Why book clubs thrive here

The Wye Valley offers exactly what a bookish getaway needs: peaceful surroundings, beautiful backdrops, and plenty of places to sit around chatting for hours with a glass of red in hand. With riverside walks, cosy cafes, and rolling countryside, it’s made for literary reflection and lively debate – often at the same time.

The area’s slower pace means there’s no pressure to tick off tourist hotspots (though you can if you want to). Instead, your group can stay up late talking plot twists, then roll out of bed and straight into breakfast without a schedule. That’s the magic of the Wye.

Stay together in comfort and style

Our large self-catering houses at Big House Holiday Lets are perfect for a book club weekend. Everyone under one roof, but with enough space for solo reading or sneaky naps. Think roaring fires, long dining tables, and hot tubs under the stars – just add wine and some gossip about the author’s love life.

Many of our homes have games rooms, reading nooks, and spacious kitchens for cooking up a feast (or opening the takeaway menus). You can eat together, read together, and laugh until your bookmarks fall out.

Some ideal properties for a book club retreat include:

• The Anchor, Lydbrook – riverside views and room for 20+ guests.

• Forest House, Coleford – Georgian charm with elegant dining rooms.

• High Cloud Farm– acres of countrside to relax and read.

All have Wi-Fi for Kindle readers (no judgment) and sofas for the paperback purists.

Bookshops, wine stops & places to plot twists

No book club weekend is complete without at least one spontaneous literary detour. The Wye Valley doesn’t disappoint:

• Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye are packed with independent bookshops and antique finds. Hay is the official ‘Town of Books’, and while it’s just over the border in Wales, it’s worth the drive for armfuls of second-hand treasures.

• Wilton Court and No3 Ross-on-Wye are ideal for celebratory meals, especially after finishing a chunky classic.

• Local vineyards such as Parva Farm and Wythall Estate offer tours and tastings – perfect for pairing a fruity white with this month’s romantic drama.

• Monmouth’s Savoy Theatre sometimes hosts author events, bookish films, or local performances. The ideal break if the reading has taken a back seat to the red wine...

Things to do between chapters

This isn’t just about the books. A good retreat needs space to clear your head and refill your teacup. The Wye Valley is made for “between chapters” activities:

• Wander Symonds Yat and stop for cream tea.

• Canoe down the Wye and pretend you’re in a watery version of Swallows and Amazons.

• Pop into a spa or book a mobile massage at your house.

• Or do absolutely nothing but lounge around in pyjamas discussing who’s going to pick the next book.

Tips for the perfect retreat

• Choose a house with multiple bathrooms. Trust us.

• Bring a couple of copies of your chosen book – someone will forget theirs.

• Don’t overschedule. Part of the joy is just being together.

• Bring candles, snacks, and a quiz or two – or message us and we’ll send you our Book Club Bingo PDF.

• Nominate a wine monitor. It’s a real job.

Real talk: what it costs

A book club break with BHHL is more affordable than you think – and cheaper than a weekend in a city hotel. Most of our homes start at around £50 per person per night, based on full occupancy. For that, you get privacy, comfort, and a setting that makes your group chat come alive in real life.

Whether you’re re-reading Jane Eyre or giggling over a steamy beach read, a Wye Valley break turns your book club from monthly obligation to annual highlight. All you need is your gang, your books, and an appetite for snacks and stories.

Book now, read later – and we’ll have the wine waiting.

Big House Holiday Lets
w: bhhl.co.uk
e: enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
t: 01600 732050