Things to do in Herefordshire Summer Holidays 2026
With the Herefordshire summer holidays 2026 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the area. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year, both indoors and outside. From family trails to fun days and activity camps, there’s lots to see and do around Herefordshire.
If you’re on a budget, check out my post about free things to do in Herefordshire as well. If you’re planning on booking any of these attractions in Herefordshire, do check out my post about discount deals on UK attractions and days out. There are often quite a few discounts available in the local area, so I personally resent paying full price!
For holiday clubs in Herefordshire where you can drop the kids off to have fun without you, I’ve included Herefordshire in my West Midlands holiday clubs 2026 info post.
This post covers the Herefordshire area only. If you are looking for days out during the summer holidays in nearby counties, please see below:
Things to do in Herefordshire Summer Holidays 2026
Berrington Hall National Trust
Berrington Hall is taking part in the National Trust’s Summer of Play, with the gardens and parkland turned into a giant outdoor playground for the school holidays. Kids can try traditional lawn games, build dens in the woodland, and run around the sprawling grounds. There are also creative activities dotted around the estate, such as arts and crafts, nature-based challenges, and hands-on play that gets children exploring the outdoors.
The Georgian house itself is worth a look too, and the on-site café serves up the usual National Trust fare (cake included). Dogs on leads are welcome in the parkland and gardens, so the whole family can make a day of it. Whilst the event tends to be aimed at primary school children, older and younger ones will still enjoy the day out.
Dates: 18th July to 31st August 2026.
Website: National Trust Berrington Hall
Brockhampton Estate (National Trust)
Brockhampton is also joining in with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, by transforming into a giant outdoor adventure zone for the school holidays. Set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, the estate’s woodland and meadows become the backdrop for den-building, nature crafts, and plenty of active, outdoor fun. Kids can try traditional games on the lawn, follow trails through the ancient trees, and enjoy hands-on activities that encourage them to explore the great outdoors.
It’s definitely worth having a look around the medieval hall and thatched cottage too, and there’s a café on site serving hot and cold drinks and food. Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds. Whilst the event tends to be aimed at primary-school-aged children who love being outside, there’s plenty to keep toddlers and older siblings entertained as well.
Dates: 18th July to 31st August 2026.
Website: National Trust Brockhampton.
Croft Castle (National Trust)
Croft Castle is going back in time this summer with a Medieval Fair as part of the National Trust’s Summer of Play. Set in the atmospheric grounds of this historic Herefordshire estate, families can expect jousting displays, medieval-themed games, and hands-on activities that transport kids back to castle life. Think sword-fighting demonstrations, traditional crafts, and plenty of chances to dress up and join in the fun.
The castle itself a Is open to explore, and the parkland offers sweeping views and plenty of space for a picnic. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, and the on-site café has a dog-friendly section indoors and outdoors. Whilst the event is aimed at primary-school-aged children, this is a great place to visit with children of any age. I still try to go at least once a year (usually in autumn because it’s beautiful) and my children are 12 and 14 years old now.
Dates: 18th July to 31st August 2026.
Website: National Trust Croft Castle
Review: Plutonium Sox review of a dog friendly family day out at Croft Castle
Eastnor Castle Herefordshire Summer Holidays 2026
Eastnor Castle has loads of events planned for the Summer as always. This is very local for us and we go relatively regularly. All the events are brilliant and you can easily fill the day there as a family. The castle and grounds are super dog-friendly too! During the summer holidays, there are events taking place both at the castle itself and in the adjoining deer park. Tickets need to be booked in advance for all events and often sell out early.
- Sunday 19th to Thursday 23rd July: Dragons of the Lost Land – a brand new event for 2026 with more info coming soon.
- Sunday 26th to Thursday 30th July: Circus skills – Thomas Trilby is on hand with interactive circus fun.
- Sunday 2nd to Thursday 6th August: Wildplay – enjoy the mud kitchen, rope trails, den building and bug hunting.
- Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th August: Lakefest – Music festival in the deer park – tickets usually sell out for this so if you’re planning on going I’d advise grabbing yours quick.
- Sunday 9th to Thursday 13th August: Animal encounters – learn about and meet some exotic animals.
- Sunday 16th to Thursday 20th August: Air Dried Pottery – design and make your own creation to take home.
- Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd August: Malverns Classic – Deer Park event – a celebration of mountain biking for the whole family.
- Sunday 23rd to Thursday 27th August: Dino UpROAR – Meet a walking, roaring, lifelike T-Rex.
- Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August: Woodvilles Medieval Living History Camp: Interactive displays of living history including combat, crafts and cooking.
Website: Eastnor Castle
Review: Plutonium Sox review of a dog friendly family day out at Eastnor Castle.
Goodrich Castle, Ross-on-Wye
At the moment, there’s no particular event listed as taking place at Goodrich Castle for Herefordshire Summer holidays 2026, but it’s always a great day out and they’re open all summer. This is a fascinating historical castle that offers visitors a free audio guide to hear about its eventful past. Children will enjoy the free family game that features nine cartoon characters. Each one represents someone who would have lived at the castle. If you manage to climb to the top of the tower, you will enjoy views across the Wye Valley and both English and Welsh countryside. Entry to Goodrich Castle is free for English Heritage members but if you’re not a member, it’s worth booking online before you visit because you will save 15% on the cost.
Dates: Open throughout Herefordshire summer holidays 2026.
Website: English Heritage Goodrich Castle
Review: Plutonium Sox review of a dog friendly family day out at Goodrich Castle.
Ralph Court Gardens
Look out for dinosaurs on the loose at Ralph Court Gardens this summer! No event has been officially announced but visitors heading to the gardens on weekdays during the school holidays often spot a T-Rex walking around with his keeper, interacting with guests. This tends to take place at around 11.30 am and 1.45 pm daily, but times may vary. Dinosaur fans will also enjoy the Dinosaur World area, where animatronic dinosaurs entertain visitors. For an extra treat, book an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea for your visit (needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance). This lovely family day out is fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.
Dates: Open daily throughout the Herefordshire summer holidays 2026.
Website: Ralph Court Gardens.
Small Breeds Farm Park, Kington
The Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in Kington is open throughout the Herefordshire summer holidays and you don’t need to book. Their attractions include:
- Owl centre
- Small breeds farm park featuring miniature goats, sheep, donkeys, ponies and other animals
- Waterfowl and poultry
- Small animals including guinea pigs, rabbits and red squirrels
- Tea room
- Gift shop
This is a lovely day out for all ages. Little ones always particularly enjoy seeing the small breed animals.
Dates: Open daily throughout the Herefordshire summer holidays 2026.
Website: Small Breeds Farm Park
The Viking Games, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire Summer Holidays 2026
As you may expect, The Viking Games offers a fantastic selection of group activities inspired by the Vikings. See if you have the agility and ability to be a Viking warrior by playing one of these traditional Nordic games, or all six:
- Axe throwing
- Bullrings
- Archery,
- Kubb
- Stige
- Molkky
Website: The Viking Games.
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and Miniature Golf – Symonds Yat West
Combine these fun attractions for a complete day out. Discounted tickets are available for each one when you visit them both.
The tropical, indoor Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is teeming with exotic butterflies from around the world. Observe their fascinating lives up close and witness each stage of their development. From egg to caterpillar, to chrysalis and butterfly.
Wye Valley Miniature Golf offers a twelve-hole retro-style Roman ruin course with all-weather artificial-turf fairways and adventure golf features for all ages. It is accessible for wheelchair users with assistance, and features ball-lifting aids and soft or short putters, so even a toddler can play.
