The Game Larders

Why you'll love staying here

The Game Larders is a charming 16th-century half-timbered cottage forming part of the wing Wythall Manor House near Ross-on-Wye. Set within the grounds of a country estate with award-winning vineyards, it is an idyllic retreat for couples or solo travellers seeking a peaceful break in the Herefordshire countryside.
Beautifully restored, the cottage retains a strong sense of its heritage, with timber beams, exposed stonework, and leaded windows blending effortlessly with comfortable furnishings and carefully chosen antique pieces.

The kitchen, though compact, is thoughtfully equipped with everything needed for relaxed self-catering. A generous welcome hamper filled with local produce ensures the designated chef will feel immediately at home preparing leisurely home-cooked meals.

Next door, the spacious living room offers a cosy setting for unwinding after a day of exploration. A drop-leaf dining table is ideal for intimate suppers, while plump sofas invite guests to relax with a film or settle in with a good book for the evening.

Upstairs, the bedroom is a peaceful sanctuary, decorated in calming neutral tones with exposed beams adding character and charm. A comfortable bed dressed in crisp white linen promises a restful night’s sleep, while mornings begin gently with birdsong and the distant bleating of sheep grazing in the surrounding fields. Completing the accommodation is a stylish bathroom.

Wythall Estate has remained in the same family since 1520 and has produced wine since 2014. Alongside its vineyards, the estate encompasses a freshwater lake, woodland, and beautifully tended gardens, offering numerous quiet spots to sit and watch wildlife. Badgers, deer, owls, and red kites have all been recorded here, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Guests are welcome to join vineyard tours to learn about vine management, from planting and pruning through to harvesting grape varieties selected specifically for the English climate. Afterwards, the owner of Wythall Manor hosts engaging tutored wine-tasting sessions, and estate wines are available to purchase to enjoy during your stay or take home as a special memento.

Nearby Ross-on-Wye is a historic market town with an appealing mix of independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs. The town’s iconic 17th-century Market House stands as a symbol of its heritage and now houses a gallery showcasing high-quality arts and crafts by local makers. Weekly markets continue a centuries-old tradition, offering fresh produce, seafood, cheese, baked goods, plants, flowers, street food, and artisan gifts. The Thomas Blake Memorial Garden, created in honour of a generous local benefactor, is a beautifully maintained terraced garden leading down towards a riverside pub on the banks of the River Wye.

The river itself provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Scenic walking and cycling trails follow its course, or visitors can hire a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and drift along the water, keeping watch for swans, geese, herons and kingfishers. A visit to Symonds Yat, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Wye Valley, rewards visitors with breathtaking scenery and several excellent spots for wild swimming.

Ross-on-Wye also lies on Herefordshire’s Southern Cider Circuit, a 59-mile route winding through ancient apple and pear orchards and past some of the region’s finest cider producers. A stop in nearby Ledbury is highly recommended, celebrated for its beautifully preserved timber-framed buildings, cobbled lane,s and independent boutiques. Don’t miss the Painted Room at One Church Street, where remarkable Tudor wall paintings offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.
Being close to the Welsh border, The Game Larders is also within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and abseiling. The Four Waterfalls circular trail is a particular highlight, guiding walkers through lush woodland to four spectacular cascades, with the unique opportunity to walk behind the rushing water.