tourist information hereford

Things to Do in Hereford, Herefordshire - Hereford Attractions

Things to do in hereford, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hereford.

Laser Clay Shooting

1 Hour Archery Experience in Hereford

1 hour Axe Throwing Activity in Hereford

Creative Photography for Beginners in Hereford

Introduction to the potter's wheel

King Arthur's Wye Valley Walk - Riverside Woodland Adventures

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

The Wandering Bard's Tour of South Wales

Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds. Small guided day tour from Bath (Max 14 persons)

Top attractions in hereford.

Other Top Attractions around Hereford

What travelers are saying

• Hereford Cathedral
• Chase Distillery
• Berrington Hall
• Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibitions
• Museum of Cider, Hereford
• The Weir Garden
• Brobury House Gardens and Cafe
• Kenchester Water Gardens
• Kentchurch Court
• Castle Green
• The Black and White House Museum
• Monkland Cheese Dairy
• Hereford Canoe Hire

Tourist Information

Here to help you get the most out of your break in Hereford

The tourist information centre.

Pop in for friendly, reliable advice on everything from where to get the best pint and find the newest boutique shops to where to park for local attractions. TIC staff have an in-depth knowledge of the area and will not only be able to help you with all kinds of insider tips for discovering the area’s hidden gems, they can also provide you with a wide selection of free leaflets on the many attractions in the City and wider afield.

Going for a walk?

View 5 of our favourite sculptures around Hereford!

Hereford is home to a number of unique and special sculptures, peppered throughout the City. Whether you’re visiting Hereford or have been a local for years, here’s just a few of our favourites which we think everyone should take the time to see

Into Architecture? 

View 5 of our favourite buildings around Hereford!

Hereford is brimming with iconic architecture ranging from hundreds of years in the past to highly modern developments. Here are five of some of our favourite buildings around the City, prized for their unique architecture

Image Gallery

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (Wednesdays at 10.30am to 4pm)

Accessibility

The Tourist Information Centre is situated on the ground floor of Hereford’s historic Town Hall. Wheelchair access to the building is under the side archway into the car park and around to the back where there is a ramp with a disabled button to operate the door.

01432 383837

Hereford Town Hall, 8 St Owen Street, HR1 2PJ

[email protected]

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Top Things to Do in Hereford, Herefordshire - Hereford Must-See Attractions

Things to do in hereford, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hereford.

Laser Clay Shooting

1 Hour Archery Experience in Hereford

1 hour Axe Throwing Activity in Hereford

Creative Photography for Beginners in Hereford

Introduction to the potter's wheel

King Arthur's Wye Valley Walk - Riverside Woodland Adventures

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

The Wandering Bard's Tour of South Wales

Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds. Small guided day tour from Bath (Max 14 persons)

Top attractions in hereford.

Other Top Attractions around Hereford

What travellers are saying

• Hereford Cathedral
• Chase Distillery
• Berrington Hall
• Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibitions
• Museum of Cider, Hereford
• The Weir Garden
• Brobury House Gardens and Cafe
• Kenchester Water Gardens
• Kentchurch Court
• Castle Green
• The Black and White House Museum
• Monkland Cheese Dairy
• Hereford Canoe Hire

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By train
• 2.2 By coach
• 2.3 By plane
• 3.2 By bike
• 3.3 On foot

Hereford ( Welsh : Henffordd ) is an historic cathedral city in England on the river Wye. The county town of Herefordshire , the city lies close to the English border with Wales . A small city (population 61,000 in 2018), Hereford nonetheless offers a great variety of attractions for the traveller.

Understand [ edit ]

• 52.055366 -2.713181 1 Hereford Tourist Information , St Owen's Street ( at the Town Hall ), ☏ +44 143 238 3837 . M-Sa 10AM-4PM . ( updated Oct 2020 )

Get in [ edit ]

Herefordshire is a rural county and this is reflected in its transport links to Hereford. Roads from Gloucester or other places tend to be slow and bus transport from neighbouring counties isn't exceptional.

By train [ edit ]

By coach [ edit ]

There are daily National Express coaches from Birmingham , Sheffield , Leeds , Bradford , Gloucester, Swindon , Heathrow Airport and London Victoria .

By plane [ edit ]

Hereford has no civil airport but the city is accessible from Birmingham, Bristol , Cardiff, and London Heathrow.

