About The Birches

The Birches is a centuries-old traditional detached farmhouse sitting on the edge of the Black Mountains in Herefordshire, just 3.5 miles from Hay-on-Wye. Located below Hay Bluff on the Gospel Pass between Hay and Craswall, this is a genuinely remote and secluded property surrounded by miles of unspoilt countryside. It sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms.

This is proper countryside. Deer, foxes and squirrels have been spotted near the property. Walks start from the doorstep with Offa's Dyke Path close by. Low light pollution makes stargazing excellent. Hay-on-Wye famous for its bookshops and the Hay Festival is a short drive away.

The farmhouse has four bedrooms: one king-size double, one double and two twins. Two bathrooms serve the property a first-floor bathroom with bath, shower over bath, basin and WC plus a ground-floor shower room. The sitting room features exposed beams, flagged flooring and a woodburner in an original alcove. There is also a dining room, snug, study, kitchen with breakfast bar, utility room and an external games room with a table tennis table.

Hay-on-Wye (3.5 miles, 10 mins) has bookshops, pubs and restaurants. Hereford Cathedral with its Mappa Mundi (20 miles, 35 mins). Brecon Beacons National Park (within 10 miles, 20 mins). Hergest Ridge walk (12 miles, 25 mins).

The Birches suits walkers, cyclists and families wanting real countryside. Ample parking, lockable bike storage and an EV charging point make it practical too. Book it for a proper rural escape.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Oil central heating with underfloor heating in hall, study and sitting room, plus woodburner
✓Electric oven, separate grill and hob, fridge, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, tv with freeview, dvd, cd/radio, ipod dock, wifi, selection of books, games and dvds
✓Fuel, power and fuel for woodburner included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Travel cot and highchair
✓Ample off road parking
✓Lockable bike storage
✓Enclosed front lawned garden with furniture, bbq and sandpit
✓Sorry, no pets and no smoking
✓Shops and pubs 3.5 miles
✓Note: access to this property is via a narrow lane with regular passing points
✓External games room with table tennis table
✓This property offers an electric car charging point
✓This property has a minimum stay of 3 nights and accepts weekly bookings only during school holidays

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The Birches Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding The Birches during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Herefordshire's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

Hay-on-Wye Bookshops & Town Centre

Distance: 3.5 miles (approx. 10 mins)

HR3 5AE

Hereford Cathedral & Mappa Mundi

Distance: approx. 20 miles (35 mins)

HR1 2NG

Brecon Beacons National Park

Distance: approx. 8 miles (20 mins)

LD3 9SR

Hay Bluff & Gospel Pass

Distance: From the doorstep

HR3 5RN

Offa's Dyke Path

Distance: Within 1 mile

HR3 5RN

Hergest Ridge

Distance: approx. 12 miles (25 mins)

HR5 3EW

Hay-on-Wye Town Centre

Distance: 3.5 miles (approx. 10 mins)

HR3 5AE

Hereford City Centre

Distance: approx. 20 miles (35 mins)

HR1 2BU

Brecon Town Centre

Distance: approx. 16 miles (30 mins)

LD3 7AH

The Bull Pub

Distance: approx. 5-min drive

HR3 5RN

Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley

Distance: approx. 10 mins

HR2 0JW

EV Charging Point (on site)

Distance: On site

HR3 5RN

Hay-on-Wye Bookshops & Town Centre

Distance: 3.5 miles (approx. 10 mins)

HR3 5AE

Hereford Cathedral & Mappa Mundi

Distance: approx. 20 miles (35 mins)

HR1 2NG

Brecon Beacons National Park

Distance: approx. 8 miles (20 mins)

LD3 9SR

Hay Bluff & Gospel Pass

Distance: From the doorstep

HR3 5RN

Offa's Dyke Path

Distance: Within 1 mile

HR3 5RN

Hergest Ridge

Distance: approx. 12 miles (25 mins)

HR5 3EW

Hay-on-Wye Town Centre

Distance: 3.5 miles (approx. 10 mins)

HR3 5AE

Hereford City Centre

Distance: approx. 20 miles (35 mins)

HR1 2BU

Brecon Town Centre

Distance: approx. 16 miles (30 mins)

LD3 7AH

The Bull Pub

Distance: approx. 5-min drive

HR3 5RN

Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley

Distance: approx. 10 mins

HR2 0JW

EV Charging Point (on site)

Distance: On site

HR3 5RN

Is The Birches Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

The Birches works well for families. The enclosed front garden has a sandpit and garden furniture. The large yard is safe for younger children to cycle in. A travel cot and highchair are provided. The external games room has a table tennis table. Note that several doors are low and there are steps between rooms.

