Drovers Rest

First port of call has to be Hay-on-Wye (10 minutes’ drive) – the town is best known for its many bookshops and book festival, but it’s also got a castle, a gin distillery and a lovely market. You can hire canoes in town to paddle down the River Wye, or head out for a walk up to Hay Bluff or along trails including the Wye Valley Walk or Offa’s Dyke Path. Hay-on-Wye is just up at the top end of the Brecon Beacons National Park, so there are plenty more walks around – both gentle strolls and more challenging clambers. If it’s something else you have in mind for your outdoor days, have a word on site, as the farm has partners that can sort things like horse riding, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. For other days out, you could meet more animals at the Small Breeds Farm Park (half an hour’s drive) or head to Hereford (40 minutes) to see the Mappa Mundi and half-timbered houses.