Latest news with #WyeValley
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Meteor shower to dazzle over county this week
A DAZZLING display of meteors will be visible in Herefordshire this week. Known as the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, it will begin on Wednesday, July 30, and it is expected that up to 25 meteors an hour could be visible. So, where are the best Herefordshire locations to view the meteors? The best conditions needed are a clear view, minimal light pollution, safety, and good planning – so hopefully the weather is good with no thick clouds! Here are a few spots you could head to: Lugg Meadows and Bartestree Just outside Hereford, the village hall in Bartestree is a good observation site for stargazing, especially eclipses, meaning it should be perfect for capturing meteors. The Herefordshire Astronomical Society has the location as one of its observing sites. Lugg Meadow is also a great place to view the eclipse because it is a large and open space. Other locations the society lists are Fownhope Recreation Field and the National Trust property Berrington Hall near Leominster. Symonds Yat Rock and Little Doward Woods The Wye Valley as a national landscape is beautiful with its scenic views, so why not a great place for eclipse viewing? Sweeping views from Symonds Yat Rock make it ideal and just along the Wye crossing, Biblins Bridge, is Little Doward Woods. The Iron Age fort is an open space, but do be prepared for a walk. Hay Bluff and Black Mountain Right on the border with Powys, at 703.6 metres high, again this does require good fitness to climb to the trig point. Alternatively, just inside the Welsh border, the lane below Hay Bluff (or on top of the summit) is also ideal as a wild, open Brecon Beacons space. Arthur's Stone Arthur's Stone is a great lookout spot to the Black Mountains in the Golden Valley. For over 5,000 years, the stone has seen many solar eclipses, so why not some meteors! Parking in the layby adjacent to the stone is the best place to get to the ancient monument. Garway Hill A 360-degree view into Wales, Garway Hill has plenty of paths, lanes, and bridleways to get to the top. It is a wild, open hill with grazing ponies, the best countryside to view the meteors. Hergest Ridge One of the best sections of the Offa's Dyke Path, Hergest Ridge above Kington is an ancient earthwork and suggested maps have even suggested an old 'race course'. The Monkey Puzzle Trees at the top are an outlier for a spot which is iconic for a walk. It's another wild and open spot to view the skies above you. Croft Ambrey Farm and forestry tracks leading away from the National Trust property Croft Castle, will give you the chance to summit Croft Ambrey Fort. Excavations found the fort to be in use from the 6th century BC up to AD 48. The location, set upon the Mortimer Trail, is a great walk to the top at around 300 metres above sea level. Around a mile to the top, open views across the Marches and into the Shropshire Hills make this a good place for the list.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Escape To The Country's Jules Hudson breaks silence on 'difficult year' - admitting he 'has never come to terms with' three devastating bereavements that rocked his family
Jules Hudson admitted it had been a 'difficult year' to fans as he acknowledged the deaths of three family members. The BBC star, 55, is a fan-favourite with viewers at home and joined the long-running property programme all the way back in 2007. After initially briefly pursuing a career as an army officer, Hudson moved into TV production in 1996, focusing on historical programmes. Jules also fronts Yorkshire Farm on Channel 5, and starred in its latest episode on Thursday night. During the show, he shared insight into his grief with viewers as he embraced the healing power of nature. While walking through the Forest Of Dean, he candidly told fans: 'The Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean have long been my go-to place for some peace, serenity and me time.' Looking at the camera, he continued: 'It's been a difficult year, so today I've come here for a bit of woodland walk therapy.' In recent years Jules has suffered multiple family bereavements, from losing his dad Clifford before the passing of his two beloved Labradors to cancer. Continuing to address his pain, Jules said: 'This has been quite a year for me in one way or another. 'My father died almost a year to the day today. I don't think I've ever really come to terms with that or really grieved for him. 'One of the last times I came here, I had my youngest Labrador, Teddy, with me. Teddy's now no longer with us either, we've lost both of them. I found myself today almost looking round for him.' Jules added that 'we just keep going' and 'look to the next sunrise' as he moved on with the show. The dad-of-one was previously comforted on air by his Winter On The Farm co-host Helen Skelton around the time of his father's passing. Helen, 41, said: 'I'm so sorry for your loss. Jules previously shared a rare snap of his young son as they enjoyed quality time together 'I'm so sorry as your friend... as adults you don't sit down and talk about this stuff because you're a stiff upper lip kind of guy.' Jules lives with his other half Tania in Herefordshire and they share a young son together called Jack. He opened up about the battle of juggling a busy TV career while finding time for family, especially his son. Jules told the Daily Express: 'I've got a young son, we've got our own life here in Hertfordshire that is very dear to us, so you know, trying to balance it all can be difficult but it's a partnership, it's a team effort through the family. 