Pretty UK city just 5-miles from major city without crowds of tourists
If you're in need of some staycation inspiration, then this Somerset destination should definitely be on your radar. Close enough to Bath that you can enjoy the comforts of the city while remaining distinctly on the outskirts, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Freshford is just five miles from Bath, but its location at the junction of the River Frome and Avon makes it feel like a world away. The village's landscape of stone buildings, fields and woodlands create a distinct serenity to the area that has been unmarred by tourists - mostly because it is relatively under the radar.
The civil parish of Freshford dates back to Saxon times and was once home to a mill from 1086 - the remains of which still stand in the village to this day. The mill is a notable site of interest, home to 17th-century buildings made predominantly from natural stone, clay tile, and slate. One of the unique features of Freshford houses is its lack of house numbers, which are replaced instead with names.
READ MORE: Magical UK village just as pretty as Bath but without as many tourists
Freshford is also home to many sites of historical interest, one of which is the Freshford Manor which dates back to the 18th-century. There are also some religious buildings you can visit, including the 15th-century St Peter's Church which has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building.
Dating back to the early to mid 16th century, the Freshford Bridge stretches directly over the River Frome and is a truly picture-perfect spot. From Freshford, travellers will be able to see across the Avon valley to the Kennet and Avon Canal. But keep in mind, the nearest crossings are a bit further off at Avoncliff and Limpley Stoke.
Surrounded by hills and valleys, the village has plenty for nature-lovers to explore without needing to venture too far. Freshford is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna and is even part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within the green belt.
The village centre is also a conservation area, created during 1975 and extended in 2007. You would also be remiss not to stop by at the nearby hamlets of Friary, Sharpstone, Park Corner, Woodside and Staples Hill.
Freshford's jurisdiction includes these hamlets, though they are all separated from the centre of the village by lush open fields. That said, visitors can make a day of exploring the many low-intensity paths to the surrounding hamlets.
Popular walks in and around Freshford
The Ilford Loop: 2 hours and 4.5 miles long: beginning from the Freshford Galleries, you can head directly to the hamlet of Friary
Circular Hike to Dundas Wharf: 2 hours and 5 miles long: This is an intermediate hike with one or two busy roads to cross. It leads from the Freshford Galleries down to Limpley Stoke.
Farleigh Hungerford Loop: 2.5 hours and 5 miles long: A great country walk across open fields to the English Heritage site at Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
Hike to Avoncliff Aqueduct: 1.15 hours and 2.85 miles long: This is a low-intensity walk from Freshford to Avoncliff along the River Frome and then the River Avon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Little-known mountain walk with 360-degree epic views, but you have to bear in mind one thing
Little-known mountain walk with 360-degree epic views, but you have to bear in mind one thing This ethereal-looking peak promises epic views but does not have car parks, road signs, or clearly marked trails Located in Ceredigion near Ponterwyd, at 2,468ft, Pumlumon Fawr is the highest point in Central Wales (Image: Portia Jones ) When your country is blessed with epic landscapes, it's bound to attract the attention of hikers and hoards of TikTokkers in flip-flops desperate for a #SummitSelfie. In the post-COVID era in particular, Wales has endured its most scenic beauty spots crammed with tourists flocking to the area, often leaving piles of rubbish and hanging bags of dog waste in their wake. While Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) has continually begged ill-equipped and unprepared tourists to stay away from the mountains, there's one quiet peak in Wales that rivals the jaw-dropping views of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), which has no queues, crowds, or litter and is usually only visited by pro-hikers who have a deep love and respect for our mountains. In the wilds of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales, Pumlumon Fawr (known as Plynlimon in English) has somehow managed to escape the attention of snap-happy day-trippers. Located in Ceredigion near Ponterwyd, at 2,468ft, Pumlumon Fawr is the highest point in central Wales. However, this ethereal-looking peak does not have car parks, road signs, or clearly marked trails, and it's not an easy trek in these isolated uplands. Its a wild and remote trek to the summit that rivals Yr Wyddfa and Pen y Fan in terms of scenery (Image: Portia Jones) In this massif