Acorn Cottage Guidebook
Sightseeing
Great place for a short or long walk with spectacular views.
We suggest parking at the Black Hill Car Park.
172 locals recommend
Malvern Hills
Great place for a short or long walk with spectacular views.
We suggest parking at the Black Hill Car Park.
Park and take a short walk for spectacular views of the Wye Valley from Yat Rock
7 locals recommend
Symonds Yat Rock Car Park (pay & display)
Park and take a short walk for spectacular views of the Wye Valley from Yat Rock
Take a drive or cycle down the Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey
167 locals recommend
Tintern Abbey / Abaty Tyndryn
Take a drive or cycle down the Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey
You can drive almost to the top and, weather permitting, you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views. A great place for a picnic and for combining with a visit to Hay on Wye.
56 locals recommend
Hay Bluff
You can drive almost to the top and, weather permitting, you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views. A great place for a picnic and for combining with a visit to Hay on Wye.
Want an amazing day out at the world's oldest bird of prey centre? More than 150 incredible birds of prey. Daily flying demonstrations. Set in 12 acres of enclosures, gardens, field and woods. Visit the on-site cafe or enjoy a picnic.
29 locals recommend
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Want an amazing day out at the world's oldest bird of prey centre? More than 150 incredible birds of prey. Daily flying demonstrations. Set in 12 acres of enclosures, gardens, field and woods. Visit the on-site cafe or enjoy a picnic.
Dramatically set on a rocky outcrop with great views over the river Wye. Easily combined with a visit to Symonds Yat. There is a cafe on site.
99 locals recommend
Goodrich Castle
Castle LaneDramatically set on a rocky outcrop with great views over the river Wye. Easily combined with a visit to Symonds Yat. There is a cafe on site.
Home to the Mappa Mundi, one of the world’s unique medieval treasures. Measuring 1.59 x 1.34 metres (5’2” by 4’4”), the map is constructed on a single sheet of calf skin. Scholars believe it was made around the year 1300 and shows the history, geography and destiny of humanity as it was understood in Christian Europe in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries.
147 locals recommend
Hereford Cathedral
Cathedral CloseHome to the Mappa Mundi, one of the world’s unique medieval treasures. Measuring 1.59 x 1.34 metres (5’2” by 4’4”), the map is constructed on a single sheet of calf skin. Scholars believe it was made around the year 1300 and shows the history, geography and destiny of humanity as it was understood in Christian Europe in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries.
Set across a stunning and fully interactive five acre site, the Dean Heritage Centre protects and preserves the unique history and heritage of the beautiful Forest of Dean. It is The Museum of The Forest.
52 locals recommend
Dean Heritage Centre
Set across a stunning and fully interactive five acre site, the Dean Heritage Centre protects and preserves the unique history and heritage of the beautiful Forest of Dean. It is The Museum of The Forest.
Castle with richly decorated interiors, 100 acre grounds, lakeside walk and events.
119 locals recommend
Eastnor Castle
Castle with richly decorated interiors, 100 acre grounds, lakeside walk and events.
Steam Train Journeys, Cream Teas, Evening Dining Trains and other special events. Online booking is required via www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
46 locals recommend
Dean Forest Railway
Steam Train Journeys, Cream Teas, Evening Dining Trains and other special events. Online booking is required via www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
River Wye boat tour enjoyed by romantics since the C18th. www.wyenot.com. Telephone 07831 297672 for times.
7 locals recommend
Kingfisher Cruises Symonds Yat
River Wye boat tour enjoyed by romantics since the C18th. www.wyenot.com. Telephone 07831 297672 for times.
The Forest of Dean Artist whose pieces sell around the world. Famous for her "Alice in Wonderland" style. Pop in and browse or even paint a plate yourself. www.maryroseyoung.com.
Mary Rose Young
The FollyThe Forest of Dean Artist whose pieces sell around the world. Famous for her "Alice in Wonderland" style. Pop in and browse or even paint a plate yourself. www.maryroseyoung.com.