'We all understand it, we have mortgages to pay and bills to pay and all the rest of it, it is our working life. It's not easy but that's the trouble every family in the country faces lets be honest, you just have to work hard and play.' Jules shared a sunnier family update earlier this month, posting a clip to his Instagram account with his 10-year-old son, Jack. He captioned the post with: 'So, last weekend Jack and I popped down to @warehouse701 in search of a little project; Jack's do-er-upper! We'd love your help if you can! Calling all vintage mower experts!' Jules opened the video showing Jack with his arm over his father's shoulder and explained that they were starting a new project together. 'Well folks look at this, Hudson and son are busy this weekend as indeed are thousands of families right across the country making good use of this weather and we are focusing on our garden,' he said. Jules then went on to reveal that the pair were going to pick up a vintage lawn mower that they were going to fix up. 'I think this is going to be a long job,' Jack commented as he inspected the item. During the video, Jules let slip a sweet nickname for his son and called him 'Jack Jack'. Fans rushed to comment on the video and one remarked how similar the father-and-son duo were. They said: 'This is adorable Jules because of Jack Jack, he's so grown up and what a gorgeous mini me he's become!'; 'This is wonderful!! Boys need a good project and having a great dad to help is marvellous to see.'; 'Yay for Jack - good luck for the project Jack and Jules. And Jack please come back and tell us how you get on.';
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Inside the 'secret' sauna hidden off the beaten track
A BOUTIQUE glamping site in Herefordshire has showcased its status as a location for a secret sauna off the beaten track. Mad Dogs and Vintage Vans based at The Old Rectory in Brampton Abbotts near Ross-on -Wye have formed a connection with Black Box Saunas, who make their saunas in the same village. Run by Oli and Rachel Marshall, their saunas were recently on location at Glastonbury but being here in Herefordshire means they want to tap into a new audience for a sauna experience. READ MORE: Grass snake with distinctive colours spotted but expert says 'just enjoy it' Vet issues warning after shocking find inside cat during emergency surgery Fears of 'devastating' consequences after disposable barbecues left at beauty spot Set with gorgeous views of the Black Mountains from the heart of the Wye Valley, Oli explains that the saunas give "a beautiful space of fantastic Herefordshire views whilst doing a very Scandinavian tradition. We like to think of this as a community setting where people can open up to their surroundings, drink in the mindfulness of sauna and just get away from everyday life." Saunas are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, especially in coastal communities, but what Oli and Rachel want to achieve is making sure the sauna experience can happen in Herefordshire too. Oli and Rachel in the shower and ice bath (Image: Will Luker) The saunas they create are attached with a shower and ice bath for anyone willing to try the experience of relaxing and giving their body not just an adrenaline rush but also some care. "Saunas are getting people into the science of the wellness and longevity of getting your heart going, Ollie said. The cold plunge and the heat in a short space of time is good for your wellbeing." Rachel said: "We are catching up with the Scandinavians and we're seeing interest in our saunas even at night because it is sociable to take part in. Sauna is becoming a socially accepted thing to pop into and create something for your wellness. There are a lot of mental health benefits and take stresses away from your body." Based at their own glamping site, Al Farquhar and Jo Pilkington are seeing the benefits of not just being a location for accommodation but also for those in nearby Ross who come to relax after work. Al said: "It is a welcome addition to our site and it's great for people to get together. We get a lot of birthday events and there's a celebratory event for someone booked in soon who will literally be in the sauna all day. "Offering wellness therapy is a big part of what we do here and we've had people in their 20s come to experience the sauna which is really encouraging."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
10 sporting homes with outdoor courts
If the good weather and anticipation of tennis at Wimbledon makes you want to get outside and start practicing your serve, finding a home with its own sports facilities will help you raise your game. All these ace properties come with tennis or other types of outdoor courts, enabling you to keep fit while having fun in the sun. Studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments are available at this large-scale development, incorporating parkland, play spaces and a new cultural and creative hub called Parkside Yards. Here you'll find padel courts – slightly smaller than tennis courts – where private and group lessons can be booked. Via Berkeley Group Newton House is a beautifully restored, Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse with five bedrooms, an open plan kitchen, breakfast and family room, a formal drawing room, dining room, study and conservatory. The 4.65 acres of grounds contain outbuildings, an