Big Smiles & Big Spaces: A Big Family Staycation
A beautiful big barn conversion on a working farm
Herefordshire
Sleeps up to 48
Private bathrooms for each bedroom
Dog friendly
Available for exclusive hire or as individual property hire for smaller groups
Hot Tubs
Games Room
Outdoor Adventure Park
Close to Haye-on Wye, Ludlow and Hereford
With Christmas just around the corner it’s a time to start thinking about family gatherings and long overdue reunions with friends and loved ones. What a weekend we had at The Barns, think games nights, long breakfasts, county walks with a cosy pub, evenings around the dining table, open fires and warming hot tubs. Everything you could want for a countryside escape.
Our DM’s are always teeming with followers asking for the perfect place to stay for their big family celebrations or reunions, and here’s one that we will certainly be recommending to anyone that asks. The Barns.
We were invited to stay at The Barns and took along our family for a rural autumn escape. With twenty of us, ranging from babies to the grandparents and every age in between, we set off on our weekend. Travelling from the Wirral and London, Herefordshire actually worked out as a pretty central location and it was a stunning drive down from the Wirral, skirting the English-Welsh boarder through Powys and Shropshire.
The Barns in Herefordshire is the perfect space with three distinct properties, you can hire one or two of them to suit your party size but if there are a few more of you, you can have exclusive hire sleeping up to 48 of you. And, it’s enormous, from the individual barns to the private gardens, the courtyard, playground and even the parking facilities, you certainly won’t feel like you’re on top of each other.
Accommodation and Facilities
The Barns comprises of three distinct properties: The Old Mill, Hayloft & Byre (sleeping 24-28), The Stables, Wainhouse & Granary (sleeping 20), and the option for exclusive hire accommodating up to 48 guests. Each barn is thoughtfully designed, with interior design lead spaces and a nod to it’s farming history. The spacious, open-plan living and dining areas, cosy snugs and open fires are perfect for family meals, games nights and gatherings. The fully equipped kitchens feature modern appliances and everything you need for a full weekend of eating and drinking, including a five-oven AGA, catering to all culinary needs. We loved that each barn had it’s own fully equipped kitchen and living room, meaning there was ample space for quiet moments but with The Old Mill having an enormous open plan kitchen and dining space, perfect for us all coming together.
Children’s Playground: Our kids absolutely adored the outdoor wooden play area—it was an absolute highlight of the trip for them! With slides, swings, a playhouse, and plenty more to explore, it was the perfect spot for them to burn off some energy while we enjoyed a moment to relax. The setup was safe, spacious, and full of fun and they loved having it all to themselves.
Two Games Rooms: Both The Old Mill and The Stables have their own games rooms. Our large games room was a total hit with the family and a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening! From intense table tennis tournaments to air hockey battles that had us laughing and squabbling, there was never a dull moment. For quieter fun, we dove into the stash of board games, unleashing our competitive streaks over the classics. And the piano? Well, let’s just say we had a few impromptu “concerts” that ranged from slightly off-key to hilariously bad, it’s always handy having a piano player in the family. It was the perfect spot to unwind, bond, and make memories on our trip.
Private Dining – The team at The Barns helped us organise a private chef with The Cider Barn. The food was delicious, with a relaxed buffet on the first night and a more formal meal on the second. Hiring a private chef for our large group was an absolute game-changer and one of the highlights of our trip! A gorgeous meal prepared right in our accommodation, with none of the stress or mess. The chef whipped up a feast that had us all swooning, as we sat around the table, glasses clinking and laughter flowing. And the best part? When the meal was over, they tidied everything away, leaving us to simply relax and enjoy the evening. It was indulgent, effortless, and the kind of treat that turns a great getaway into an unforgettable one!
Walks – The Barns has three signposted walks straight from the front door that will take you on a safe ramble across the farm. There’s even a dedicated buggy walk, for little legs and prams. We went on a slightly longer walk, heading to The Python Arms at Penrose Court. This rustic pub was the perfect stop for a glass of red in front of the fire.
Location
Hereford’s not always the first place you think of when planning a countryside staycation and we’re not really sure why! Herefordshire is a charming escape brimming with unspoiled beauty and timeless appeal and we think a bit of a lesser-known gem. This lush, green county is a haven for those who crave a slower paced weekend, with rolling hills, winding rivers, and picturesque black-and-white villages that look like they’ve stepped straight out of a storybook, plus some pretty incredible olde-worldly pubs, endless orchards, miles of walking footpaths, and the tranquil Wye Valley make it a dream for hikers, cyclists, and anyone just wanting breathtaking views and fresh air.
Surrounding Areas and Activities
The Barns’ prime location offers a wealth of activities and attractions for all ages:
Hereford: Explore the Cathedral City of Hereford, renowned for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Hay-on-Wye: Known as the ‘Town of Books,’ Hay-on-Wye is a haven for literature enthusiasts, hosting numerous bookshops and the famous Hay Festival.
Ludlow: A nearby foodie town celebrated for its culinary delights, markets, and medieval charm.
Elan Valley – ‘The Lake District of Wales’ is just under an hour away and a beautiful area to explore.
With its blend of luxurious accommodations, family-friendly facilities, and a prime location amidst Herefordshire’s natural beauty, The Barns stands out as an exceptional choice for a memorable large family staycation and we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it to any of our staycationers.
Here’s the link to the perfect big family staycation.