At Hopewell Colliery you can take a guided underground tour in the safe hands of an expert Freeminer of the Forest of Dean. Visit the museum celebrating the past, present and future of this unique way of life in the Forest of Dean.
16 locals recommend
Hopewell Colliery
Speech House RoadAt Hopewell Colliery you can take a guided underground tour in the safe hands of an expert Freeminer of the Forest of Dean. Visit the museum celebrating the past, present and future of this unique way of life in the Forest of Dean.
Food and Drink
Discover the art of cider making from blossom to bottle.
The Cider mill Tour runs: Every Day: 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm & 3.30pm
77 locals recommend
Westons Cider Mill
Discover the art of cider making from blossom to bottle.
The Cider mill Tour runs: Every Day: 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm & 3.30pm
Our favourite local pub right in Linton village just 0.8 miles from Acorn Cottage.
CAMRA Herefordshire Pub of the Year 2021. Great food Tuesday to Saturday and a selection of local real ales to try.
Advance booking advised.
8 locals recommend
The Alma Inn
Our favourite local pub right in Linton village just 0.8 miles from Acorn Cottage.
CAMRA Herefordshire Pub of the Year 2021. Great food Tuesday to Saturday and a selection of local real ales to try.
Advance booking advised.
Another local pub serving great food about a mile from Acorn Cottage. Booking advised.
The Penny Farthing Inn
Another local pub serving great food about a mile from Acorn Cottage. Booking advised.
Local Vinyard
Tours Saturdays & Sundays 11:30 & 14:00
Limited numbers per tour, and pre-booking is essential as books up well in advance. (Priority Given to those booking a table for lunch).
39 locals recommend
Three Choirs Vineyards Gloucestershire
Local Vinyard
Tours Saturdays & Sundays 11:30 & 14:00
Limited numbers per tour, and pre-booking is essential as books up well in advance. (Priority Given to those booking a table for lunch).
Activities
Cannop Cycle Centre in the Forest of Dean has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs.
Bikes can be hired (or repaired) at Pedalabikeaway (booking advised). You can also enjoy the cafe and shop after your ride.
48 locals recommend
Cannop Cycle Centre
New RoadCannop Cycle Centre in the Forest of Dean has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs.
Bikes can be hired (or repaired) at Pedalabikeaway (booking advised). You can also enjoy the cafe and shop after your ride.
The best local course, just 1.75 miles from Acorn Cottage.
Driving range also available.
7 locals recommend
Ross-on-Wye Golf Club
The best local course, just 1.75 miles from Acorn Cottage.
Driving range also available.
South Herefordshire Golf Club
Another local course with driving range 3 miles from Acorn Cottage.
The River Wye is renowned as being the canoeing capital of Europe, It is a truly majestic river, full of wildlife and colour. The following companies offer canoe hire and guided trips: Yofi Paddlesports, Canoe the Wye Ltd, Wye Canoes Ltd, River Wye Canoe Hire Company. Some also offer paddle boarding.
12 locals recommend
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire
The River Wye is renowned as being the canoeing capital of Europe, It is a truly majestic river, full of wildlife and colour. The following companies offer canoe hire and guided trips: Yofi Paddlesports, Canoe the Wye Ltd, Wye Canoes Ltd, River Wye Canoe Hire Company. Some also offer paddle boarding.
Rock Climbing
With hundreds of routes of varying difficulty, height and excitement within the area, Herefordshire Climbing will tailor a day for your excitement.
https://www.hereford-climbing.com/outdoor-rock-climbing-day
8 locals recommend
Yat Rock
Rock Climbing
With hundreds of routes of varying difficulty, height and excitement within the area, Herefordshire Climbing will tailor a day for your excitement.
https://www.hereford-climbing.com/outdoor-rock-climbing-day
One of many scenic walks in the area. Visit https://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk for downloadable leaflets/maps
River Walk - Ross on Wye
Wye StreetOne of many scenic walks in the area. Visit https://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk for downloadable leaflets/maps
Established in 1986, this 4.5 mile long Sculpture Trail was one of the first to open in the UK. The Trail features sculptures created by artists to interpret the Forest environment and the history of this very unusual landscape. It provides a unique opportunity to walk through the woodlands and discover art along the way. Perfect for all ages and abilities, you don't need to know about art to enjoy what you see.
