Our fantastic team headed up by Pete has been working hard on gutting the interior of the impressive building. Our hope is that we can turn the 15th Century mill into a 5 star luxury apartment to add to our complex. Sometimes looking at the scaffolding and removed walls it is hard to imagine the finished product, but I have seen the plans and it looks like it will be wonderful when finished. We were hoping to have it all completed by the end of April 2012, but as it is a listed building we want to prepare for every architectural eventuality; so we will take bookings for June 2012 onwards at the moment.

The Cider Mill will be furnished to a very high standard to provide comprehensive self catering accommodation in the stunning surroundings of our corner of the Wye Valley. It will have two large master bedrooms upstairs with impressive en suites, and a twin room downstairs which will offer Flanesford Priory’s first disabled facilities. All the beds can be spilt to accommodate twins or joined for double beds.

The original Cider Mill with its huge stone base and imposing wheel will be affectionately integrated into the kitchen as a dining table and feature. The kitchen will have all the latest mod-cons and everything you might need to cater for your family whilst away from home. Additionally the log fire and under floor heating will provide the cosiest environment in even the coldest nights. With separate parking and a fenced courtyard, this really will be a stand out unique apartment which we are anticipating will be in great demand. This will be the perfect retreat for a family looking to explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Why not combine it with another apartment if your party is larger than six as it will still provide a fabulous communal area for your group.

Prices will start from £590 for a short break and £842 for a week and every week long booking will receive a luxury welcome hamper full of local delicacies and treats as a gift from us. For more information or to book for June 2012 onwards, please call 01600 890506. If you would like to be kept up to date on possible April/ May bookings please let us know.

Welcome Hampers are available to buy separately and come in a variety of ranges to suit budgets and requirements. email info@flanesfordpriory.co.uk for more information.

The Original Cider Mill Wheel

Interior Work

During my personal guided tour the passion for conservation and breeding of butterflies is apparent in the animated discussions of Lindsay Heyes one of the owners who showed me around. The Heyes brothers have been in Whitchurch for 30 years turning this tourist park into a vibrant and informative attraction.

After the butterfly tour came the best part! I was kitted out with my laser tagger and oh-so-cool backwards cap with sensors attached. I then ran commando style through the purpose built battle field consisting of army style barricades, huts, grass knolls and military vehicles, shooting at Ed Heyes and of course winning! The Laser Ops package offered is 2 hours and about 10 games of team related missions. A minimum of 10 players is required and they can accommodate up to 23 participants. The taggers are set to different levels and unlike paint balling where you can be ‘killed’ within seconds and have to sit out the rest of the game- the sensors can be set to ‘ten hits until you are killed’ etc. This gives even young children the chance to enjoy the games without getting frustrated. This activity is a definite for Stag and Hen parties visiting the Forest of Dean and Ross on Wye.

Another option available is the ‘Secret Agent Shoot Out’. This is where you have pistol style guns set to silent and you stalk your prey around the twists and turns of the hedge maze. The better you know the maze the better your advantage, but don’t take too long peering round corners or you might get tagged from behind!

Myself and Ed

The bride looked stunning in her strapless dress with side detail and her groom looked equally dashing with his fancy coat tails.

Beautifully decorated marquee