Spend New Year in the Heart of Herefordshire

The Pilgrim Country House Hotel near Ross-on-Wye – owned by former England and British Lions rugby player Steve Boyle – has created a special New Year package for those who like to combine revelling with a healthy stroll in the Herefordshire countryside.

Commencing with arrival on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, mince pies and mulled wine will be served in front of the fire in the tradition ‘pub style’ bar (which is haunted by the ghost of a dog!).

The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing, or maybe enjoying a healthy walk in the area; the Herefordshire Trail literally passes the hotel’s front door and there are also numerous circular walk options available (free maps and route guides are available from reception).

Alternatively, the nearby market town of Ross-on-Wye is well worth a visit with its wide range of antique and unusual gift shops.

The New Year celebrations will begin with a candlelit, three-course dinner, prepared by the hotel’s head chef Deepak Kumar (a member of the British Culinary Federation) and his team, followed by live musical entertainment.

At midnight (weather permitting) there will be a firework display in the hotel’s grounds and a champagne toast to see in the New Year with the bar remaining open until 2.00am.

On New Year’s Day a late buffet brunch will be served until 11.30am and during the afternoon a delicious afternoon tea with homemade scones will be served in the bar and lounge.

During the evening there will be cocktails and canapés followed by a candlelit celebration dinner in the Valley Restaurant.

On 2nd January there will be a full English breakfast served in the restaurant before guests depart; those staying for a third night will enjoy an à la carte dinner in the evening.

The two night break costs from £185 pp based on two sharing a room (or three nights from £250 pp). Room upgrades available at a supplement.

For more information, visit pilgrimhotel.co.uk).