The Art House, Stoke Prior

The thriving village of Stoke Prior lies just 2 miles south of Leominster in rolling countryside boasting a pub, church and many lovely walks with the Three River’s Ride walk passing close by. Dating back to the 7th century, the town of Leominster possesses some fine examples of architecture, such as the Priory Church, along with a wide variety of shops, cafes and pubs, and is the ideal place in which to spend a lazy afternoon strolling around in pleasant surroundings. The charming village of Monkland, just a short drive away is the start of the Black & White Village Trail, a 40 mile trail taking in several old English villages with half-timbered buildings, which can be enjoyed by car or bicycle. The village is also home to the Monkland Cheese Dairy, a working dairy producing and selling local artisan cheeses, as well as offering a well-stocked shop and cafe. Close by are many National Trust properties including Croft Castle and Berrington Hall, plus the Judge’s Lodgings in Presteigne, Stokesay Castle, the renowned Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre and the Acton Scott Historic Working Farm are well worth a visit. Tenbury Wells is a charming, ancient market town situated on the banks of the River Teme in Herefordshire. Dating back to the Iron Age and said to have been called ‘my little town in the orchard’ by Queen Victoria, Tenbury Wells boasts a unique 18th century bridge built by Thomas Telford, the magnificent Pump Rooms, which housed baths where local mineral water was available, and many other listed buildings dating back to the 17th century. Ludlow, one of the most beautiful towns in Britain, offers a medieval street pattern, which remains almost intact and provides an amazing backdrop for the town’s regular markets. Renowned for its shopping, Ludlow also has high quality restaurants, plus excellent tea shops and pubs. Also within easy reach are the World Heritage Sites of Ironbridge Gorge, Hereford and Shrewsbury, as well as the Severn Valley Railway, Brecon Beacons National Park, Berrington Hall and Hay-on-Wye, famous for its annual Literary Festival in May/June.