Dark Orchard
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Fabulous site, as described, large quiet spot. Very friendly, helpful owners. Short walk into town. Down by the river is lovely but lack of bridges means no circular walk but nice walk past the glamping tents and in other direction to The Warren. Tough 11 mile walk from site up to Hay Bluff but worth doing. Also some hilly road cycling on quiet roads. Enjoyed visiting the town for the bookshops of course but plenty of other interesting shops too.
From the Midlands approaching on the A438 at about 5 miles away we crossed the river on the wooden Toll bridge which was a novelty and came through Clifford on the B4350, site entrance just past the co-op, opposite the big pet & garden store. Definitely recommend.
Peace and quiet in the heart of Hay on Wye
Lovely, well kept, site that couldn't be closer to the centre of Hay on Wye. Very welcoming owners. Great location with a small stream running through that added to the charm. Recommend going to The Warren, there's a small pebble beach there which we really enjoyed swimming from.
A great off grid Cl
Stayed here for 3 nights mid June .
A lovely large meadow ....
Met the owners who were a very pleasant couple .
Would highly recommend.
Perfectly Heaven !
Stayed 15/16/17th June 2021
We needed a site that was grass under foot and within easy walking distance to an interesting town with our older dog. The field is immaculately kept, part mown, part wild. We parked on the top half of the field over the stream. We seemed to have the whole field to ourselves, much to the delight of the dog who decided she'd found her second puppyhood and spent her time looking for, and chasing squirrels ( too slow ! ). We were met by the lovely Peter who when offered a chair in the shade proceeded to impart his wisdom re the site, the local area, it's pubs, it's shops, who's who and his life history ...... an absolute delight and we loved chatting to him x The site is really quiet, despite being only 5 minutes walk away along the road from the lovely town of Hay-on-Wye. Also, If you turn right out of the site entrance and walk for 2 minutes up the narrow road you will find a public footpath that takes you into Hay over the fields. Keep the dog on the lead though as there were sheep in the fields when we were there. Lovely shops and bars etc in Hay itself. The sun shone for us and our whole stay at this site was just wonderful.
We will definitely return !
Dobedobedo
Reviewed on 19/06/2021 09:46
Idyllic
Immaculate, very well presented and the mixture of lawn and natural stunning, the faint noise of the stream soothing can not express how tranquil Dark Orchard is. Hay on wye is easy 5 minute stroll with it’s interesting shops selection of cafe’s pubs. The river walk worth visiting, some amazing carvings along the way, plus an area known as the beach pleasant. The hosts Lynda & Peter exceptional nothing too much trouble and loads of information. Can’t wait to go back and stay longer.
Pamela Roberta
Reviewed on 15/06/2021 13:50
What an idyllic place
We came across this site as we were looking for a simple one night stop over. We were greeted by a great peaceful setting in a large area for 5 pitches. You can find an isolated spot where you want which is looked after so well with cut grass and wild meadow areas. The hosts are caring and attentive.
It’s within 2 minute walk of the the character town with many bars, cafe’s and shops
Don’t pass this by
An absolute gem
Dark Orchard CL is a 2.5 acre off grid CL site located on the England/Wales border. Divided by the Dulas Brook, Dark Orchard CL sits on the English side of the border in Herefordshire whilst the town of Hay-on-Wye sits in Powys, Wales. Dark Orchard CL is situated just meters from the River Wye and a few minutes stroll from the iconic town of Hay-on-Wye (Hay). Often referred to as the town of books and famous for its literary festival, Hay is home to over 20 bookshops and is surrounded by natural beauty for hikes, biking or paddling on the river. You'll also find a vibrant market containing local fresh produce, arts, crafts, and antiques every Thursday in Memorial Square. Dark Orchard was immaculately kept during our visit and we had the opportunity to meet the lovely Pete 'The greet' who had a wicked sense of humour and lots of useful information about the area. We also managed to meet the owners Lynda and Chris on our last morning who were extremely personable and helpful. Lynda and Chris had a last minute family event on the weekend we visited but told us they are often on and around the site to meet guests and answer any queries on the area.
Our full review and photos can be found here - https://www.theroadtwospoons.co.uk/blog/dark-orchard-cl-review
Lovely site
Was only able to stay one night due to availability & I can see why, lovely site, well kept, spacious & friendly owners with a dad who knew everything about the area, short walk into town, we wish we could have stayed longer, will definitely return, now in my top favourites of CLs
alt1307
Reviewed on 05/06/2021 22:41
A Delightful Site!
A very large, pretty site which is very well maintained. It is run by a friendly team of wife, husband and father all of whom visit each guest frequently providing local information and help when need. Idealy positioned to explore Hay and the many walks nearby. Facilities are perfect in all respects.
The entrance is narrow with a sharp turn around a terrace of houses. I have a long caravan towed by a long car and could only enter and leave by unhitching and using the mover to turn the corner. Smaller outfits should proceed with care; there are many scratches on the stonework in the turn!
suntrail
Reviewed on 25/09/2020 11:57
Great stay, Covid-19 safe and friendly.
Thanks, we had a great stay, Covid-19 taken seriously.
Great space, peaceful and quiet. Short walk into Hay.
Good restaurants and lots of nice walking direct from the site.
Thanks Lynda for all your attention.
Bill and Jan.