Wild Meadow is a beautiful shepherd’s hut set high on a hill top on the Wales/Herefordshire border. Owners, Andrea and Jonathan, bought the field a couple of years ago wanting a patch of land of their own. Initially they planted a small orchard, soon after a veg patch and fruit bushes – then came the shepherd’s hut.

The hut is beautifully furnished, with Indian throws, warm blankets and a log burner. We found the double bed the comfiest we’ve ever slept on, while the outside camp kitchen is well equipped with a gas stove, fridge and brightly coloured, spotty enamelware. To the side is an outside solar shower room and a cute little basin, and a little way off, a composting loo.

We spent our days watching the buzzards and red kites soar above us, cooking on the open fire using a Kotlitch (a large enamel pot, suspended over the fire). The allotment and fruit orchard kept us in fresh produce, and we ate our way through the raspberries and cherries while swinging on the best swing ever!  That swing!  A double swing, allowing the the two of us to sit, G&T in hand, while watching the sun cast shadows across the hills below us.

The days were spent visiting nearby Leominster for the antique shops of which there are many, and Ledbury for its cobbled lanes and black and white buildings. Over in Wales, we explored the stunning Radnor Forest.

If you’re looking for a family break (there is room for two small airbeds inside the shepherds hut), or a romantic getaway in the great outdoors then Wild Meadow is your place. We’re still dreaming about our stay there.

Images by Lou Archell

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Fire, feathered hats and foot stomping: there’s nothing like a traditional wassail in proper cider country. It’s the perfect antedote to the post-Christmas doldrums, and I actually look forward to it more than the anticlimactic revelry of New Year’s Eve.

Every year on 6 January at 7pm, the Leominster Morris Men – festooned with patchwork coats, holly and pheasant feathers – congregate at a Herefordshire pub and hand out flaming torches to spectators before leading them on a raucous procession to a nearby orchard.

Once there, an entrancing and time-honoured ritual takes place. The morris men soak pieces of toast in cider and place it on the fork of a tree, then they sprinkle cider on the roots. Once they’ve lit the Herefordshire lantern – representing the sun reborn – and a ring of 12 pyres, they sing a soul-stirring rendition of the wassail song (always gets my neck hairs a-quivering) and hand out local scrumpy for all to make merry. Afterwards, it’s back to the pub for a mummer’s play and a singsong with a folk band. And more cider, of course.

The location of the wassail is kept a secret until the day before the event – and even then you can only found out where it is by word of mouth or via social media. The only thing you can be sure of is that it’s a Herefordshire pub within walking distance of an orchard. And seeing as Herefordshire is filled with orchards and pubs, it doesn’t narrow it down very much! Good luck finding it – it’s definitely worth the hunt. Just don’t forget to wrap up warm.

Images courtesy of Andy Stevenson & James White on Flickr

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During the recent half-term, whilst staying in the Forest of Dean, we took a trip to Ross-on-Wye to visit Baileys Home and Garden. I have been a huge fan of Baileys for years, loving their pared-back charms. Owners, Mark and Sally Bailey, really do the simple, modern, yet rustic way of living so well.

Pulling into the gravel drive we saw a huge stone and wood-clad barn. The courtyard was full of terracotta pots, old wine crates and wire racks; a very French yet utilitarian feel. We knew we were in the right place.

Inside, we split up. Dan took the boys round, leaving me time to browse in peace. The barn is divided into a series of rooms, each set out as rooms in a home. I lost a good half an hour in the kitchen section; white ceramic jugs, vintage glass jelly moulds, silver cutlery and wooden spoons galore.

To the rear of the building lies the beautiful Tabernacle Tea Room – a converted shed with white-washed, wood-clad walls showcasing the Baileys’ style to perfection. Having lunch there really does round off the whole experience, making it a well-worthy day trip destination.

Wandering around the barn, falling in love with the kilim rugs, the kilner jar lights, the sofas, I could have spent my money a hundred times over. Instead, I came away with a bottle of fig handwash, a small white jug and letter ‘L’ printing block. Quite restrained I think, but I’ll be back!

Images by Lou Archell

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Eastnor Pottery is one of those hidden treasures, a place to seek out or to stumble across whilst rambling in the rolling Malvern Hills.

The family-run pottery studio, nestled in the heart of the most lovely of Herefordshire countryside, is as idyllic as you get. Set up by husband and wife team Jon and Sarah, Eastnor Pottery run all manner of pottery classes from the cosiest of stonewalled cottages.

I spent a perfect summer’s day at one of Jon’s drop-in classes where we made coil pot owls and drank tea in the garden. I couldn’t have been happier. This place is perfect for anyone looking for some quiet time playing with clay, or something slightly different to do for a birthday party or hen-do. The breathtaking surroundings, homely interior (filled with thoughtful touches of bunting, tea lights and pottery galore) and the wonderfully friendly owners makes Eastnor Pottery feel like a very special find indeed.

Images by Tales from the Wild

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