Food, Glorious Food (That You Don’t Have to Cook)
1. Let Someone Else Do the Cooking
If you’ve booked one of Big House Holiday Lets’ large properties, you’ve already nailed the first step: space for everyone. Now, elevate it. Hire a private chef or catering team and let them turn your stay into a full-blown foodie experience.
There’s a growing list of talented local chefs and caterers who’ll come straight to your door, whip up restaurant-quality food, and — crucially — do all the washing up. Whether you want a multi-course fine dining menu or a hearty roast with all the trimmings, there’s someone for every taste and budget.
Imagine the scene: the table set, candles flickering, your group in full relaxed mode while plates of perfectly cooked food arrive like magic. No stress, no mess, no “who’s on washing up duty tonight?”
2. The Restaurants Worth Leaving the House For
If you can drag yourself away from that hot tub, the Wye Valley is brimming with incredible restaurants. Start with The Whitebrook, where chef Chris Harrod earned a Michelin star for his hyper-local, foraged menus — think ingredients picked that morning from nearby woods and fields. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to photograph every dish before you eat it.
Closer to the water, The Saracens Head Inn at Symonds Yat offers picture-perfect riverside dining with proper pub classics and a wine list that’s dangerously tempting. Pull up a chair on the terrace, order something cold and crisp, and watch the canoes drift past.
From Abergavenny to Ross-on-Wye, you’ll find bistros, gastropubs and farm-to-table restaurants that make the most of the region’s incredible produce.
3. Local Producers & Farm Shops
Sometimes, cooking can be part of the fun — especially when you’ve got a kitchen big enough for the whole group to join in. Pop into one of the many farm shops and pick up Wye Valley asparagus (in season), local lamb, crusty bread, and bottles of cider pressed just down the road.
Favourites include Hopes of Longhope, Pengethley Farm Shop, and The Forge at Monmouth for artisan goodies. Or head to Taurus Crafts near Lydney for handmade chocolates and fresh bakes.
Even a simple picnic turns into something special when it’s all local — and eaten with a view of rolling hills or by the riverbank.
4. Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, reunion, or just the fact that everyone’s finally free on the same weekend, a catered meal is the easiest way to make it feel special. From sharing platters to afternoon teas, barbecue buffets to fine dining, the options are endless.
And because most caterers source locally, it’s not just delicious — it’s sustainable, too.
5. Pugs, Pinot & Post-Dinner Bliss
If you happen to spot two black pugs in sunglasses supervising the chef (and perhaps taste-testing a canapé or two), don’t worry — that’s just Syd and Coco, the self-appointed quality control team for Big House Holiday Lets. They take their duties very seriously… unless there’s cheese involved.
Because You Deserve It
When you book a Wye Valley escape, you’re booking time to reconnect — not to scrub pans. So go on, light the candles, open the wine, and leave the hard work to someone else.
After all, life’s too short for soggy pasta and sad cherry tomatoes.
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Where to stay
BHHL have 12 wonderful houses, all of which are accessible by private chefs or deliveries. Houses in, or closest to towns include Forest House at Coleford, Holly Tree House and Wye Rapids House at Symonds Yat and Fairlea Grange at Abergavenny but any would be great for your party.
Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
e: enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
tel: 01600 732050
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Bowley Hall
Prices from £3,250.00
Bowley Hall is a 9 bedroom Manor House and a 3 bedroom Coach House sleeping up to 31 guests in stunning Herefordshire countryside. With a bar, games room, cinema room, extensive grounds, outdoor pizza oven and Hot Tub (hire charge) its the perfect venue to relax in style and comfort. 3 lounges, huge baronial dining room, modern kitchen, breakfast room - its has everything you need. Licensed for weddings up to 170 with Marquee.
- 9 Bedrooms in Hall + 3 in Coachhouse
- Sleeps from 18 to 31 plus 4 infants please ask for a quote
- Hot Tub (Hired) Hot Tub included in house hire from November 2025 to May 2026
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
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The Manor on the Monnow
Prices from £2,850.00
Majestic Manor House sleeping 24 in 11 bedrooms, huge lounge and dining room. Big kitchen and separate breakfast room. Games room and covered Hot Tub in 2 acre safe and private grounds. On the banks of the River Monnow, fishing from garden and wild swimming a very short walk. 10 minute flat stroll into town, the Manor is perfect for town and country group self catering in the picturesque border town of Monmouth. Pet friendly.