For Couples

A genuinely remote centuries-old farmhouse below Hay Bluff with a woodburner, flagged floors and exposed beams. Evenings by the log fire, stargazing with almost zero light pollution and Hay-on-Wye just 3.5 miles away for bookshops and dinner. Short breaks of 3 nights are available outside school holidays.

Pet Friendly

The Birches does not accept pets. This is a strict no-pets policy so guests travelling with animals will need to find alternative accommodation. The surrounding countryside and wildlife including deer, foxes and squirrels make the location unsuitable for unsupervised animals in any case.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Birches

The Bull Pub

Located approx. 5-min drive from your accommodation.

Postcode: HR3 5RN

Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley

Located approx. 10-min drive from your accommodation.

Postcode: HR2 0JW

Hay-on-Wye Tea Rooms & Cafes

Located 3.5 miles (approx. 10 mins) from your accommodation.

Postcode: HR3 5AE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Birches

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

The Birches does not have a hot tub. The property does have a woodburner in the sitting room and an enclosed garden with furniture and a barbecue for outdoor use.

Is The Birches pet friendly?

No, pets are not permitted at The Birches. Guests should make alternative arrangements for animals before booking.

How many guests does The Birches sleep?

The property sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms one king-size double, one double and two twin rooms. There are two bathrooms: a first-floor bathroom with bath and shower over bath and a ground-floor shower room.

Is the property suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The property has a travel cot, highchair, enclosed front garden with a sandpit and a large yard where younger children can cycle safely. Note that several doors are low and there are steps into many rooms.

How remote is The Birches and how do I get there?

The property is accessed via a narrow single-track lane with passing points, some blind corners and sections that can be difficult in wet weather. Hay-on-Wye is 3.5 miles away and provides shops, pubs and restaurants for the week.

Is there WiFi and mobile signal at the property?

WiFi and broadband are available at the property. There is no mobile phone signal guests have used WhatsApp over WiFi to communicate during their stay.

What outdoor activities are available nearby?

Walking and cycling are excellent from the doorstep, with Offa's Dyke Path close by along with the Three Castles Walk and the Mortimer Trail. Fishing, canoeing and bird watching are also available in the wider area.

Is there parking at The Birches?

Yes, there is a very large off-road parking area at the property, described by guests as super easy and suitable for groups. Lockable bike storage is also available in the utility room, with space for at least five bicycles.

The Birches Reviews

Hannah

Such a beautiful place and it was beautifully furnished and the appliances were all in good working order. we all loved the views and it was a wonderful place for our parents to experience wales for the first time! Thank you very much

Steven

Peaceful location. Plenty of space in the cottage, very large parking area. There is a study where the owner left plenty of useful information about the cottage and about things to do in the area. Very useful. Despite the exceptionally hot weather, the house remained relatively cool thanks to the big walls and the smaller windows. The downside of the smaller windows is that the house inside is much darker than suggested in the pictures. The bed linen was clean and nice. The games room with table tennis was unavailable for use during our stay. Despite contacting the owner and providing photographs of the padlock, access to the room was not resolved until after our departure. The games room with table tennis was locked. We contacted the owner twice, even by sending pictures of the padlock that locked the room, but the owner kept replying that the door was open. Finally, after we left the property, he admitted the door was truly locked and apologised for the inconvenience. The house is not really suitable for tall people as all doors are very low, there is a low hanging beam as well in the middle of the kitchen with big metal hooksnails on the side that could seriously hurt. The cleaning of the cottage was below standards, this applies especially to the ground floor. Dust, spider webs everywhere, dirty toilets, remains of shaving around the sink in the shower room, some dirty kitchen appliances.

The property was great for five male cyclists, with plenty of room throughout the property. Some areas are a little tired and it could be a little cleaner inside. Plenty of car parking space and room for at least 5 bikes in the utility room. The lounge with the log burner was a great room to chill out, in the evenings. The communication with the owner could be improved, long delays in responding, particularly with the key collection details. Great property and location would definitely use again if with a group of cyclists in the area.

Tastefully renovated old farmhouse in a stunning location. Spacious but cosy. Ideal for walkers with good facilities for boots and drying clothes if necessary. Enjoyed tea on the lawn with the swallows darting overhead. The road to the property is narrow with some blind corners. Very good value for money.