orchard, woodland, paddocks, a swimming pool and a walled boccia court. This tactical sport is related to bowls and pétanque and can be highly addictive. Get in touch with Sowerbys Read more: 8 homes with film and TV links With sweeping views over the Wye Valley, elegant interiors and a floodlit tennis court, Grade II listed Birchfield House is bound to make a good impression. The versatile accommodation includes five bedrooms, three reception rooms and a self-contained two-bedroom annex with holiday letting potential. A coach house and stables has planning consent to be converted into a three-bedroom cottage, which could provide another source of income. Through Fine & Country An all-weather tennis court blends seamlessly into the lush mature garden of this Grade II listed Georgian house. Built in 1750, the classically proportioned property has eight bedrooms, four reception rooms and is packed with period features such as fireplaces, wooden shutters and oak floors. A two-storey extension added by the current owners contains a utility and laundry room and a bedroom and bathroom above. From Winkworth This five-bedroom, five-reception room Victorian villa is in a lovely rural spot and includes a detached one-bedroom coach house, run as a holiday let. The house sits in over four acres of beautifully gardens, containing a lake, lawns, well-stocked borders, and mature trees. In the centre there's a hard tennis court complete with practice wall. Get in touch with Knight Frank Read more: 11 homes with spectacular swimming pools Move to this modern house and you'll learn to shoot hoops in no time, as it has its own basketball court and a pool, jacuzzi and sauna to relax in afterwards. One of the five bedrooms is used as a dressing room but could be changed back, and the extended ground floor comprises a double-height hall, two reception rooms, a 35-foot kitchen, breakfast and dining room, a study and cloakroom. Through John D Wood Set within the Peak District, Bents House was built by Charles Booth, son of Henry Booth, the creator of Pinewood Studios. The 8,000 square feet of floor space includes six bedrooms, a drawing room fitted with panelling from HMS Mauritania – once the world's largest ship - and four more reception rooms. A tennis court – previously a swimming pool – flanks one side of the house and formal gardens, and a detached two-bedroom cottage is tucked away on the other. By Carter Jonas Read more: 9 apartments with impressive outside space Around 34 acres of land surround Jacobean-style Chambers Court, though you won't have to walk far for a game of tennis as the all-weather court's very close to the house. A kitchen/breakfast room, orangery, study, drawing room, sitting room, and dining room occupy the ground floor, and there are seven bedrooms on the first floor, plus three more and a state-of-the-art cinema room at the top. For more information contact Savills After being in the same family for over 100 years, Whims, a six-bedroom coastal home, is seeking a new owner. It sits above Pentireglaze Haven (known as Baby Bay), and a footpath leads down to the surf and sand at Polzeath Beach. The only drawback when playing tennis on its grass court – installed when the local council courts were turned into a car park – is that the views are a constant distraction. Via John Bray Estates There's no better place to host a tennis party than Longchase, a substantial seven-bedroom house with an all-weather court discreetly screened by a hedge. The drawing room, dining room and conservatory all connect to form a vast entertaining area that spills out on to the vast patio, and an adjoining leisure complex incorporates a bar, pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. From Strutt & Parker Read more: 8 homes with film and TV links 9 scenic homes set in national parks Lenders drop mortgage rates as regulator pushes rule changesSign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gloucestershire in pictures: Cheese roll prizes and countryside
The cheese rolling races may be fading in the memory but their legacy lives on in Ariel Dempsey (above) was finally awarded the Double Gloucester wheel she won in the uphill race, after the prize went another winner on the day donated her prize to a good cause that helps the weather has been that good old English mix of sunshine and showers, but that hasn't prevented some lovely sights in this beautiful county of ours. Delightful daisies: We're always blown away by the small, beautiful hidden corners of Gloucestershire. This photo in particular was a favourite for us this week as it seems the perfect place for a picnic in Edge. Oh come all ye faithful: A familiar sight on matchdays, Gloucester fans heading to Kingsholm. This photo was taken as they made their way to the stadium for the final time this season. Wheelie thoughtful: A wheel of Double Gloucester won in the annual traditional cheese rolling races is to be served up to rough sleepers in north London. Ava Sender Logan, 20, managed to bag the 7lb (3kg) cheese in the women's race at Brockworth. Borderlands: The Wye Valley can be a beautiful place to be on a sunny day, with multiple hikes mapped out through the forests and fields on either side of the river. Dinosaurs take over Gloucester: Luckily, they're just statues... Dino-ROAR weekend is a chance to take a look at these dinosaurs up, close and personally in the centre of the city. Soak up the sun: Whenever and wherever you can! We love this photo captured by our weather watcher 'Santa Susie' which shows off Berkeley in the most beautiful light.
