  at The Barrels, an 18th Century coaching inn owned by the Wye Valley Brewery. It's a cracking place to kick back and savour local ales. While you’re there, it’s decision time: where to head for supper? Try Japanese flavours at Bao to the Broth over the road, or treat yourselves to a legendary burger at  The Beefy Boys.

Today you'll be spending the morning at Herefordshire Golf Club, about 20 minutes away by car or taxi. The course here was designed by the expert James Braid, back in 1932, and has stood the test of time with its superb fairways and greens, and gently undulating terrain. Don’t be fooled, though - this is a challenging course that caters to County Championship level, so be prepared to test your skills here.

Once you’ve conquered the 9th hole, take a mid-morning breather and some refreshments with a pitstop at the Halfway House. Back out on the course, you’re spoilt for views with sightings of the Shropshire Hills, the Malverns, and the Brecon Beacons, plus acres of picturesque parkland all around. Don’t let your competitive streak stop you from enjoying your marvellous surroundings!

Round complete, it might be getting close to lunchtime, stay on-site to visit The Causeway restaurant. They do great Sunday roasts, plus plenty of other options using locally sourced ingredients. On a sunny day, enjoy your meal out on the balcony where you can rate your fellow golfers’ technique, or simply do a bit of good, old fashioned people-watching.

Return in the afternoon for a chilled walk around town and along the river.

On your final day there's yet more choice. If yesterday's golf was a hit, then try out another fantastic course. Kington Golf Club is set a 40-minute drive from the city but it's worth the effort. As the highest 18-hole golf course in England, the views are simply knockout with a magnificent panorama overlooking The Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountains, The Malvern Hills, The Shropshire and Clee Hills. Don't get too distracted though, as this course tests creativity and shot-making to the full. Precision from the tee and deftness around the greens are the keys to success. Drive into the town to enjoy a hearty lunch at The Swan Hotel. 

Alternatively, end your stay with a thrilling trip to Herefordshire Raceway. Only half an hour out of town, in the black and white village of Weobley, this outdoor karting experience is certain to get the adrenaline pumping! You'll be driving the latest full power twin engine pro-karts on the 600m circuit, with all equipment provided.  Finish with a beer and a bite to eat at Ye Olde Salutation Inn in the village. And give yourself a big cheers for a weekend well spent!