The booking process via VRBO was easy, communication from the host was good, too. We had a query about the electric car charger, and Andrew was immediately on hand to solve it. The car charger itself was a huge bonus for us! The house was immaculate and supercomfortable, and it had everything we needed. We appreciated the stock of wood for those chilly evenings, although the house was always at the perfect temperature. There were 7 of us, and there was plenty of reliable hot water. Locationwise, the house is perfectly positioned yards from the Black Mountains, and in the middle of nowhere. The peace and quiet was just beautiful. The local lanes aren't properly maintained by the council, and are in a terrible state but perhaps that's why this area's so unspoilt! There's a great local pub the Bull which is a 5 minute drive away, and access to Hay is pretty easy. We honestly couldn't fault the place, and we'll probably book again in the future.

Claire

The property was in a beautiful setting, comfortable, homely and well equipped. It has character and quirky features. We all enjoyed and would stay again.

This cottage could be beautiful BUT it needs a thorough clean and needs decoration. On our first night i had to clean mud of the walls and get rid of cobwebs. The location is lovely we did excellent walks

Oak and Heather

We had a great stay in this large country farmhouse, just 3. 5 miles from Hay on Wye, located below the iconic Hay Bluff on the Gospel pass between Hay and Craswall. It is clean, warm and comfortable. It has everything you need for a self catering holiday. Andrew, the owner came out promptly in order to sort out TV issues for us he was friendly and helpful. There are great walks from the property. We would certainly stay here again.

Sikander

Stayed in The Birches for 5 nights in July 2025. Cottage is centuries old but its cosy and renovated carefully to keep its history and original design preserved. Its spacious and in a secluded location, there is no walking trail nearby but plenty attractions available nearby in short drive distance. Cleanliness inside could have been better as there were spider webs in bedrooms and reception room with dust at places. Overall enjoyed our stay and had a breakfast outside in front garden which has table and chairs with impressive views.

Lovely property. Peaceful surroundings.

Matilda

We had a wonderful stay at The Birches. Plenty of room for six adults and a toddler, very comfortable and clean with a great range of facilities. The setting was lovely and it was a treat to be somewhere so quiet. The close proximity to HayonWye allowed us to explore the village and pick up any amenities for the week.

Second stay love the property, beautiful setting. Zero communication from owners despite emailing and calling about our arrival.

The Birches is a delightful farmhouse in a beautiful spot. Its a peaceful home to come back to after a day out. The house was very clean, and there were appreciated basics such as soap, washing up liquid, and so on. Kitchen equipment was sufficient, although the knives have seen better days. The furniture was in keeping with the house, but could do with some tlc. Parking was super easy. The route to the house is along a single track lane which wasnt an issue to us but may be for some. Its a shame it is a no dog house as we have dogs and usually they come with us on holiday. This time we were attending the Hay Festival so it suited us fine to not have them for once. Overall I would recommend The Birches.

jolein

What a fantastic place! we saw deer as well as a fox and squirrels. a beautiful spacious house. the only thing is that it really needs a thorough cleaning. nice landlord. What is not stated on the site is that at the back of the holiday home, up the hill, there are 2 other holiday homes. So your are not completly alone if its rented.

Great stay very isolated, perfect for being almost snowed in! Lovely house spacious amd comfortable. Could do with more toilet paper, as not quite enough to cover the stay, and It's quite way to the shops to stock up. Also the security light is a heavy strobe light that took away from the atmosphere and star gazing. It would be great if it could be turned off by guests.

Jacqueline

We spent a lovely Christmas here. Extended family from 266 years were all catered for comfortably with plenty of space for all. Inside the cottage, we loved the really comfortable lounge with plenty of seating and lovely dining room with extra heater if needed. The kitchen was generally well equipped and good for Christmas cooking. Bedrooms all comfortable and cosy. For what we paid, everything was fine. Outside is a great table tennis table in an old barn with a fun slope to add to the game. The cottage is beautifully placed for access to Hay on Wye and nice walks. Only bits of minor feedback are that we needed a knife sharpener that worked and some kindling for the fire. If youre over 6ft youll also need to duck in the kitchen ! Would love to return at some point.

Thanks for a great stay, really enjoyed it. Everything we needed was available.

Gillian

Winter stay in the property. An enjoyable stay. Spacious farm house with good walks from the door. Well equipped house and kitchen and cold storage for good. The main lounge, hall and snug were deliciously warm after a chilly start but much of the house was on the cool side. The single Ikea beds were comfortable but the double beds were not and were lumpy and unusable for two of us. Nice quality linen and duvets which were appreciated. The owner quickly responded when we contacted him while staying at the property.

