White Heron 2025: A Year in Review

White Heron 2025: A Year in Review

As we prepare to toast 2026 (raising a glass of our own British Royale of course), we take a moment to reflect on 2025 – a busy year on White Heron Estate, with new ventures and challenges woven into the backdrop of the farming year. 

Spring saw the launch of our guided e-bike tour & tastings, a new way to explore our very diverse 700-acre Herefordshire estate. Lots of fun was had along the way, with no two tours being the same – some saw the stunning apple blossom in April/Early May (earlier than usual due to the mild weather and plentiful sunshine); others were delighted by the breathtaking purple fields of phacelia, still others who visited in summer enjoyed the spectacle of the blackcurrant harvesting.  Later in the year, the apple and grape harvest provided a warm and spicy aroma to accompany the visitors touring the estate. 

We've welcomed people from all walks of life: groups of friends looking for a fun day out; hen parties; family groups; businesses on teambuilding days or company celebrations; even the occasional celebrity… 

Our approach to sustainable agri-tourism caught the attention of journalists in various publications: The Times, The Week, The Independent, The Guardian, Vineyard Magazine, Waitrose Magazine and more.

White Heron Tours has reached the finals in three categories at the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2025 - the winners will be announced at the February 2026 awards ceremony. We’re proud to have got this far, as we’re up against strong competition from Herefordshire's finest tourism businesses.

White Heron Drinks have also had a good year with plenty of mentions: for example British Cassis won two stars at the Great Taste Awards  - yay! - and British Framboise featured as a Best of British liqueur cocktail ingredient on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. M&S use British Cassis in their Kir Royale, and we’re still making Fortnum & Mason’s own label Cassis. Four generations of blackcurrant-growing expertise has led to some impressive partnerships.

White Heron Properties was enjoyed in 2025 by many families, groups and couples staycationing in the stunning countryside – perfect for walking, hiking, cycling and dining in fantastic nearby restaurants who use the finest local produce. Some prefer to just relax and stay on the estate, making the most of the facilities. We have had even more to offer this year with our new on-site padel court, and e-Bike hire for exploring the Herefordshire countryside on two wheels. Many guests have visited several times – with some having reached double figures – so we feel we must be doing something very well.  

The Colloquy, our largest property, hosted mindfulness and yoga retreats throughout the year, as well as corporate retreats for businesses seeking an inspiring countryside experience for inclusive teambuilding and conferences with a difference.

We took White Heron on the road to major regional events including the Three Counties Show, Ludlow Food Festival, Hay Festival, Malvern Spring Show, and Lakefest. Meeting thousands of visitors and introducing them to British-grown fruit liqueurs reminded us why we do what we do.

Looking forward to 2026

We have some very exciting news about our e-Bike Tours in early January – stay tuned for a big announcement…

February will bring the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards ceremony.

The e-bike tours return in April, and all six cottages are ready to welcome guests year-round. Whether you're planning a retreat, a countryside escape, or want to explore the estate by bike, we're here…

Thank you for being part of the White Heron journey in 2025. Here's to an excellent 2026.

The White Heron Team