SECRET ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, THE BAITING HOUSE

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone see it”. Confucius

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If you have been looking for a cosy country retreat in beautiful countryside, the Baiting House is the place. Located on the Herefordshire and Worcestershire borders at the top of a hill climbing out of the Teme Valley this welcoming boutique house has conquered my heart.

Welcoming and cosy with a beautiful terrace and gardens just perfect to enjoy a slice of calm after your outdoor pursuits.

It’s also a perfect ‘passthrough’ place to stay if you are in Herefordshire / Worcestershire to celebrate a special occasion as we did attending a wedding.

A BIT OF HISTORY

The Baiting House used to be the focal point of Upper Sapey village life for well over a century with the earliest census records going back to 1840 when a wheelwright called Peregrine Perkins occupied the property. Traditionally drovers and waggoners climbing the hill with their horses would stop there for a “bait”, the local word for food, or a small snack.

The Baiting House was closed in 2015 and then bought by a local couple Andrew and Kate in September 2015 who totally refurbished and brought it back to its glory.

WHAT TO DO

This place is the perfect lazy escape form busy city life. I really enjoyed our lazy weekend away eating, drinking and reading books and this staycation was the perfect choice. Sometimes this is the only way to escape media or a hectic lifestyle, and just find the most remote place away from any tourist spots.

For those who prefer a more active lifestyle there is plenty to explore in the beautiful countryside. Just join one of the circular walks, starting and ending at The Baiting House, exploring lovely valleys and old ruins. For golfers, the Baiting House is located right next door to Sapey Golf Club with its 27 holes.

Upper Sapey located in the stunning Herefordshire / Worcestershire border countryside, and in particular the Teme Valley is totally unspoilt and offers great opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing or simply enjoying the spectacular views from nearly every vantage point. 

FOOD

The Baiting House offers something for everyone, from an excellent selection of local cask ales and ciders from the famous Herefordshire orchards, fine wines to a restaurant offering fresh award winning local and seasonal ingredients. Not cheap but definitely worth a bite!

You can find menus here.

ACCOMMODATION

The Baiting House also offers 6 luxury en-suite bedrooms, three in the main pub building and three in a purpose-built annex to the rear.

Each boutique-chic guest room features comfy beds, Egyptian cotton bed linens, flat screen TVs and power showers.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Baiting House at Upper Sapey is less than an hour from Birmingham, 90 minutes from Bristol, and within 2 hours of Manchester and even west London.

Situated on the Bromyard to Stourport road, around 7 miles away from the local market towns of Bromyard and Tenbury Wells. Only a 20 minute journey from Worcester, Kidderminster, Droitwich or Bromsgrove and a little further away lie the beautiful market town of Ludlow, the Cathedral City of Hereford and the beautiful Malvern Hills.

PROS

Delicious food

Cosy and well equipped rooms

Lovely bar with an impressive selection of gins

Beautiful views of countryside

Activities available

Atmosphere of relax and tranquillity

CONS

Services only available during the hours listed below which may be a consideration for customers staying in the hotel.

Hours

Sunday                 12–10pm

Monday               4–10:30pm

Tuesday               12–11pm

Wednesday        12–11pm

Thursday             12–11pm

Friday                   12pm–12am

Saturday              12pm–12am

It’s maybe not the perfect place to expect undivided attention (if you happen to arrive at check in outside of open hours), however the Baiting House is definitely the perfect heaven for a country break, lazy lunch, romantic dinner or just a local ale or two.

So if you are tired of the hectic city life, places hiving with tourists or exhausting city weekends away, this place is a perfect gem to enjoy a book and a glass of wine.