And that’s where a large holiday house changes everything.

Instead of rushing home after the event, imagine returning to your own private manor house, riverside retreat or countryside escape. The festival becomes part of the weekend rather than the entire weekend.

The Famous Hay Festival

The biggest name on the local festival calendar is undoubtedly the Hay Festival, held every year in Hay-on-Wye. Often described as one of the world's leading literary festivals, it attracts writers, comedians, politicians, scientists and celebrities from around the globe. The festival welcomes thousands of visitors each year and has become one of the most important cultural events in the UK.

But even if nobody in your group has written a bestselling novel, Hay is surprisingly good fun. There are talks, food stalls, shopping, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to simply soak up the atmosphere.

A BHHL house makes the perfect base. Spend the day exploring the festival and then head back for a barbecue, hot tub session or games night.

Abergavenny Food Festival

If your ideal weekend revolves around eating rather than reading, the Abergavenny Food Festival deserves a place on your calendar.

Held every September, it attracts thousands of visitors and is widely regarded as one of the UK's premier food festivals. Expect demonstrations from chefs, artisan producers, street food, local cider and enough samples to make lunch entirely unnecessary.

For groups of food-loving friends, this is the perfect excuse for a long weekend.

Spend the day discovering local flavours, then return to your holiday house and continue the feast around a huge dining table.

Festivals for Foodies

Herefordshire takes its food and drink seriously.

Throughout the year you'll find cider festivals, beer festivals, artisan markets and food celebrations across the region. Events such as Hereford Indie Food and Beer on the Wye showcase local producers, while smaller festivals pop up throughout the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.

The beauty of staying in a large holiday house is that nobody has to drive home afterwards.

Instead, everyone can enjoy the local cider, relax, and continue the evening together.

Music, Arts and Family Festivals

The area also hosts numerous arts and music events throughout the year.

The Wye Valley River Festival celebrates creativity along the river, while Herefordshire hosts a variety of arts, music and cultural festivals throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy live performances, exhibitions, workshops and family-friendly entertainment.

Many of these events are spread across several days, making overnight accommodation almost essential.

A BHHL property gives everyone space to enjoy the festival by day and socialise by night.

Traditional Shows and Country Festivals

Part of the charm of Herefordshire is its connection to farming, food and countryside traditions.

From agricultural shows and garden festivals to folk events and local celebrations, there is always something happening. Popular examples include folk festivals, gardening events and seasonal food celebrations that showcase the region's rural heritage.

These events are ideal for multi-generation family groups because there is usually something for everyone.

Grandparents can browse craft stalls, children can enjoy activities and animals, and adults can sample local food and drink.

Why Large Houses Make Festival Weekends Better

Festival weekends sound wonderful until someone starts asking practical questions.

Who's driving?

Where's everyone staying?

Can we all eat together afterwards?

That's where large-group accommodation really shines.

Instead of splitting into hotel rooms across different towns, everyone stays under one roof.

You'll enjoy:

• Large kitchens for breakfasts and late-night snacks
• Huge dining tables for shared meals
• Comfortable lounges for catching up
• Gardens and outdoor spaces
• Games rooms and hot tubs at many properties
• Plenty of parking
• Space for dogs at selected properties

Most importantly, nobody has to rush off at the end of the day.

Syd and Coco's Festival Guide

Syd has heard there are food festivals.

Coco has heard there are food festivals.

Neither pug has shown the slightest interest in literature, arts or cultural enrichment.

Syd's plan is to sample every available sausage.

Coco's plan is to supervise.

Neither plan has been approved by management.

Make a Weekend of It

The Wye Valley sits within easy reach of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London and the Midlands, making it a brilliant meeting point for groups travelling from different directions.

Rather than squeezing a festival visit into a single day, why not turn it into a proper getaway?

Spend a few days exploring local pubs, riverside walks, market towns and attractions while enjoying one of the many fantastic festivals the region has to offer.

Because the best festival memories rarely happen at the festival itself.

They're usually made afterwards, when everyone is back together, sharing stories, food, drinks and laughter around a table in a beautiful holiday house.

Check out these great houses:

Bowley Hall for easy access to Herefordshire festivals, sleeps up to 31

Fairlea Grange in the heart of Abergavenny sleeps up to 24

Bromsash House with wonderful views across the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons