Before we encourage you to read further down this page - just click on the bold here for Jess's Blog, if you have already met her then you know the enormous personality oozing out from such a tiny wooffie. She has some interesting thoughts on things, recent happenings, current affairs and the like.
And Click here and You can watch her singing along to the Archers' Theme tune if you have a mind to do so! It is funny.
Did you notice on our home page that we have received a Bravo badge from Tripadvisor? That is wonderful for us because it's our guests that have achieved that for us, and quite independently of us too we can assure you. This means far more to us than any star rating or accolade (dished out by bodies like the AA!) - especially as it's been freely and honestly given to us by the very people who are the real experts on the experience at Portland House.
Below you may find something of interest before you come and stay with us. Feel free to click on any of the links below.
A new way to enjoy the area has also been launched by the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides. A number of themed tours and walks are being produced. The band of newly qualified guides is extremely enthusiastic about the tours and walks they can offer. Contact Roni Maher, the chairman of Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides, at roni@wyedeantourism.co.uk
Currently for the Active to note:
Note: For people who cannot manage the type of walks covered in events like the Herefordshire walking festival, there's ''Walking to Health Walks'. The Ross on Wye Group of the Ramblers Association has produced a leaflet describing in detail 8 walks varying in length from 1-4 miles. Walking to Health Walks is a town based grassroots project that supports a Government Health Initiative. Not every one has the stamina or mobility level for long walks over undulating ground so it’s wonderful that these walks have now been produced and we’ll have details here at Portland House. We have loads of information on walks locally anyway .
Other Events
To find out what else is happening in Herefordshire and around the Forest of Dean at this time of year do visit:
www.visitherefordshire.co.uk
www.visitforestofdean.co.uk. and http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk.
New Attraction
BRAND NEW FOR 2009 - The Motiva Adventure Tower @ Beechenhurst Lodge - CRAZY CLIMBING & ABSEILING:
Great for children & adults, friends & families, schools & youth groups . Open weekends & school holidays. Open all year for advanced bookings - Great value - 2 activities for the price of 1 – Climb & Abseil in the same session
ForestMobility can provide rugged electric four-wheel scooters for the disabled, and family and friends, to run on newly renovated cycle tracks in the Forest of Dean. More information at www.forestmobility.org.uk.
While in the forest visit Puzzlewood. Pathways through weird and spectacular scenery with pre-roman mines, an indoor wood puzzle and farm animals, as well as a picnic area and tea shop. www.puzzlewood.net.
For all lovers of the outdoors – as this is an area of outstanding natural beauty and history –to help you discover the Wye Valley ANOB and see its programme of attractions visit www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk.
Hereford is a must to visit with its Cathedral housing the famous Mappa Mundi and ancient library of books, plus the beautful Lady's chapel with its exquisite new stained glass windows - a real must not to miss, as the more you look into the wonderful colours the more you will see of the different people and animals within the design.
A visit to Monmouth is also a must, especially for historians – Henry V of Agincourt fame, Admiral Nelson, and Mr Rolls of Roll Royce are just three of the famous people reflected in Monmouth history. And Monmouthshire has its fair share of castles. Talking of castles English Heritage has created a new visitor centre at Goodrich Castle just five minutes from Portland House by car, or you could walk from via the public footpath behind Portland House over to Goodrich.
Being on the borders of 3 counties our guests feel so lucky in having the pick of activities and attractions to enjoy. We have all the literature for 2009/10 supplied by the tourist boards of Herefordshire, Forest of Dean and Monmouthshire and Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association. We ensure that we can confidently support our guests with a wealth of information on the local attractions, activities and experiences whilst you enjoy our lovely accommodation and great food! In our lounge we have a big folder detailing the best places to eat out near us.
And last but not least for the artistic amongst you there’s our painting breaks with Mariana Robinson-. www.mariana-art.co.uk
1 or 2 days of tuition for groups of people to learn and enhance their painting skills
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The breaks are suitable for all levels of painters, including beginners.
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Groups can be between 3 and 8. Non-painting partners are very welcome
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All Watercolour Breaks start either on either a Sunday or Monday evening.
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2 nights stay and 1 day workshop tuition Or:
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3 nights stay and 2 days tuition, at least one of which will be in the outdoors, weather permitting
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Prices per person are dependant on the length of the break and the number in the painting group
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Prices are based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room includes bed, breakfasts and evening meals and Workshop tuition per day plus packed lunch
We will add to the newsletter during the next few months if and when we have any new and interesting things to tell you.
