PORTLAND HOUSE SPRING SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2008
Check the weather this week
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=2142
We started the year off to a positive start. We gained a 5 star rating from Herefordshire council for excellence under food hygiene regulations. We’ve put the certificate up in the dining room so guests can see it but also make sure we don’t rest on our laurels!
http://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/business-detail.php?business_id=144425.
As we’re British we have to talk about the weather! So quickly before we look forward. We have had more than our fair share of rain again during the winter but no floods thank goodness. The River Wye has burst its banks several times over the months of January and February around Ross on Wye. We count ourselves so lucky at Portland House in that respect, the river is five minutes walk away!
Being on the borders of 3 counties our guests are also so lucky in having the pick of activities and attractions to enjoy. We have all the new literature for 2008 supplied by the tourist boards of Herefordshire, Forest of Dean and Monmouthshire. We want to ensure that we can confidently support our guests with a wealth of information on the local attractions, activities and experiences and supply you with lovely accommodation and great food! In our lounge we have a big folder detailing the best places to eat out near us. A current favourite with guests is the Mill Race at Walford.
http://www.millrace.info/wb/pages/menus.php
A new initiative was launched on 12th April. Very welcome we believe for people who cannot manage the type of walks covered in the walking festival. It’s called 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. We were invited to the launch and experienced one of the walks in April. 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.
Another 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
To find out what else is happening around the Forest of Dean this spring/summer do visit www.visitforestofdean.co.uk.There's loads for the family in the forest. And in Whitchurch actually, right on our doorstep. Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, and the Amazing Hedge Puzzle. For more details on those and Mini Golf visit www.mazes.co.uk
www.butterflyzoo.co.uk
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.
Over the coming months guests can also enjoy a varied calendar of events in Herefordshire.
For the very active we’d best inform you of the range of guided walks available. Discover more on this at www.walkingfestival.com..
Booking opens for Wyastone Summer Series at the Concert Hall, Wyastone Leys. A very popular venue for good music lovers in spectacular surroundings. The venue has new caterers running the Pavilion Restaurant. Another new initiative to encourage the young to appreciate good music is tickets for £5 per person, under 18yrs of age. Great value. visit www.wyastone.co.uk.
Hereford is a must to visit with its Cathedral housing the famous Mappa Mundi and ancient library of books
There’s lots more – find it on www.visitherefordshire.co.uk.
We have the brand new compact guide on Herefordshire for guests to take out with them highlighting places to visit and activities to enjoy. If you’d like us to send you a copy when you book just let us know.
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.
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
- The breaks are suitable for all levels of painters, including beginners.
- Groups can be between 3 and 8. Non-painting partners are very welcome
- All Watercolour Breaks start either on either a Sunday or Monday evening.
- 2 nights stay and 1 day workshop tuition Or:
- 3 nights stay and 2 days tuition, at least one of which will be in the outdoors, weather permitting
- Prices per person are dependant on the length of the break and the number in the painting group
- 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 add to the newsletter during the next few months if and when we find any new and interesting things to tell you.
