A guide to Hereford

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Under an old - and legend has it - un-repealed law it seems (in theory) legal to shoot a Welshman on a Sunday in Hereford, provided it’s with a longbow and within the Cathedral close!
  • 2.
    Hereford’s Bulmer’s factory is the largest cider making factory in the world. It contains the world’s largest vat too – stainless steel tanks installed in 1975 hold 15 million gallons of cider!
  • 3.
    Hereford Cathedral is home to the 13th Century Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map of the world in existence.

Hereford Area

Shropshire, Herefordshire, Welsh borders and The Marches offer an awe-inspiring combination of history, ancient landmarks, traditional architecture, unspoiled countryside, excellent schools and thriving communities. The lifestyle offered by the area is seldom found in the modern day and is an ideal location for those looking for a break from the big cities, but with Birmingham and Manchester being easily accessible by road and rail. The Marches remains largely undiscovered; those already won over by the charm of the area would be happy for it to remain that way, but given the continued and increasing popularity perhaps the secret is already out!

Surrounding Villages

  • Bromyard
    Bromyard, just a stone’s throw from the Worcestershire border, is a traditional farming town and famous for hop production, apples and pears, it’s hardly surprising that Herefordshire’s award-winning Wye Valley Brewery is located on the road between Bromyard and Hereford. This colourful town has become known as ‘The Town of Festivals’ with a festival for everything including Scarecrows, Town Criers, Hops and Folk.
  • Hay on Wye
    Hay-on-Wye is known as the ‘Town of Books’, and famous for its bookshops and the area’s now world famous Hay Festival; a literary event taking place at the end of May. Hay has something for everyone, steeped in history and boasting two Norman Castles, many walks, the River Wye and the Black Mountains: there is no time to be idle in Hay-on-Wye.
  • Kington
    Kington is a market town, very close to the border of Wales and sitting alongside the infamous Hergest Ridge and Offa’s Dyke, where musician Mike Oldfield gained inspiration for his music and composed the magical Tubular Bells. Kington boasts the highest 18 hole golf course in England, which runs around this medieval town and presents outstanding views of Herefordshire.
  • Leominster
    Home to many a black and white building and packed with antique shops, Leominster sits to the north of Hereford City, in the heart of The Herefordshire Marches and close to the border of Shropshire. Leominster heralds the start of The Black and White Trail, a 40 mile circular trail, showcasing some of the prettiest chocolate box villages in Herefordshire.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Herefordshire’s traditional market towns remain the backbone of local life, carrying their prime function into the modern day.

    Fresh food and homemade crafts are regularly sold at markets across the county. One of Herefordshire’s strengths is its wide and varied range of independently owned shops. A recent £90 million shopping centre including a Waitrose, multiplex cinema and a number of well-known retail brands has bolstered interest in the city-centre.

  • Eating

    Pensons, The Netherwood Estate

    Pensons is a Michelin Star, ingredient-led restaurant located on the beautiful Netherwood Estate. The menu encapsulates quality, seasonal and local produce.

    Green Cow Kitchens

    Fine dining in a former pigsty! Green Cow Kitchens started as a modest pop-up restaurant and is a wonderful hidden gem, specialising in seasonal menus for lunch and dinner.

    A Rule of Tum, Hereford

    A popular destination and founded in 2013, the restaurant is focused on crafting honest dishes, inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.

    The Bookshop, Hereford

    A modern British restaurant serving coffee, brunch, a steak led evening menu and award winning Sunday lunch.

    Sensory & Rye, Hereford

    An artisan coffee shop, urban eatery and casual restaurant serving speciality coffee, quality brunch, colourful lunches as well as Friday suppers.

    The Cider Barn, Dunkertons

    Housed in a converted cider barn, the menu changes frequently to feature whatever is in season, using local suppliers together with friends and family.

  • Drinking

    The Stagg Inn, Titley

    Has won various awards for food and drink; Herefordshire Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2020 and have twice won their National Award.

    Beer in Hand, Hereford

    Family owned independent craft pub serving speciality cask and keg beer, traditional Herefordshire cider and locally produced wines and craft spirits.

    The Grapes Tavern, Hereford

    Great food, warm company and lively music in the centre of the historic Independent Quarter of Hereford, just a stone's throw from the Cathedral.

    Hereford Beer House, Hereford

    Beer shop and micro-pub in Hereford. Craft beer and local cider, 10 taps, wine, G&T, 230+ bottles and cans. Drink in or take out with bar snacks served all day.

    The Riverside, Aymestrey

    Authentic and atmospheric, the 16th century black and white building is surrounded by the natural beauty of the River Lugg valley.

Lifestyle

  • Trains

    Hereford has a direct train to London and is linked to Cardiff and Manchester by a main line station.

  • Other transport

    A good regional road network provides links to the area’s main towns and beyond to the national motorway network. The M50 at Ross-on-Wye provides an excellent link to the M5 whilst the A449 south bound joins with the M4 near Newport.