Water, water, everywhere!
With record levels of rain and most of us feeling decidedly soggy, summer so far has been a bit of a washout. But in Herefordshire we’re made of sterner stuff (yes we are), we’re nothing if not determined and get out and about to enjoy ourselves whatever the weather. We just need to remember the umbrellas.
Here are four water-themed ideas you can splash out on.
Kenchester Water Gardens
At Kenchester, there are about six acres of landscaped gardens with fish pools as well as a scrumptious tearoom and gift shop. This is a specialist water garden centre and the place to go if you want advice on water features and all things aquatic. Virtually all of the gardens are accessible to disabled visitors and with numerous of water plants, water lilies (they are the holders of the National Collection) and a huge variety of fish for sale, it’s an excellent way to pass an hour or two.
Church Road, Lyde, Hereford
Tel: 01432 270981
Cost: Free admission
Open: Mon-Sat 9.00 am to 5.30 pm & Sun 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.
For more onformation on Kenchester Water Gardens
The Waterworks Museum
Amongst many other exhibits, the Waterworks Museum has the oldest working triple-expansion steam pumping engine in the UK, which supplied Hereford with a million gallons of water daily (almost as much as the rain that’s fallen on us this season) from the late 19th century to the 1950s. This is a real family-friendly museum where younger kids will enjoy the Freddie Frog trail while older ones can try the Engineering time-line.
There are open days in steam on the second and last Sundays in the month from April until the end of October so why not pop over and take a look.
All areas of the site are accessible to wheelchair users.
Broomy Hill, Hereford
Tel: 01432 361147
For more information on the Waterworks Museum
Cost: Adults £3 (open days £5), Seniors £2 (open days £3), Children £1 (open days £1).
Open: Every Tuesday 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Kingfisher Cruises
Keep your feet dry as well as your head (the cruisers are covered) with a cruise up the river at Symond’s Yat.  There are two boats – one able to carry 32 passengers and the other, up to 50.
The trips last for around 40 minutes, include a full commentary about the area and serve snacks and hot and cold drinks onboard.
Operating from The Saracen’s Head, Symond’s Yat East
Tel: 07831 297672 for times and prices.
Watercolour Painting
Okay, this is a tenuous link to ‘water’ but...
The watercolour painting taster session takes place at Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hampton Bishop, Herefordshire
Date: Friday 20th July 2012
Tel: 01568 617433 for full details
Cost: £60
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