- Games Room and Hot Tub
- Fishing from riverbank
- Wild swimming 100 yards
- Galleried Hall with woodburner
- 11 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms
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Holly Tree House
Prices from £2,450.00
Charming villa above Symonds Yat, sleeping 22 in 9 bedrooms overlooking River Wye. Two lounges, a large dining room and patio plus covered, outdoor Hot Tub and Games Room. Short walk to 3 pubs (with excellent food), river ferry, and flat riverside circular walk - super pet-friendly. Loads of activities inc canoes and paddle boards. verty safe and secure, no traffic. Ideal multi generation holiday cottage. Holly Tree House provides accommodation in an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- 9 bedrooms sleeping 12 - 22
- 8 Bath and Shower/Loos
- Covered Hot Tub
- Pet Friendly
- 3 Pub/Restaurants walkable
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The Anchor
Prices from £2,450.00
Set in the heart of Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean and previously know as The Anchor Inn, this cosy village pub, which dates back to the 15th century, is now a charmingly converted holiday cottage sleeping 20 in 7/8 ensuite bedrooms. Lovely Games Room and covered Hot Tub. Enclosed rear garden, pet friendly. Walk to village pubs, shop and chippie! Easy access to riverside. With Superfast Broadband and full Sky Film and Sports Pack it's ideal for work and leisure.
- 7/8 ensuite bedrooms sleep 22
- G/F room, sofa bed & bathroom
- Dogs and other pets welcome
- Covered Hot Tub
- Dine 20 round one table
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River Wye Lodge
Prices from £2,850.00
Converted Coaching Inn on the banks of the River Wye, with park and canoe launch - short walk to village shop, pub, Indian takeaway and fish and chip shop. Sleeps 26 in 12 bedrooms, 10 having glorious views of the River Wye. Accessibility ramp to the front door and the ground floor houses a wheelchair friendly twin room with an en-suite wet room. Huge dining room and lounge, 2 connected kitchens, playground outside. Games Room. Pet friendly.
- 12 Bedrooms sleeping 26
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room
- Dine 26 round one table
- Twin disabled bedroom wet room en suite
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Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,850.00
13 bedroom (11 ensuite) converted hotel overlooking the River Wye rapids at Symonds Yat. Large dining room , bar, lounge, patio, riverside garden plus outdoor hot tub (that can be hired) and games room. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sights and sound of nature all around you. An ideal pet-friendly cottage for large group holidays. With flat walks and 3 nearby pubs and restaurants, Wye Rapids provides an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for up to 30 guests (26 adults max plus 4 children)
- 11 ensuite Bedrooms plus family room and shared bathroom sleeps 26 adults plus 4 children
- Hot tub hire available
- All dine together
- Fully commercial kitchen
- Offroad parking for 16 cars
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Monnow Valley Studio
Prices from £2,850.00
Sleeps 24 in 11 bedrooms , world famous recording studio on banks of the River Monnow, full of memorabilia with Party Room, Games Room, Cinema Room, stunning dining room, huge modern kitchen, hot tub (hire charge) . Pets are not allowed. peaceful, quiet , safe with no traffic, fishing and swimming from the garden. Licensed for Weddings - 50 max.
- Outdoor Hot Tub for hire
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
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Brookside
Prices from £2,450.00
Grand Georgian Manor — A Luxurious Countryside Escape for up to 24 Guests. Experience the charm and elegance of this stunning Georgian manor house, featuring eight large bedrooms and five bathrooms. Perfect for large groups, family gatherings, or special celebrations, the property offers a grand dining area where everyone can dine together, a large lounge for relaxing evenings, a fun-filled games room, and an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Combining classic style with modern comfort, this exceptional home provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable countryside getaway.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Large Games Room / Party Room
- Hot Tub can be hired
- Ground floor bedroom for elderly or infirm
- Village location with local shop, cafe & pub
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Forest House
Prices from £2,850.00
This 11 ensuite bedroom converted 4* Hotel sleeps up to 25 in the centre of Coleford, the heart of the Forest of Dean - Hot Tub, 2 Lounges, Games Room with pool table, Large dining room, fantastic kitchen. Off road walks and cycling from door. Pet friendly. Short walk to shops, pubs, restaurants. A perfect location for sampling the huge array of activities and attractions in the Forest of Dean.