The journey from London 51.4775 -0.461389 2 Heathrow Airport ( LHR  IATA ) to Hereford by car is 130 mi (210 km) and takes about 3 hr, depending on traffic. To reach Hereford by train, you'll need to travel via London Paddington; journey times are slightly less than 4 hr.

52.4532 -1.7334 3 Birmingham Airport ( BHX  IATA ) is 64 mi (103 km) away with a driving time of about 1 hr 40 min. By train, a journey via Birmingham New Street takes just over 2 hr.

51.396667 -3.343333 4 Cardiff Airport ( CWL  IATA ) is 70 mi (110 km) away with a driving time of 1 hr 20 min. By train, a journey via Cardiff Central takes around 2 hr.

51.3827 -2.7191 5 Bristol Airport ( BRS  IATA ) is 70 mi (110 km) away with a driving time of 1 hr 40 min. Don't use Bristol if you're not hiring a car, as the journey by bus and train to Hereford takes 3 hr.

Get around [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ]

Confusingly, Hereford has three bus termini: one (urban routes) is behind the Tesco supermarket in Bewell Street; one on St Peter’s Square (rural routes); and one behind the former Odeon cinema in Commercial Road (inter-city). Weather protection is barely adequate (no heated waiting rooms). Some county lines depart from outside the Hereford railway station and also stop at the Country Bus Station. Other services depart from the "County Bus Station" (behind the cinema on Commercial Road - about 3 minutes walk from the station). City services start from the Shire Hall in St. Peter's Square or the "City Bus Station" at the rear of the Tesco supermarket in Bewell Street.

By bike [ edit ]

Cycling in Hereford is not easy, there is a substantial lack of cycling infrastructure.

In 2019, as part of its Sustainable Transport policy, the council launched its Beryl Bike initiative, providing nearly 200 card-operated bikes, available from 40 pick-up points across the city. These emerald green 3-speed pedal bikes are programmed not to go out of the city centre and users must be over 16. Beryl bikes, however, are poorly maintained.

On foot [ edit ]

With pedestrianised High Town its core, central Hereford is extremely compact and no more than 600 metres across, so walking is the best way to explore it. East of Cathedral Close is Castle Street, with some fine early Georgian town houses, ending at the Victorian Castle House Hotel. North of the Close narrow Church Street is lined with shops (30 indies and not a high street multiple in sight). At the bottom, cross East Street, passing through the pedestrian tunnel known as Cabbage Alley brings you into High Town, where you can check out — and grab a bite to eat or a coffee — in the Victorian Butter Market.

See [ edit ]

• Chained Library ( adjacent to the cathedral ). Contains more than 50 volumes published before 1500. £6 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 52.049897 -2.735296 5 The Waterworks Museum , Broomy Hill, HR4 0LJ , ☏ +441432357236 . Tu 11AM-4PM, some Sundays and banks holidays from noon . UK’s widest range of working pumps and engines, most of which are the last working examples of their type. Hands-on exhibits, Heritage Water Park, and a permanent exhibition to Hereford in World War II. Adult £7, senior £5, student 16+ £2, child under 16 free . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• 52.054432 -2.721775 7 Hereford Museum Resource Centre , 58 Friars Street, HR4 0AS , ☏ +44 1432 383383 . By appointment only . It houses the majority of the paintings and drawings of Brian Hatton. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 52.056422 -2.717547 10 All Saints church , High St, HR4 9AA , ☏ +441432370414 . A 14th-century church, unique in Britain for having an integral galleried cafeteria. There is a rare 17th-century bread shelf on one of its walls. Each Sunday, it provided seven free loaves to be taken by seven of the poorest people of the parish. It was extensively restored in 1996. ( updated Oct 2020 )

• 52.023469 -2.696257 13 [Prehistoric Europe , Dinedor . In 2008, contractors building a new road unearthed a 60 m-long Neolithic ceremonial ‘burial path’ linking the Dinedor hill fort with a bank of the River Wye. ( updated Mar 2024 )

Do [ edit ]

• 52.07486 -2.729161 1 Hereford Racecourse , A4103, Roman Road HR4 9QU ( a mile northwest of town centre ). Go to the races, but only in winter as (unusually) it's only a jumps course. ( updated Sep 2020 )

Formed in 1981, the non-profit-making Guild of Hereford Guides conducts daily walking tours of the city centre (further details from the Tourist Information Centre in the Butter Market). The national Ramblers Association has an active branch in the county.