90 locals recommend
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Speech House RoadEstablished in 1986, this 4.5 mile long Sculpture Trail was one of the first to open in the UK. The Trail features sculptures created by artists to interpret the Forest environment and the history of this very unusual landscape. It provides a unique opportunity to walk through the woodlands and discover art along the way. Perfect for all ages and abilities, you don't need to know about art to enjoy what you see.
Great fun and a challenge for adults as well as older kids. Located next to the start of the sculpture trail.
46 locals recommend
Go Ape Forest of Dean (Beechenhurst Lodge - Tree Top Adventure FORMERLY JUNIOR)
Speech House RoadGreat fun and a challenge for adults as well as older kids. Located next to the start of the sculpture trail.
Tailored riding lessons, off-road treks and other activities for beginners and experienced riders of all ages.. www.greenacresstables.co.uk. Open all year round.
6 locals recommend
Greenacres Stables Riding Centre
Tailored riding lessons, off-road treks and other activities for beginners and experienced riders of all ages.. www.greenacresstables.co.uk. Open all year round.
Half and full day 4x4 off road driving courses in Land Rover Defender SWB. Pre-booking required.
7 locals recommend
Whitecliff Off Road Centre
Newland StreetHalf and full day 4x4 off road driving courses in Land Rover Defender SWB. Pre-booking required.
City/town information
250 years of tourism
William Gilpin may not be a household name but his legacy has led to one of biggest industries in Britain.
It was 250 years ago in 1770 that he took the first step by organising boat trips along the River Wye, and writing a seminal bestselling book ‘Observations of the River Wye’.
From those humble but visionary beginnings what was later described as The Picturesque Movement came into being, giving a name to a new appreciation of the natural world and its beauty.
The Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, much as it was 250 years ago. And the boat trips are still available from Symonds Yat!
www.visitdeanwye.co.uk
132 locals recommend
Ross-on-Wye
250 years of tourism
William Gilpin may not be a household name but his legacy has led to one of biggest industries in Britain.
It was 250 years ago in 1770 that he took the first step by organising boat trips along the River Wye, and writing a seminal bestselling book ‘Observations of the River Wye’.
From those humble but visionary beginnings what was later described as The Picturesque Movement came into being, giving a name to a new appreciation of the natural world and its beauty.
The Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, much as it was 250 years ago. And the boat trips are still available from Symonds Yat!
www.visitdeanwye.co.uk
The pretty market town of Ledbury is well-known for its distinctive black-and-white timber framed buildings. A great place to potter around the shops and for coffee or lunch.
138 locals recommend
Ledbury
The pretty market town of Ledbury is well-known for its distinctive black-and-white timber framed buildings. A great place to potter around the shops and for coffee or lunch.
The ancient market town of Monmouth is the Gateway to South Wales and the birthplace of Henry V. You can visit the castle and potter around the shops or have a coffee or lunch
152 locals recommend
Monmouth
The ancient market town of Monmouth is the Gateway to South Wales and the birthplace of Henry V. You can visit the castle and potter around the shops or have a coffee or lunch
The most complete Regency town in the UK and known as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds". Cheltenham is a 45 minute drive away. It is home to the Holst Birthplace Museum, The Wilson Art Collection and Museum and The Pittville Pump Room. Cheltenham is also the place to go for some serious shopping.
384 locals recommend
Cheltenham
The most complete Regency town in the UK and known as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds". Cheltenham is a 45 minute drive away. It is home to the Holst Birthplace Museum, The Wilson Art Collection and Museum and The Pittville Pump Room. Cheltenham is also the place to go for some serious shopping.