Kington Museum, Mill Street. Award winning local history museum. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am – 4pm. April 7th to end of September. Admission free. Donations welcome. Tea Room. See ‘Exhibitions and Attractions’ Section. Tel: 01544 231748 (out of hours 01544 231486).
Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Centre, Kingswood, Kington. An amazing variety of miniature, rare and unusual animals including miniature donkeys and horses, reindeer, alpaca and the world’s smallest breed of sheep. These are all displayed in a glorious environment. The Millennium Dome & Folly Flights house a superb collection of the world’s most colourful pheasant as well as the ever expanding colony of red squirrels. Ducks, geese & swans can be viewed from the raised broadwalk which spans the very picturesque Waterfowl Enclosure.
The Owl Centre Houses the finest collection of owls on public display in the U.K. Open every day except Christmas Day 10.30am to 5.30pm. Winter months 10.30am to 4pm. Tea Room and Gift Shop. Wheelchair access to all areas.
In Winter months & in very wet weather, all animals are displayed undercover. 01544 231109 www.owlcentre.com
Martin’s Models Garden Railways. Hatton Gardens Kington HR5 3RB. ‘Have you ever dreamed of a model railway running through your garden?’ Visitors welcome to see shop and outdoor layout. Please telephone before visiting. 01544 230777.
Pembridge Old Chapel Gallery, East Street. An eclectic collection of the best of British contemporary art and craft including ceramics, glass, ironwork, jewellery, textiles, furniture, garden sculpture, bronze originals, prints and cards. Exhibitions held regularly. See ‘Exhibitions & Activities’ section of this diary or visit the website to see what’s on. www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Email: oldchapelgallery@googlemail.com Tel: 01544 388842. Open Mon. to Sat. 11am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Bringsty, Nr. Bromyard. Brockhampton Estate. National Trust. Country estate & moated manor house. The Estate set within 1700 acres offers the visitor wildlife, miles of walks, local food. New for 2009 extended family room where hands-on and creative activities will keep children happy, especially on rainy days. 01885 488009.
Nr. Leominster. Berrington Hall. N.T. A new classical mansion with fine interiors set in landscaped grounds. Built in late eighteenth century the house is set in parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. New for 2009 is a visitor route taking in the Servant’s Staircase and Butler’s Bedroom. 01568 615721
Yarpole, Nr. Leominster. Croft Castle National Trust. 2,500 years of history in one visit, from Iron Age Hill Fort at Croft Ambrey to the castellated mansion of today. New for the younger visitors is the play area inspired by the Castle, an absolute must! 01568 780141.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Exhibitions showing the history and natural history of the area. Audio visual show. Information desk. Shop. Café. Easy disabled access. Large picnic areas. Children’s play area. Large coach & car parking area. Free entrance to Centre, £1.00 parking covers you for the whole estate. Open 7 days a week mid March until early November between 10am & 5.30pm. Ranger’s Office (01597 810880) open all year. Information Desk 01597 810898.
Brilley, Whitney-on-Wye. Cwmmau Farmhouse National Trust. Superb early seventeenth century ‘black & white’ farmhouse with stone-tiled roof. Open eight afternoons a year – each listed in Diary. 01981 590590.
Thomas Shop. Maesyfed, Penybont, Powys. A unique collection of listed buildings that celebrate the social history of this part of Radnorshire. Authentic Shop/ Museum dating back to 1805. Crafts people teaching, working and exhibiting. Refreshments. The Wool Emporium: a showcase for designer makers using natural fibres in Wales and the Marches, and a resource centre of reference information. Open: April to October every day 10am to 5pm. Off season Friday to Monday 10am – 5pm. Closed December 23rd to end January. Tel: 01597 851951. Email: info@thomas-shop.co.uk www.thomas-shop.co.uk
Gigrin Farm, Rhayader. Red Kite Feeding Station, Nature Trail. Open: Winter 1pm – 4pm. Summer 1pm – 5pm every day except Christmas Day. Hides suitable for wheelchair access and viewing. Feeding of Kites: Summertime 3pm; Wintertime 2pm. 01597 810243 www.gigrin.co.uk
The Bleddfa Centre. Bleddfa Nr Knighton. ‘The purpose of the Bleddfa Centre is to encourage the awakening of the inner creative spirit in individuals, organisations and society.’ Openings Hours: Office, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 1.30pm – 5.30pm. Gallery: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 2pm – 5pm. Details of some courses and exhibitions are listed in this Diary, for further info. 01547 550377 www.bleddfacentre.com
The Judges Lodging. Presteigne. Explore the fascinating world of Victorian Judges and their servants. The Judges Lodging is an historic house with a difference: you can touch, you can listen too, through an audio tour of voices from the past. Special worksheets and guide books for children. Open March 1st –October 31st 10am – 5pm daily (last admission April 4pm). November 1st to 30th 10am – 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. December 1st – 22nd 10am – 4pm Sat & Sun. Closed January and February. 01544 260650. www.judgeslodging.org.uk
The Waterworks Museum. Broomy Hill, Hereford. Set within Hereford’s fine Victorian water-pumping station this working Museum makes the story of drinking water spring to life. Most exhibits are inside. Museum open all year on Tuesday 11am – 4pm. For museum in steam with engines working see listings in Diary or ring 01432 357236. www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk
Guided Walks in Hereford. Mid May until end of September. Mon – Sat at 11am and 2.30pm during July & August. Sunday 2.30pm. Walks last approx 1½ hours. Depart TIC. 01432 266867
Hereford Cathedral. For services see leaflets. Open daily 9.30am to Evensong. Summer activities include Cathedral Tours, ‘Secret Garden’ tours, tower tours & the working stonemasons’ yard. Mappa Mundi Exhibition, Shop and Café: Summer opening 23rd March to 24th October Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm. Winter opening 26th October to Easter 2010 Mon – Sat 10am – 4pm. Sun opening May 24th – Aug 30th 12 noon – 4pm 01432 374202. www.herefordcathedral.org
Worcester Racecourse. 01905 25364 www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk
Worcester County Cricket. 01905 748474 www.wccc.co.uk
Worcester Walks. 90 minute walk round this riverside city. Mon – Fri 11am April – October at Guildhall. 01905 21286
Worcester River Cruises. 01905 611060 email events@worcestercruises.co.uk
Elgar Birthplace Museum & Visitor Centre. Lower Broadheath 3 miles west of Worcester. Open 1st Feb – 23rd Dec daily 11am – 5pm. Closed Christmas & New Year. 01905 333224 www.elgarmuseum.org
National Cycle Museum Llandrindod Wells. Open Mar. – Oct. 10am – 4pm.
01597 825531 www.cyclemuseum.org.uk
Wye Valley Canoes, Glasbury-on-Wye. 01497 842713
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre. 01874 658584
Hay on Wye. Fishing information. Permits required, available from Goldsworthy Outfitters. 01497 820491.
Radnor Forest. Family Cycle Trails. Two marked routes, one five miles, one ten miles. Map can be downloaded from www.radnorforest.com
Shobdon, St John’s Church. Open daily 9am – 5pm in summer
