Stay in a half-timbered home in a Black & White Village

Cwmmau Farmhouse, a beautiful 17th Century manor owned by the National Trust, is surrounded by stunning scenery. It was recently chosen as the location to depict Hewlands, the childhood home of Agnes (Shakespeare's wife), in the new film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet. The setting is certainly Hollywood-worthy, and a fine place to rest your head for the week and daydream of the stories of times one by woven into its very walls. 

Weobley is one of the largest and best-preserved black and white villages, with a choice of several beautiful half-timbered places to stay.

Large groups will love The Throne, a medieval beauty with secret passages, original floorboards and glimpses of wattle and daub. It dates from 1420 and was expanded during the reign of Elizabeth I. There are even royal connections as Charles I spent a night here in 1645 during the Civil War. The chequerboard beamed ceiling of the drawing room is especially lovely.

Other fabulous options in the village centre include The Gables Guest House which offers four-poster beds, locally made from oak, a period dining room and pretty garden, and Mellington House. Guests can stay here on a Bed & Breakfast or self-catering basis in a choice of apartments - The Cottage is a Grade II listed black and white cottage sleeping four, whilst The Old Stable is a cosy getaway for two, tucked away in the oldest part of the property. 

Alternatively stay at the beamed village pub, Ye Olde Salutation Inn, known to locals as the Sal, which has three comfortable rooms, the largest of which has its own sitting room.

Pembridge is another Black and White jewel, with a fascinating church as well as half-timbered tea rooms and pub. There's also a super pebbled river beach, perfect for paddling and picnics.  Cobblers Cottage is a charming place to stay, offering exposed beams, an original - and therefore wonky! - staircase and plenty of character. Sleeps four.

Alternatively stay in a self-catering cottage at Luntley Court Farm. Choose from four sixteenth century converted buildings on a working farm. The Hop Kiln (sleeps 6) was once a hop drying barn and exudes great character. The other three cottages are not so obviously half-timbered from the outside, but there's no shortage of beams to enjoy once you walk through the door.

The 300-year-old Orchard View is a couple of miles outside the village. Sleep five in the original  timber-framed part of the house with its rustic stone flagged floor. A wood-fired hot tub outside may not be of the period, but it is a welcome addition after a long walk!

The pretty village of Eardisland offers a couple of black and white accommodation options. Bridgend Cottage is a 16th century riverside delight, with four double rooms. Packed with original features, including latch doors.

A warm welcome also awaits at The Cross Inn, a country pub, moments from the River Arrow. Family-run, The Cross prides itself on serving local produce, from the seasonal menu to the beers on tap.

Arboyne House is a listed building which was once the Eardisley village shop and bakery. At the back, you can see the visible timber-framing, whilst the double/twin Panel Room has oak panelling and a character door, available on a B&B basis.

Nearby, Brook Cottage is a picture-perfect hideaway for two next to a pretty brook. It's not black and white on the exterior, but inside you'll discover beams, a woodburner and winding stairs. 

Herefordshire offers many black and white places to stay, including this selection which lie only a short drive away from the black and white villages: 

Ten-minutes drive from Weobley you'll find The Riverside at Aymestrey, an outstanding gastropub on the banks of the River lugg.

Stay in one of two character cottages at Litmarsh Farm Cottages. Converted from a former cider barn and in a lovely rural setting, they are only 30-minutes drive from the villages.

A little further north, in the Hindwell Valley, close to the picturesque Welsh market town of Presteigne, lies the 250 acre Rodd estate formerly owned by renowned artist Sir Sidney Nolan. Stay in the former gardener’s cottage, surrounded by a collection of medieval buildings which centre around Rodd Court, the Jacobean manor house Sidney lived in with his wife Mary.