By Branwen Jones

Copyright walesonline

This time of year, there’s nothing better than heading to a cosy little pub in the countryside, feast on a hearty meal and sip on your favourite beverage. But across the border, not only can you visit a pub, you can stay in it too. The Penny Farthing Inn is a charming pub nestled in the scenic village of Aston Crews near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, it is around a 20-minute drive from the Welsh-English border and is located near an ancient forest. While the property is not a running pub anymore, the owners have kept the bar and the property’s features open for those staying at the holiday lets to enjoy. So in other words, you’ll have the pub all to yourself! From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . READ MORE: This leafy trail with romantic ruins and a proper pub is ideal for an autumn walk LATEST: The beautiful market town with medieval streets, cosy cafes and pubs is just 1 hour from Wales The Penny Farthing Inn ultimately offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking tranquillity…… and a massive private beer garden. With ample off-road parking and a warm welcome extended to two well-behaved pets, this picturesque hideaway boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect escape for you and your family or a group of friends. The inn offers a spacious pub layout, which features the all important cosy wood-burning stove and a fully stocked bar. The pub area also provides plenty of seating for dining, where you and your family or group of friends can sit back, relax and savour some tasty home-cooked meals together. And if you are looking for entertainment afterwards, Penny Farthing Inn has a pool table and a darts board at your disposal. But if you don’t want to relish in a bit of friendly rivalry and continue with the relaxation, then the inn’s plush cinema room might be the place for you. This room is complete with a surround sound, which offers an immersive viewing experience as if you are actually in a cinema. The first-floor kitchen is well-equipped and comes with everything necessary to cook a meal for your group. The property also has a dining room. For a good night sleep, it also features seven bedrooms, four of which are doubles, offering a comfortable space for couples. One double room comes with the added convenience of an en-suite, equipped with a walk-in shower, basin, and WC. The property also boasts two family rooms, each with a double and single bed. One of these rooms even has an en-suite with a walk-in shower, basin, and WC. Two additional shower rooms serve the remaining bedrooms. Outside, there’s a garden with a lawn and patio area, perfect for outdoor dining. And for the little ones, there’s also a play area to keep them entertained. While the inn itself is a hidden gem, it’s also an ideal place to discover Herefordshire. You can visit and explore nearby historic sites such as the Goodrich Castle, Gloucester Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey, and Sudeley Castle. If a walk through the countryside is what you’re looking for then a visit to the stunning Symonds Yat Rock, which is one of the best UK spots for peregrine falcons, and the expansive Robinswood Hill Country Park, which as picnic and play areas as well as public toilets, are the places for you. But you can’t go to this corner of the UK without visiting the Forest of Dean. This ancient forest has evolved a lot over the centuries. According to Forestry England, it was a royal hunting forest in the medieval times, before becoming a source of timber for the navy’s Tudor warships. During the Victorian times, the Forest of Dean became a major site of industry, with coal mining and tramways scattered in the landscape. In 1938 the Forest was designated the first National Forest Park and today the Forest of Dean is a popular destination for tourists. From one pub to another, you could drive over the border to enjoy a pint at one of the best garden pubs in the UK – The Bell Hotel and Restaurant at Skenfrith, which would take you around 30 minutes in the car. And the Michelin-starred The Whitebrook in Monmouth is a 40-minute drive.