cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Those of you considering booking a holiday in Herefordshire could have an extra reason to visit the area with the 17th Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair scheduled to take place this autumn.

The event is being held from November 12th to 14th and is set to showcase the work of 58 different artists.

Visitors can peruse a range of jewellery, textiles, furniture, home wares, ceramics and fashion accessories.

And according to Visit Herefordshire, the fair gives people an "unrivalled opportunity" to find perfect Christmas gifts or something special for themselves.

The tourism authority stated holidaymakers will have the chance to discuss techniques and inspiration with the artists, commission a unique piece or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Among other displays will be Weathervanes by Karen Green, winner of the New Exhibitor Award 2010.

Visitors might also like to wander around the shops of Herefordshire, as according to the source, the region offers a relaxed environment and many independent boutiques.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

A holiday in Herefordshire could be perfect for film fans, as the Festival of British Cinema is coming to Hay-on-Wye from September 24th to 26th.

The second annual event this year is set to celebrate British silent films, including new and early pictures, while the programme also includes shorts, animations and documentaries.

Visitors can attend question-and-answer sessions with industry figures including directors, filmmakers and critics.

For example, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals will introduce his movie Separado, while Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson are set to discuss their award-winning documentary Mugabe and the White African.

Youngsters can even have a go at making their own film through the project Shorts, where they can learn how to make a short animation in a day with the help of professionals – competition winners will have theirs shown in the Olympic stadiums at the 2012 Games.

Furthermore, art lovers visiting the area next month can take part in various workshops at Herefordshire Art Week, from September 11th to 19th.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

Those of you looking to get away this autumn could find a cottage in Herefordshire makes the perfect holiday.

The Lonely Planet recently named the region among its top places to visit in October.

According to the travel guide, it is apple-picking season next month in Herefordshire, which means visitors can expect "tranquil orchards, snuffling pigs and lashings of cider".

If you're keen to join in the fun, you might like to visit Berrington Hall, a National Trust property near Leominster, where an apple weekend is taking place from October 2nd to 3rd.

The event offers cider-making demonstrations and food and craft stalls, as well as children's activities, which could make it an ideal day out for the whole family.

And holidaymakers might also like to explore the interior and gardens of Berrington Hall during their visit.

The property was one of Henry Holland's first houses and features Biaggio Rebecca ceilings and period furniture, which may be of interest to budding historians.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Those of you looking forward to a holiday in a Herefordshire cottage might like to consider visiting the Kington Show, a traditional agricultural event.

It will take place on September 11th at Ovals Farm, where visitors can watch cattle, sheep, dog and horticultural classes, while animal lovers may also enjoy the young farmers and shearing competitions.

Dick Allford, chairman of the event, said: "This year we have in place something for everyone [and] for all ages, from a rodeo bull and children's rides to demonstrations, competitions [and] even an after show-dance."

The event is a social gathering, he added, but more importantly it offers a good-value day out for the whole family.

There will also be almost 200 trade stands at the show, selling everything from arts and crafts to tractors, with many items from local producers.

Furthermore, art fans might enjoy Herefordshire Art Week, which runs a programme of demonstrations from September 11th to 19th.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

Holidays in Herefordshire could prove popular next month as the annual Bromyard Folk Festival is back with over 75 events.

The traditional song and dance festival, held on September 10th-12th, features morris processions, workshops, children's entertainment and a craft fair.

Visitors can also join in dance classes and ceilidhs, traditional Gaelic social dances, or simply relax and watch performances by folk musicians.

This year's line-up of local, national and international artists includes the Waterson Family, Show of Hands and Whapweasel.

The festival kicks off at 21:00 BST on September 10th with a concert, a grand ceilidh, a folk club and a late night song session, while daytime activities are based around workshops and meet-the-artist sessions.

Charity Bromyard Folk Festival Limited organises the event, with the aim of promoting traditional folk activities.

And those visiting the area from September 11th-19th can also take part in Herefordshire Art Week, where local artists will run a programme of workshops and exhibitions.
 

A holiday in Herefordshire could be the perfect choice for art lovers, with a week of workshops and exhibitions due to take place in the county.

Herefordshire Art Week, which runs from September 11th to 19th, will see local artists grant visitors exclusive access into their studios and run a varied programme of demonstrations.

You can chat to the artists about their work, gain some inspiration and insider knowledge or buy a piece of original artwork.

Throughout the week, there will be daily demonstrations on topics such as silk paper-making, basket-weaving and pottery-throwing.

And if this activity-packed week isn’t enough for you, Herefordshire is full of other cultural attractions.

For example, at the Old Chapel Gallery in Pembridge you can browse a range of contemporary crafts in a quaint Victorian setting, while Eastnor Pottery offers workshops for individuals and groups.

Website Visit Herefordshire also recommends the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, which it describes as “a good place to start to come to grips with the cultural richness of this county”.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you