Lovely cottage in beautiful area. Very comfortable and well equipped, with comfortable beds and spacious living room. It's a little remote but we knew that when booking. Hay on Wye is a 15 minute drive away with lovely eateries and shops. We were well placed for our next stage of Offas Dyke. There is no mobile phone signal but decent wifi so we used WhatsApp for communication. Lack of light pollution makes for some great stargazing at night.

We enjoyed staying at the Birches. The house was spacious and interesting and it's remote position suited us for a quiet stay, for the views and for walking. Of the three pubs we used, the Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch Escley was our favourite. Booking ahead in the area is needed as is extra travel time to complete journeys safely on the mainly single track roads.

Barbara

Lovely house, has everything you need. It is well off the beaten track so expect narrow lanes on your journey, but worth it. Comfortable bedrooms, well stocked kitchen, lounge is very welcoming and cosy. Definitely recommended, thank you

Debbie

A lovely comfortable house, perfect for a week of relaxation. In the middle of nowhere the peace and quiet was fantastic, only the odd sheep, cow or bird noises. 3.5 mikes to the lovely town of Hay On Wye. The house was an ample size for 8 of us, with lots of different rooms to give us all space. The kitchen was well equipped with everything you would need. I would highly recommend this property.

Absolutely stunning location, beautiful building with period features throughout. Plenty of space for a large family, we loved the flagstone floors, cider press in the dining room, lovely hot bath for the end of a long day, and comfy beds, oh, and the log burner really brings a warmth of it's own, definitely recommend this place, and the owner was very helpful. One suggestion make sure you email for the keycode before arrival as this isn't provided in the Sykes information.

Beautiful, quiet and well equipped property close to Hay on Wye with great walks from the doorstep.

Stewart

The accommodation is a renovated old farmhouse, this makes it quirky and atmospheric. The down side is low doors and steps into many rooms. It's a short drive into town which can be an adventure at times so planning for all your needs . The large dinning room and lounge allows for meals and socialising together which ensures a great holiday.

Rosita

The peaceful location was just what we all needed. We spent many happy hours in the garden enjoying the surroundings and fresh air. A perfect holiday in these unsettled times.

Jacqui

Great and spacious house. Fantastic location. Really really enjoyed our stay.

Kenneth

A weird smell in 3of the bedrooms, but lovely surroundings outside. Some lovely wildlife.

Ferdinand

For this holiday we used my wifes car and left my electric vehicle at home because of the uncertainty of being able to load it. To my surprise the property had a charging station for an electrical vehicle. It might be an idea to specifically mention this if a property has this facility especially now that more and more people will use an EV.

Graham

Very peaceful and comfortable accommodation access can be a bit tricky on single track road but this is clearly stated in the discription and not too much of a problem the views are worth it.

Violeta

Lovely quaint cottage, had everything you could ask, easy outpost to go or and explore Wales and Herefordshire, very child friendly and good value for money.

Andrew

Superb location , a really special place ! Will definitely be booking to stay here again

Comfortable,warm house Good to play hide and seek inside and out. Big yard for younger children to cycle around safely. Wonderful views from house. Would highly recommend.

Yes. The Wifi in the house is very poor. We read that there is only 1GB a month. There is a possibility to bye extra for 1 pound per GB. But when you rent the cottage at the end of the month no wifi is left. I think Sykes has to mention that in the adds.

A very comfortable farmhouse in a quiet area with stunning countrywide walks all around, yet with the market town of Hay on Wye nearby and Hereford only 20 miles or so away. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Rebecca

Absolutely gorgeous cottage in a very pretty area. We were provided with everything we needed including bread, milk and butter in the kitchen and an array of snacks in the living room. We had a wonderful time and would definitely come back again.

Leave a Review

The Birches, Hay-on-Wye

About The Birches

Need To Know

More Cottages You May Like

1-Bedroom Cottage in Huntington

5-Bedroom Cottage in Goodrich

6-Bedroom House in Docklow

Bushmills

Orchard House

Bluebell Cottage

1-Bedroom Cottage in Llangrove

2-Bedroom Barn in Collington

Lady Of Lourdes

5-Bedroom Barn in Hereford

The Birches Attractions & Days Out

Is The Birches Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Bull Pub

Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley

Hay-on-Wye Tea Rooms & Cafes

Frequently Asked Questions

The Birches Reviews

Related Categories

The Birches, Hay-on-Wye

About The Birches

Need To Know

More Cottages You May Like

The Birches Attractions & Days Out

Is The Birches Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Bull Pub

Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley

Hay-on-Wye Tea Rooms & Cafes

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

The Birches Reviews

Related Categories