Dragon Orchard
- Premier host
- Ledbury, Herefordshire, England
- See on map
- Sleeps: 4 per unit
- Bedrooms: Varies
- Bathrooms: Varies
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
Nurtured by the same family for over 100 years, Dragon Orchard is a magical place where time slows down and life’s simple pleasures take centre stage.
You’ll discover the idyllic 22-acre orchard in the heart of rural Herefordshire, nestled beneath the Marcle Ridge and its soothing ancient woodland. Surrounded by whispering fruit trees and diverse, flourishing wildlife, stress and tension will melt away as you reconnect effortlessly with nature… and each-other.
Choose your accommodation from two bespoke yurts – each sleeping up to four guests – or a self-contained studio apartment that’s ideal for a small family of two adults and two children.
Named Cai and Zephyr, the spacious, lovingly-made yurts each boast a transparent roof for stargazing or cloud-watching alike, with furnished decking for outdoor relaxation. Cosy beds, wood burning stoves and unique interior styling offer a wealth of home-style comfort under canvas, with firebowls and barbecues for alfresco cooking and relaxing under the stars.
Designed by the orchard’s former Artist in Residence, Cai is resplendent in vibrant reds and yellows, with a beautiful sun mural and elegant, hand-painted furniture. There’s a small electric cooker inside, while just a few steps away is a private shower and compost toilet.
Zephyr, meanwhile, is blissfully secluded on the edge of the cider orchard, showcasing incredible views towards the Marcle Ridge and May Hill. Off-grid facilities include a two-burner camp stove, a private shower and compost toilet close by, and a sheltered al fresco washing-up station quirkily constructed from an apple bin.
If you prefer a more conventional retreat, Dragon Nest is a sleek studio apartment that features wooden flooring, an apex ceiling, and full kitchen and bathroom facilities. Eclectic, farmhouse-style furniture and plenty of windows fill the space with natural light and welcoming warmth, with Malvern Hills views to accompany you at mealtimes.
Keep readingAt a glance
- A lovingly-nurtured, family-run orchard in the heart of Herefordshire, with welcoming accommodation and a programme of community-focused events.
- Accommodation includes 2 18ft yurts with stargazing roofs and private facilities (4 guests per yurt) and a self-contained studio apartment (ideal for 2 adults and 2 children).
- The orchard is home to a programme of arts and community-focused events, with additional camping facilities available.
- There are plenty of walks and all-level cycling trails waiting to be taken in the local area, along with castles, market towns, and gardens to explore.
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Facilities
Cai Yurt: hand-painted furniture, pull-out double sofa bed, raised double bed with access ladder, power supply with electric cooker, wood-burning stove, deck with outdoor furniture and tap, private shower and compost toilet nearby. Designated parking.
Zephyr Yurt: kingsize bed, pull-out double sofa bed, two-burner camp stove, outdoor washing up station with running water, wood-burning stove, deck with outdoor furniture, private shower and compost toilet nearby. Solar lighting. Designated parking.
Dragon Nest apartment: double bed (2 extra singles provided on request), fully-equipped kitchen with fridge, induction hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, private en-suite bathroom with underfloor heating, heated towel rail, towels, toilet, bath, shower, outdoor seating and table, free Wi-Fi and USB charging points, designated parking.
Local activities
Walking, cycling, picnic spots, creative workshops, festivals, pubs, shops, cafés, castles, gardens, market towns, historic sites.
More information
The friendly family owners host a programme of art and community-focused festivals, gatherings, retreats and workshops (please see their website for information) in their lovingly-curated orchard spaces.
These include Dorothy’s Orchard, a creative space featuring scenic vistas and avenues lined with sponsored trees, and The Big Hug: a curved straw bale and lime plaster structure with hand-made oak seating. Attendees are welcome to camp in the orchard, where facilities (including a heated outdoor shower and undercover showers) are provided.
As you might imagine, there are plenty of fascinating walks and all-level cycle trails to be taken in the local area, such as the historic Marcle Ridge Circular Walk, with plenty of castles, country houses, and gardens to explore. Not to mention friendly pubs serving mouth-watering local cider!
If you’re not in the mood to stray too far, however, a stroll around Dragon Orchard itself will take around 20 minutes… an ideal way to absorb your senses in nature’s bounty before recharging in your chosen accommodation. For a whimsical treat, there is a Poetry Trail through the orchard, and the owners’ Orchard Days book is part of your welcome gift when you arrive.
Things to note
Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay at an additional charge per dog. Please see the owners’ website for more information about events held at the orchard. If staying in the yurts, please bring your own towels. Please note that no Wi-Fi is available in the yurts, for a true digital-free holiday.
Where you'll be staying
Ledbury, Herefordshire
What the guests of Dragon Orchard say
“The blissful evenings spent under the starry skies or cwtched up next to the log fire; bathing in the full moonlight shining in through the crown; waking up to the dawn chorus; morning practice on the deck; apples straight from the tree for breakfast. Just a few of the many memories I shall forever treasure.”
“It was an absolutely magical experience. Looking up at night to see the giant oak tree through the roof of the yurt, hearing the rustle of the wind through the trees, warming ourselves by the cosy fire, and enjoying open-air showers were just a few of the experiences that created the atmosphere of a family holiday in touch with nature. Eating and drinking the delightful produce from the orchard, amongst the trees that the fruit grew upon, was a priceless experience for our young daughter.”
“We were excited about a family weekend away in a yurt in an orchard and Dragon Retreat didn’t disappoint. We went in early October which meant the trees were laden with all sorts of types of apples and, despite cold nights, we were very cosy in the yurt. Crackling fires, hot showers under the trees, the occasional thud of another apple falling from a tree and a lovely local area to explore. We hope to come again, perhaps for apple blossom season. Thank you to Ann and Norman, the lovely hosts.”
You might also like