and the surrounding hills, you can discover the dreamy lakes and streams that are the source of mighty rivers and enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountain ranges of Wales and Ceredigion's remote inland landscapes. Article continues below TV naturalist Iolo Williams describes this wild and empty plateau as 'Wales' last true wilderness, a place where you can lose yourself in nature,' but it is neither a National Park nor an AONB. The National Parks Commission, a predecessor to the Countryside Commission, actually suggested the Cambrian Mountains as a National Park in 1965, but it was met with fierce local opposition in the 1970s. Groups of landowners, farmers, and local authorities voiced concerns about potential restrictions on their land use and livelihoods, ultimately leading to the rejection of the designation. There's nothing like exploring remote landscapes (Image: Portia Jones ) While it escaped national park status and the positives and negatives it brings, the area still faces challenges like the loss of traditional farming as land is bought up by companies for afforestation. There's also the ongoing threat of wind farm development, which many locals oppose. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Its remote landscapes, clusters of communities, and crowd-free peaks are precisely why I love these uplands and keep returning to wander the hills and swim in ice-cold rivers and pools. One of my favourite spots is the aforementioned Pumlumon Fawr. Summiting this peak from the northern side involves trekking through deep valleys, boggy patches and boulder-strewn slopes to the Copa (Welsh for summit). It takes around four hours to complete, but the outstanding views are absolutely worth the trek. To the north, you can see as far as Cadair Idris, Yr Wyddfa, and Aran Fawddwy and right down to Pembrokeshire in the south. I grew up in Wales but had never heard of Pumlumon until a local guide and talented astrophotographer, Dafydd, took my ever obliging husband and me on a trek up the mountain one gloriously sunny afternoon. This is not a have-a-go mountain. There are no marked trails, cafes, toilets or gift shops here (Image: Portia Jones) 'Pumlumon Fawr has great sunrises and sunsets,' enthuses Dafydd, who has been climbing the mountain since 1979. 'A 360-degree view of Wales is possible from the Bronze Age cairn on the summit, as it is near the geographical centre of the country.' It's certainly a wild and remote trek to the peaceful summit that rivals Yr Wyddfa and Pen y Fan in terms of scenery, but there is one significant difference: you're very likely to have this route entirely to yourself. This might be because it's not a 'have-a-go' mountain. There are no marked trails, cafés, toilets or gift shops here. It's truly one of the last wildernesses in Wales. This solitude is both awe-inspiring and slightly eerie. If you're a hiker who finds comfort in crowds, this is not the trek for you. But if you enjoy unspoilt scenery and almost-perfect tranquillity, Pumlumon Fawr ticks both those boxes. Paragliders taking flight (Image: Portia Jones ) The mountain's name is rooted in the Welsh word "Pum," meaning "five." This reference is fitting, as five distinct routes wind their way to its summit, each offering a unique journey through this craggy landscape. The George Borrow Trail honours the adventurous spirit of the 19th-century writer and traveller George Borrow, who once roamed these very hills. In his classic work Wild Wales, Borrow reflected on the joy he felt when he drank from the sources of the three rivers that spring from Pumlumon's slopes, an experience that filled him with unparalleled happiness. The Pig Trail, named after the Nant y Moch stream (which translates to "stream of the pigs"), follows the course of this waterway from the expansive reservoir of the same name. We took the Caradog Jones route (Image: Portia Jones) The Caradog Jones Trail is a tribute to Wales' own mountaineering hero, Caradog Jones, the first Welshman to conquer Mount Everest. This trail begins near Pontrhydfendigaid, the village where Jones grew up, only a few miles from Pumlumon's slopes. On the eastern side of Pumlumon, the Sabrina Trail takes its name from the ancient name for the River Severn, one of the three rivers born from the mountain's embrace. The Sir Chris Bonington Trail begins at Eisteddfa Gurig, near the Pumlumon watershed and the boundary between Ceredigion and Powys. On our first hike here, we took the Caradog Jones route. The initial ascent from Nant y Moch reservoir involves scrambling up some boggy and slippery terrain as you follow a stream up the mountain to reach the summit. There is no signage or clear trail markers here, which is probably why you won't see many walkers or annoying buzzing drones at the top. You really have to know your onions to traverse these grassy slopes and serene lakes. It's really important to respect Wales' wild landscapes (Image: Portia Jones) You can't rely on Google Maps or signal-dependent hiking apps out