Great Days Out in Herefordshire for May Half Term
Our top picks for 2026
We've rounded up just a few of the many events and activities taking place in Herefordshire this Whitsun bank holiday and May half term, with even more options to be found on our What’s On page here. What’s more, there is a new specially curated Five-Day Wild Adventure Itinerary for those looking for inspiration to keep their kids screen-free this half term, and news of the county’s new Easy Peaks routes, perfect for families looking to scale a summit without too much effort.
Hay Festival in Herefordshire: 21 May – 31 May 2026
The annual literary festival takes place in the border town of Hay-on-Wye from 21 May to 31 May this year. There are still tickets available for the main talks and music events, as well as a myriad of no cost events for families to enjoy as well as the free-to-enter festival site with entertainment all week.
Summertime Soiree – Family-Friendly Drinks Festival at the Yew Tree Inn: 22 – 24 May 2026
The team behind Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Company are organising a weekend family-friendly drinks festival at The Yew Tree Inn in Peterstow, featuring guided drinks tastings, live music and food from special pop-up guests!
This year’s Summertime Soiree event will delve into different drinks, from gin to wine, from rum to perry, from whisky to cider and more, offering informative talks and tasting options with industry experts.
Free entry for the whole weekend except the ticketed drinks tastings which go on sale imminently here.
All Aboard the Eastnor Castle Steam & Vintage Weekend: 24 – 25 May 2026
Eastnor Castle is less than three miles from the Market Town of Ledbury, with the Eastnor Steam & Vintage 2026 event taking place offering a nostalgic day out. Steam engines, vintage cars, giant garden games, model steam engine rides, a vintage carousel and dance workshops will all feature, and are included in the entrance price. Tickets must be pre-booked for this event here Eastnor Steam & Vintage | Eastnor Castle.
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.
Adult tickets cost £15.50. Child tickets cost £9.50. Family tickets including two adults and three children cost £45. Family tickets including one adult and three children cost £30.
Medieval Village & Living History Event at Hampton Gardens – 24 to 25 May 2026
Hampton Gardens in Hope-Under-Dinmore near Leominster offers up stunning gardens, a beautiful café and a 1,000-yew tree maze. For two days only on the 24 and 25 May, the medieval era will be brought to life on the South Lawns offering the opportunity to learn how people lived, worked and ate centuries ago. Archery displays and arena showcases will also feature, and the day will culminate in an afternoon skirmish for control of the castle! Adult admission from £10.80. Child admission from £7.20. Family admission from £33.30.
Take on one of Herefordshire’s Easy Peaks
For families looking to get out into nature with a relatively easy walk that delivers breathtaking views without a breathless climb, our newly curated ‘Easy Peaks’ routes are a great option. For those exploring in a wheelchair, adventuring with a pushchair or baby-carrier, or just with a few kids in tow new to hiking and expecting tired legs, there’s a summit for everyone!
Whether you take on the 4.9-mile Hergest Ridge straddling the English Welsh border, walk the 1.8-mile Garway Hill with its beautiful wild ponies roaming free, or enjoy a leisurely walk (0.2 miles) up Black Hill, the ancient landscapes are sure to deliver incredible views. Take a picnic or book lunch at one of Herefordshire’s superb pubs or inns.
Wait, there’s more…!
There are countless more events unfolding across Herefordshire this half term. Plus, our event schedule is updated weekly, so there's always something new to explore.