- 11 Ensuite bedrooms sleeping 25
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room with Pool Table
- All Dine Together
- Pet Friendly for 2 dogs
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Fairlea Grange
Prices from £3,250.00
This striking gothic townhouse in the heart of Abergavenny is full of character and inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie The Lady Vanishes. It was the childhood home of Ethel Lina White who wrote the original novel. If you want your stay to evoke a dramatic atmosphere this is the holiday home for you! 10 bedrooms, sleeping up to 24 people with 2 lounges , 2 kitchens , games Room, Hot Tub, enclosed garden in walking distance of town centre and Station. Pet friendly.
- 10 bedrooms, 6 ensuites plus 2 bathrooms
- Pets Welcome
- Games Room
- Covered Hot Tub
- Near Brecon Beacons
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High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,450.00
The secluded hilltop retreat of explorer, adventurer, and author Christina Dodwell, High Cloud Farm, a perfect location for 3 generation celebrations, with maps, books, pictures and artefacts in evidence everywhere. This remote rural cottage on the Wales borders offers total privacy as a large party house or holiday retreat. Hot tub and heated Swimming Pool (May till October). farmhouse sleeps 12 and Barn sleeps 12. Everyone can dine together in the Barn. 3 Kitchens, Games Room, pet friendly.
- Dining table seats 24
- 10 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Large games room
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Covered hot tub
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Pencraig Court
Prices from £2,850.00
Classic country house sleeping 36 in 11 bedrooms midway between Monmouth and Ross on Wye overlooking the river. Pet friendly, stunning rooms, large grounds, games room. On site 3 bed cottage sleeping a further 8 available. Large grounds and gardens and a drive with an extensive parking area, totalling 3.6 Acres. Hot tub hire available.
- 11 Ensuite Bedrooms sleeping 36
- Attached 3 Bed cottage sleeping 8
- Games Rooms with Table Football and Pool table
- Hot tub Hire available
- Pet Friendly
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Bromsash House
Prices from £2,950.00
Bromsash House is a grand Manor house boasting six acres of land. 5 bedrooms in the main house sleep 12 adults . There is a Lodge with 3 double bedrooms sleeping a further 6 and Games Room.. The gardens are huge and boast a huge array of unusual trees, fruit trees, rose bushes, and magnolias, creating perfect areas in which to play and explore. Patio with lovely furniture and Hot Tub. Bromsash House sleeps 18 in total.
- 1 Hot Tub
- 2 Pets Welcome
- Max sleepers 18
- Linen Provided
- Sky TV
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Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £4,250.00
A comfortable 25 bedroom (all ensuite) converted guest accommodation situated on the banks for the River Wye. Huge dining room, lounge,bar, games / party room and mature gardend. With flat walks from the door Symonds Yat Lodge is the perfect place for celebrations and large group holidays. Pet friendly, parking. Sleeps 50 guests. Prices are based on 30 guests in 15 bedrooms with 10 extra bedrooms available at an additional charge.
- 25 ensuite Bedrooms
- All dine together in huge dining room
- Licensed for Weddings - for up to 100 guests
- Pet friendly
- Country pub within 5 minute walk
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Carefree Cottage
Carefree Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth
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Hope Mansell Hall
Prices from £4,250.00
Hope Mansell Hall is an 18 ensuite bedroom Georgian estate in 11 acres of winding gardens and tranquil woodland outside Ross-on-Wye. Perfectly equipped for family and corporate events, intimate celebrations and weddings. Sleeps up to 40 guests. With games room, huge dining room, gorgeous kitchen , gardens, the perfect getaway.
- 18 Ensuite Bedrooms sleep 40
- Games Room, pool, table tennis, table football
- Huge Dining Room seats 40
- Professional level kitchen
- Bar, perfect for socialising