here; your best friends are an OS map and a compass. Thank Arawn (yes, I know my Welsh mythology) for having a hiking pro with us who had climbed this lonely peak many times. I'm very much a 'follow the All Trails app route' walker, so this was out of my comfort zone. Our small hiking squad ventured onwards along boggy paths and past tiny, meandering streams, looking for signs of the summit, which we had been promised would hold epic views. You can normally guess when you are nearing the summit of a popular mountain, as crowds will usually congregate for a summit selfie. In recent years, there have been many reports of hundreds of tourists queuing at Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) to film their final ascent for social media. Pics or you may as well stay home right? However, at the summit of peaceful Pumlumon, the only queues were two paragliders waiting for the right moment to take their leap of faith. As I sat at the top of the Copa with a steaming mug of coffee and a well-earned Bara Brith, I had to concede that, yes, the views here give the Eyry's jagged 3000 peaks a decent run for their money. Have a tea break at the Pumlumon Fawr summit (Image: Portia Jones ) The panorama is nothing short of utterly extraordinary. On a clear day, you can see as far as Cadair Idris and Aran Fawddwy to the north. The whole sweep of Cardigan Bay can also be seen from Pen Llŷn in the north, right down to Pembrokeshire in the south. The challenging trek is well worth the dreamy views, but I wouldn't recommend people new to hiking attempt it due to its remoteness, lack of signage, and boggy terrain. You are very much alone at Pumlumon Fawr; there's no exit via the gift shop. We were fortunate enough to have a highly experienced guide with us, as there are no clear route markings as you make your way up Pumlumon Fawr. With Welsh Mountain Rescue teams reporting huge volumes of callouts, it's more important than ever to respect Wales' wild landscapes. Pumlumon Fawr is the highest point in Central Wales (Image: Portia Jones) You need to be appropriately prepared for hiking here. This is not a Crocs and socks trek around the park; you need skills for Pumlumon, posing does not count. Bring a map and compass, and be adequately kitted out in good-quality gear. You don't want to be the hapless tourist who needed rescuing because you wore a vest top in the mountains and it suddenly started hailing. Carry food and loads of water, and be prepared to turn back if visibility becomes poor or conditions become treacherous. Bringing all your rubbish home is also essential so these fragile landscapes remain litter-free and can be enjoyed by adventurous trekkers. If I catch you placing a dog poop bag behind a rock here, we're going to have very cross words. The views are epic (Image: Portia Jones ) While more hikers are venturing out into the Cambrian Mountains, our trusty guide, Dafydd, believes it might be a while before Pumlumon becomes a popular day trip in Wales. "A lot of work and investment would be needed to make it more accessible. More and more people are discovering it, but 75% of the time, I'm up and down, having not seen a soul." If you're well-versed in map reading and don't mind a lack of amenities, I would recommend this lonesome mountain for a spot of solitude among some of the most remarkable landscapes Wales has to offer. How to get to Pumlumon Fawr Pumlumon Fawr is located in Ceredigion near Ponterwyd. (Image: Portia Jones) Pumlumon Fawr is located in Ceredigion near Ponterwyd. It's around an hour from Aberystwyth and 30 minutes from Devil's Bridge. The Grid Reference for the mountain is SN 78971 86945. If you summit from the north side, drive towards Nant y Moch Reservoir and park in a small layby. There's no parking or obvious signage, so you'll need to rely on maps or go with a local guide like Cambrian Safaris, who can organise bespoke tours of the area. Pumlumon Fawr is also part of the Cambrian Way, an incredibly scenic and challenging long-distance trail from Cardiff to Conwy. It's over 298 miles through some of the wilder parts of Wales. How to prepare When hiking in Wales's beautiful landscapes, remember to also 'leave no trace' and follow the countryside code and the Adventure Smart guidance, as mountain rescue teams have been busier than ever this year. If you're attempting a particularly remote hike, plan an alternative option or two so that if the weather changes or it's too busy, you can still have a great day out. What you wear will make a huge difference when hiking in Wales. Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, socks, and a decent outdoor jacket are necessary for mountain hiking here. Welsh weather can be notoriously unforgiving, and conditions can change instantly. Article continues below Also, pack a head torch, compass, map, water bottle, thermos flask, whistle, first aid kit, mobile phone, and a lightweight and compact survival blanket.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
I'm a skint mum of three – these are the FREE attractions my kids love going to
