Discover Eardisland on the River Arrow

Eardisland combines its picturesque setting on the River Arrow with black-and-white houses, historic buildings and paths through the countryside.

Village character on the River Arrow

The River Arrow shapes the character of Eardisland. On the riverbank, there is a place for skimming stones and paddling – a practical opportunity to do more than simply look at the water and enjoy time outdoors. The unusual 17th-century Dovecote, located by the river, houses a village shop. This special place is therefore just as interesting for planning an independent day out as it is for its architectural history.

Many picturesque black-and-white houses, including several thatched buildings, form part of the village character. If you value a distinctive sense of place when choosing accommodation, you should assess Eardisland not only by its landscape but also by this architectural impression. The Old School House can be seen from the bridge; a whipping post stands beside it.

Historic buildings and traces of the past

The Church of St Mary is a parish church dating from the early 13th century. It was partly rebuilt around 1728 and restored by H Curzon in 1864. Eardisland’s Dovecote is protected as a Grade II listed building. Staick House adds to the historic character: the timber-framed house dates from the 14th century and was extended in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Eardisland also has a Saxon castle mound surrounded by a moat. Together with the church, the timber-framed house and the Dovecote, this creates not merely a village scene but a succession of different historical traces. This can be particularly appealing if you want a day combining culture and activity without limiting yourself to a single attraction.

Exploring on foot and by bike

The ED7 footpath leads from Eardisland across fields to a weir and onwards to Pembridge. The route therefore brings together several landscape impressions in one direction: the edge of the village, open fields, a waterworks structure and the destination of Pembridge. Take this sequence into account when planning your day and choose accommodation in Eardisland if you would like to experience the village as the starting point for such an excursion.

There is also a specific starting point for a cycling tour. The cycle route Black & White Villages: Eardisland to Pembridge begins at Eardisland’s small central car park. Next to this car park stands an AA box, considered the oldest in the country. The car park and the AA box therefore provide distinctive landmarks when preparing for your ride. The two options should be regarded as separate opportunities: the ED7 is a footpath across fields to a weir and onwards to Pembridge, while the cycle route mentioned begins at the central car park.

Which accommodation suits your stay?

When looking for a holiday cottage in Eardisland, it is worth first considering how you would like to use the village. If you would like to include time by the River Arrow in your stay, the riverside spot, the Dovecote and the village shop are important reference points for your travel plans. If you prefer historic buildings, the Church of St Mary, Staick House, the Old School House and the castle mound all support a stay filled with many small discoveries. For active days, the ED7 and the cycle route to Pembridge take centre stage.

Other places for orientation

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Eardisland, you will find further places under the following names: Pontrilas, Staunton On Wye, Lugwardine, Almeley, Whitestone, Leintwardine, Bodenham and Whitchurch.

For the broader travel overview: County Of Herefordshire.