Rowden Mill Station

04/09/2026

From our patch of the world, a great Herefordshire producer story: Wye Valley Brewery _in partnership with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, working for local nature recovery while also brewing great b**r!

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

Toad and Pond stories at Rowden Mill Station:
One day a pot appeared, overturned, on the corner of the raised pond by the tracks.

A little girl while exploring the pond lifted the terracota pot to find the resident toad under the pot.

With a shriek of surprise from the little girl, the toad jumped into the pond!

Our pond brings such joy to guests and to us and a great habitat for wildlife.

PS 1. Our small guest along with her cousin and family were on a summer break staying with us at the Station and Saloon Coach.

PS 2. We were able to recreate the scene as the toad climbed back under the pot. We were quiet, put the terracota pot gently back and left the toad inside its new home.
What a brilliant pond story!

01/09/2026

We were so happy to see our guests enjoying a whole weekend of birthday celebrations!

31/08/2026

Looking for an autumn holiday idea? Throughout September and October, there are art and c***r trails, apple festivals, w**e tours, autumn colour walks...and much more to discover in our beautiful part of the world: Herefordshire.

Start the day at our GWR Brake Van, a unique getaway for two. Cosy en-suite accommodation with home entertainment at a historic railway wagon. It has a fully-fitted kitchen housed in the former veranda with its fabulous picture window overlooking the station.

Our hedgerows are already turning red full of hawthorn berries and it is lovely to wake up to the sound of birdsong. A short stroll to the milk cabin to replenish the bottles, ready for breakfast and the plan ahead.


***rcraft

30/08/2026

Walking along parts of the Bromyard Ring, the 16 miles circular route around our market town.

With the Bromyard Downs, at its eastern side, the elevation gained here offers a long distance view of the town and the landscape offered for exploration along this walking trail.

Stops at the pubs on the common are totally recommended, with a suggested diversion to visit the NT Brockhampton estate (with its parkland, orchards and historic farmhouse).

The scenery changes with the variety of landscapes. The Bromyard Ring goes through common land and public rights of way with sections on small country lanes.

At a northern section, the trail passes over a road bridge above the old Leominster to Worcester railway line, the view presented on the right is that of Rowden Mill Station. (Yes! we literally have the route on our doorstep).

As a circular route around Bromyard, heading back into town is possible so to call in at its shops, cafes and pubs. [The southern part of the route passes through the village of Stoke Lacy which also has a pub and is the location of the Wye Valley Brewery].

The Bromyard Ring is a lovely walk for all seasons. Here, we have put together a few pictures providing a taste of the countryside, villages and views to be had by visitors and by our guests staying with us.

Bromyard
Visit Herefordshire

27/08/2026

"Made by Buda, the GNR imported such machines from the USA around 1900 for permanent way inspection, this example being supplied to Doncaster.
One person can be on the vehicle and acceleration is achieved by pushing the vehicle handle forwards and backwards transmitting drive to the wheels via a set of cogs. A maximum speed of 28 mph can be achieved.
One of a handful to survive, it is operational and a very smooth runner... It is a great rarity"

As described for the 20th June sale at the Great Central Railwayana Auctions.

We are very happy to report that:
The GWR platelayers velocipede found a good home indeed as it was purchased by the Kidderminster Railway Museum Severn Valley Railway and has gone on display for the public to admire.
Great news passed on by David Postle, the museum's curator.

27/08/2026

To see the GWR velocipede up close was great but to be given the chance to ride on it, well, how incredible! (30/04/26)

We got very excited when we heard that John&Sue Wilkinson wanted to bring this unique railway vehicle over to be pictured on the tracks. [Since becoming the current caretakers, it has been our privilege to have kept a friendly relationship with this lovely couple, the former owners of Rowden Mill Station].

In fully operational condition and having been owned for many years by fellow railway enthusiast Bob Palmer, the velocipede needed a good home to go to. In Bob's hands, the velocipede had taken part in many rallies: in the North York Moors Railway, Churnet Valley, Severn Railway and in Buckinghamshire.

Remarkably, the 126-year old velocipede ran very smoothly!

27/08/2026

Looking back to when we had a very special visit, a true rarity: a GWR platelayers velocipede.

It was the last day of April and this magnificent railway machine was brought to Rowden Mill Station to be photographed, as it was going to a specialist railway auction taking place later, in early summer.

25/08/2026

Our GWR Brake Van guests departed, having raved about their visit on Saturday to the Hidden Valley's Beefstock!