IF YOU fancy a National Trust day out but you're not a member, there's some easy-to-overlook sites that won't cost you a penny to access. We all think about the historic houses and great estates that National Trust and English Heritage look after around the country. 4 4 But it's easy to forget that they both have lots of free locations too, giving access to our coastlines and countryside for the cost of car parking. I'm lucky to have two reservoir reserves right on my doorstep, both of which have lovely waterside walks, a playground for the kids and a cafe for those all-important refreshments. Even better, National Trust members can park free, since the organisation took over looking after Staunton Harold Reservoir and nearby Foremark on the border of Leicestershire and Derbyshire a couple of years ago. In the school holidays, there's often kids' activities like circus skills or kite-making that anyone can turn up and have a go at. Calke Abbey, which is a location you have to pay to access, is in-between the two and has one of the National Trust's biggest woodland play areas and a huge walled garden full of fun like hobby horses, den building, garden games and craft stations throughout the summer holidays. There's enough there for a full day out, but if you're just after somewhere outdoors to while away a few hours, its free neighbours could be perfect. To be honest, we very rarely visit the inside spaces when we go to National Trust places anyway as my boys prefer to be in the fresh air. So it's great that you have the option of playgrounds and woodland walks without having to pay. It's not just hidden countryside spots that are great to explore for free. I'm a mum and here's '10/10' free day out near Glasgow I swear by for summer hols There's some incredible coastal sites that fall under National Trust and English Heritage ownership too. If you're heading to Norfolk for your holidays, there's the remains of a big Roman fort tucked away behind Parkdean's Breydon Water caravan site. Burgh Castle, looked after by English Heritage, is a short stroll away from the caravans if you're staying there or there's a small car park for visitors just up the road. It's amazing how much of the fort walls have survived and you can get a sense of how the Romans built their empire. We've been there many times over the years and there's only ever a handful of visitors about, even in the height of summer. Just up the Norfolk Coast is the National Trust's Blakeney Point, home to a colony of seals. 4 We stayed nearby for our first wedding anniversary and it really is a very special place. Just remember to give the wildlife plenty of space if you want to visit it in its natural environment. When we headed up north last year, we went to several English Heritage sites along Hadrian's Wall, including Housesteads Fort. But it's easy to forget that most of the 73 miles of wall are free to access and looked after by various organisations like National Trust and English Heritage. My top tip if you're heading to one of these free sites and aren't a member is to try to support the location by buying something from the cafe or giving a small donation if you can. Always follow the countryside code to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories so that these wonderful wildlife havens remain unspoilt for future generations. With 620,000 acres of land and 780 miles of coast belonging to the National Trust, you're bound to find somewhere to visit not far from your doorstep - and you might not even need to pay a penny to enjoy your local location. Free summer holiday activites You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer... Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy. Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge. Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. The National Trust has also revealed their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. Plus, these are the National Trust's top family-friendly attractions with fairytale castles and 'book jungles'. 4
Times
5 days ago
- Times
Seven of the best English Heritage sites to plan a weekend break around
A day out at an evocative ruin in a thrilling location or a romp around a stately home with enviable gardens and an adjoining café serving tea and scones is always a good idea. English Heritage manages 400 such addresses that span our island's history, as far back as 4,000BC, from Kit's Coty House in Kent — the remains of megalithic 'dolmen' burial chambers — to a 1961 Cold War bunker in York. You'll find English Heritage properties everywhere from the Scilly Isles to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Better still, 250 of them are free to enter. With a bank holiday weekend on the horizon, we've picked our favourites. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue There's something about this ruined fort that once guarded the Hardknott Pass at the top of the Esk Valley that really fires the imagination (free; Like Hadrian's Wall, it dates from the second century, and as you wander among the remnant walls and towers it's easy to visualise the Dalmatian soldiers once stationed here, marching to and from its sister forts at Ravenglass on the coast and Ambleside in the Lake District. Get there on the La'al Ratty steam train from Ravenglass (from £16; or drive up and over the terrifying Hardknott Pass, continuing to the charming Drunken Duck Inn in B&B doubles from £150 ( • Lake District v Peak District: which is better? This circular tower, on a rocky headland over the Fal estuary, was one of 30 forts and blockhouses built under Henry VIII to defend England's coasts — it still has an arsenal of guns to prove it (from £13.10). If you're self-catering you'll have it to yourselves when it closes; the Custodian's House (sleeping two) and Callie's Cottage (sleeping four) are within the fortress walls. Otherwise catch the foot ferry to St Mawes (from £9; and visit St Mawes Castle — Pendennis's sister fort — on the other side of the estuary (from £9). Overnight at St Mawes Hotel, then venture to the St Just-in-Roseland church the next morning to see what John Betjeman described as the 'most beautiful churchyard on earth' (open daily, free; B&B doubles from £175 ( • Great National Trust properties to visit The 'did they or didn't they' relationship between Elizabeth I and her handsome master of horse Robert Dudley remains one of the most compelling romances in English history. The queen gifted him this Norman castle in 1563 and he returned the favour by spending a fortune on it, readying it for her visits (from £15). Though the castle is now a ruin, the spectacular privy garden he created for her final stay in July 1575 — a 19-day extravaganza involving fireworks and a floating island complete with Lady of the Lake — has been restored using 16th-century descriptions and archaeological evidence. A young William Shakespeare may have attended or been inspired by the celebration; the town of his birth and the 12-room Townhouse boutique hotel are a 30-minute drive Room-only doubles from £100 ( • Discover our full guide to the UK Pilgrims seeking spiritual contemplation still walk barefoot to this tidal island, and it's reachable by car, along a causeway. The poetic setting lends the site an air of mysticism that is enhanced by its vestiges of early Christianity, from Anglo-Saxon runic name stones to the ruins of a 12th-century priory that replaced the 7th-century monastery (from £9). Children will enjoy the trail inspired by animals from the Lindisfarne Gospels, created before the devastating Viking raid of AD793. They'll love rolling down the dunes under Bamburgh Castle (£19; and spotting puffins and seals on Coquet Island (£20; Base yourself at the Whittling House restaurant with rooms in Alnmouth for local seafood and a stylish night's sleep. Details B&B doubles from £150 ( This mighty fortress is a no-brainer for anyone fascinated by the Second World War (from £25.90). Eighty-five years ago Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay coordinated Operation Dynamo from here, evacuating 338,226 Allied troops in 900 craft from Dunkirk. The story is told in the Secret Wartime Tunnels, while other tunnels are dedicated to the sieges of 1216 and 1217. It's a hit with families too — there's a siege-themed playground, a 12th-century keep and a northwest spur with panoramic views to the White Cliffs. A smart stay is on the cards after your visit at the Rose, just along the coast in hipster Deal. Details Room-only doubles from £110 ( • Best UK pubs with rooms Not content with having a collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Gainsborough and co, this neoclassical stately home on Hampstead Heath is hosting an exhibition of John Singer Sargent portraits of American heiresses this summer (until October 5). Entrance to the house (remodelled by Robert Adam) and grounds (laid out by Humphry Repton) is free, as stipulated by the Iveagh Bequest Act of 1929. Which leaves plenty of money for dinner, bed and breakfast at the Bull & Last, a gastropub in Highgate with seven rooms, one named after Dido Belle, the illegitimate daughter of a former slave, who grew up at Room-only doubles from £170 ( • Best weekend breaks from London The thrilling remains of this Benedictine monastery, towering over a headland above this popular east coast town, will forever be associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula: when the blood-sucking count comes ashore as a black dog he runs up the 199 steps to the gothic church and graveyard at their foot (from £11.80). Whitby is not the only atmospheric abbey ruin in these parts. An hour's drive to the west, in a wooded valley of the River Rye, takes you to the grandly derelict Rievaulx Abbey, which has inspired British artists from JMW Turner to John Piper (from £11.80). And half an hour south of here is Byland Abbey, in yet more idyllic countryside (free). Conveniently, it stands right opposite the esteemed chef Tommy Banks's country pub with rooms, the Abbey B&B doubles from £245 (
