Summer Evenings Done Right: BBQs, Cider, Laughter, Repeat
The Simple Joy of Doing Very Little
Life is busy.
Families live in different towns, friends struggle to find dates that work, and before you know it another year has gone by without that get-together everyone keeps talking about.
A large holiday house from BHHLchanges that.
Instead of trying to squeeze everyone into restaurants, pubs and hotels, you can have your own space for a few days. People can arrive when they like, settle into their rooms, wander into the garden and immediately start relaxing.
There’s no timetable.
No pressure.
Just good company and plenty of room to enjoy it.
Choose from remote farmhouses, former village pubs or town centre hubs - BHHL has 16 houses in the Wye Valley for you to choose from.
And we're only a few hours away from the Midlands and London
BBQs Taste Better on Holiday
Scientists may not have officially confirmed it, but food always seems to taste better when you're away.
Maybe it’s because someone else is cooking.
Maybe it’s because nobody is rushing.
Or maybe it's because a barbecue automatically creates an event.
One person becomes Grill Master.
Several become Self-Appointed Experts.
A small crowd gathers nearby offering entirely unhelpful advice.
Someone burns the first batch.
Everyone laughs.
And somehow it all becomes part of the tradition.
Whether you're cooking burgers, steaks, vegetarian favourites or fresh local produce, there’s something wonderfully social about everyone gathering around the barbecue while the evening unfolds.
The Magic of Long Summer Evenings
One of the greatest luxuries of summer is simply having more daylight.
After a day exploring the Wye Valley, visiting riverside villages or enjoying countryside walks, you still have hours left to enjoy together.
The garden becomes the centre of everything.
Children play games on the lawn.
Friends catch up over a drink.
Grandparents settle into comfortable chairs.
The conversation drifts from holiday plans to old stories and family legends that somehow get repeated every year.
Before long the sun starts dipping behind the trees and everything takes on that golden evening glow that makes even ordinary moments feel special.
Why the Wye Valley Works So Well
The Wye Valley has always been perfect for relaxed group breaks.
The scenery is beautiful without demanding too much effort.
You can spend the day walking beside the river, exploring local towns, visiting attractions or simply sitting outside with a coffee watching the world go by.
There’s no pressure to tick off a long list of attractions.
People can be as active—or as relaxed—as they like.
That flexibility makes it ideal for mixed-age groups where everyone wants something slightly different from their holiday.
Cider Country
If summer evenings had an official drink, Herefordshire cider would surely be near the top of the list.
The region is famous for its orchards, and many visitors enjoy discovering local producers during their stay. Check out Ross Cider for your supplies
Bring a few bottles back to the house and suddenly you've got the perfect accompaniment to a sunset barbecue.
Of course, there’s always someone who insists they can taste subtle notes of apple blossom and oak.
Everyone else simply enjoys the drink.
Garden Games and Friendly Competition
As the evening continues, garden games inevitably appear.
Someone suggests giant Jenga.
Someone else starts a round of rounders.
A fiercely competitive family member takes things far too seriously.
The children beat the adults.
The adults deny it happened.
The score remains disputed forever.
These are the moments people remember long after the holiday ends.
Not the expensive attractions.
Not the fancy plans.
Just simple fun shared with people they enjoy spending time with.
Enter Syd and Coco
No summer gathering would be complete without mentioning the unofficial inspectors of all outdoor dining activities.
Syd and Coco have very specific responsibilities whenever a barbecue appears.
Syd specialises in strategic sausage surveillance.
His approach involves sitting exceptionally close to the chef while maintaining what he believes is an innocent expression.
Coco prefers quality control.
If food falls on the floor, she considers it her civic duty to investigate immediately.
Together they operate one of the most efficient food-monitoring systems in the Wye Valley.
Whether anyone actually invited them remains unclear.
The Best Part Happens After Dark
As daylight fades, something changes.
Garden lights flicker on.
The barbecue cools down.
People wrap themselves in blankets or pull their chairs a little closer together.
Conversations become calmer.
The stars begin appearing overhead.
Nobody checks the time.
Nobody wants the evening to end.
Those quiet hours often become the highlight of the entire weekend.
They’re simple, unplanned and completely impossible to recreate at home.
The Firepit at Bowley Hall
Summer, Simplified
The truth is that the perfect summer weekend doesn’t need much.
A beautiful location.
Good food.
A few drinks.
People you enjoy being around.
Add sunshine, a barbecue and a Wye Valley sunset, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable escape.
So gather the family, round up the friends and make that long-overdue weekend happen.
The barbecue can be lit.
The cider can be chilled.
And somewhere nearby, Syd and Coco are already preparing for sausage patrol.
Book your next weekend with houses for 15 to 35:
Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
01600 732 050
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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 June 2026 & November 2026 to April 2027
- 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 22 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 £2,450.00
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 room with pool and table football
- 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 36 guests plus 4 children on Z beds. With games room for the children, huge dining room, gorgeous kitchen , gardens, the perfect getaway.
- 18 Ensuite Bedrooms sleep 36 plus 4 children on Z beds
- Games Room, pool, table tennis, table football for children
- Huge Dining Room seats 40
- Professional level kitchen
- Bar, perfect for socialising
