The first mention of Craswall was Cressewell in 1228, and sure enough, wild watercress grows abundantly by our spring and in the dell. Our valley and winding lanes still follow classic medieval settlement patterns. Little has changed.

Herefordshire has more castles than any other county in Britain, and Hay-on-Wye hosts literary skirmishes to this day at its annual festival. Dore Abbey lies nearby, also Arthur’s Stone and Offa's Dyke. We even have a Bronze Age burial cist on the farm.

Hay-on-Wye is our local town, famous for second hand book shops, and for declaring national independence in 1977. It hosts the world's most renowned literary festival each May, but its great selection of interesting shops and eateries are open all the year round.

Dukes Farm is nearly in Wales, but definitely Herefordshire. England's most rural county, it leads the way in foodie zeal. You'll find many excellent ciders and local fruit and vegetables in the farm shops nearby, and meat harvested straight from pasture. Think about celebrating with local cider & Wiggly Wigglers bouquets on your arrival, or local hampers. Our list of fantastic local caterers will help out if you want to eat in with less cooking. Like home cooking, only better.

An outing to see the unforgettable historical gems nearby is time well spent. Take in the 13th century Mappa Mundi at Hereford Cathedral (where China’s a small island, and America doesn't exist). Abergavenny's Tree of Jesse is the most venerated wood carving in Britain, and the picturesque ruins at Llanthony Abbey can be enjoyed with a pint from the pub in its vaults.