Byecross Farm Campsite

A small market town on the border between England and Wales, Hay-on-Wye (20 minutes’ drive) is famed for its festival in May, which features talks and events by authors, comedians and musicians. Hay is also the world’s largest second-hand book centre, and it’s easy to spend a day browsing through shelves looking for fascinating titles. Start your visit to Hereford (25 minutes) at Hereford Cathedral – to admire the architecture, sure, but also to marvel at the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world (or rather the parts that were known at the time) decorated with weird creatures and unusual peoples. The Museum of Cider displays vintage presses and other items related to this locally made drink. The ruins of Goodrich Castle (45 minutes), overlooking the River Wye, might spark the imagination of the kids and perhaps inspire a passion for medieval history, while Castell Rhaglan / Raglan Castle (55 minutes), across the border in Wales, runs events such as falconry displays and crafts days.