Buy [ edit ]

• 52.058245 -2.717547 1 Old Market Shopping Centre , 22 Garrick Lane . Built on the site of the former Livestock Market, has effectively relocated the commercial epicentre of the city a quarter mile northwards. It comprises a 6-screen multiplex, a small supermarket, 20 retail units and restaurants and a multi-storey car park. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 52.056391 -2.715769 2 High Town Street Market . every Wednesday . A lively street market in a paved traffic-free area akin to a small Italian town's piazza - though sadly now dominated by banks and building societies. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 52.057387 -2.715886 3 Victorian Butter Market , 2 Maylord Street , ☏ +441432270396 . M-Sa 8AM-5PM . More than 20 stalls, many selling ethnic cuisine and local produce. ( updated Sep 2020 )

Eat [ edit ]

• 52.055608 -2.718419 1 The Bookshop Restaurant , Aubrey Street , ☏ +44 1432 343443 . Opens 9AM . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.058946 -2.715148 2 Simply Thai Kitchen , Widemarsh Street , ☏ +44 1432 508074 . Opens noon . Small family-run restaurant, serving traditional Thai dishes based on fresh ingredients. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.055743 -2.717435 3 Cotto , 8 Broad Street , ☏ +44 1432 264836 . W-F 5-10PM; Sa noon-3PM, 5-10PM . Italian restaurant, reported as outstanding. Booking in advance is recommended. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 52.039574 -2.656552 4 Bunch of Carrots , at Hampton Bishop , ☏ +44 1432 870237 . It has an excellent carvery and because of its riverside setting, offer after-lunch walks along the Wye for more than a mile in each direction.  

Drink [ edit ]

• 52.058293 -2.710551 1 The Kings Fee , 49–53 Commercial Rd, HR1 2BJ , ☏ +44 1432 373240 . Wetherspoons pub. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• 52.063782 -2.715283 1 Alberta House B&B , 5-13 Newtown Road, HR4 9LH , ☏ +44 1432 297102 . Check-in: noon-9PM , check-out: 10:30AM . Pleasant, great value family-run B&B with comfortable rooms and ample private parking. Single from £35, Double from £50, Family from £60 (see website for details) .  
• 52.053556 -2.712163 2 Castle House Hotel , Castle Street HR1 2NW , ☏ +44 1432 356321 . Upscale hotel in Regency villa, great comfort, service and dining. No dogs. B&B double £160 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 51.968 -2.5803 3 White House Glamping , White House Farm, How Caple, HR1 4SR , ☏ +44 7849 621669 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 10AM . Family-friendly tipi glamping next to the river Wye. From £99 . ( updated Apr 2020 )
• The Green Man Inn , Fownhope , ☏ +44 1432 860243 . Fownhope is an unspoilt village on the banks of the River Wye. Next door to the hotel is a health spa and leisure centre. ( updated Sep 2020 )

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Hereford (Herefordshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Hereford (Herefordshire, England)

The cathedral city of Hereford is on the River Wye not far from the border with Wales.

Hereford has a lovable old core, known as the High Town, with car-free streets and family businesses.

All of Herefordshire’s rural industries converge in this city: The renowned Hereford Cattle Market was in the middle of town before recently moving to a new home on the outskirts, while factories for cider brands like Bulmers were first set up in Hereford.

Top of the list for sightseeing has to be Hereford Cathedral, which still has a lot of its Norman stonework from the turn of the 12th century.

The New Library Building here contains the Mappa Mundi, an illustrated map of the world drawn in 1300.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Hereford :

1. Hereford Cathedral

Anyone with an eye for Medieval architecture will be completely enamoured of Hereford Cathedral.

The first cathedral was raised in the 7th century and was reconstructed by in the Norman period between 1079 and the middle of the 12th century.

Lots of the this Romanesque building shines through in the columns and semi-circular arches of the nave, the choir up to the clerestory, the south transept and the arch linking the north transept with the choir aisle.

In the choir stalls are 40 misericords (folding seats) from the 14th century, carved with bizarre grotesque faces, everyday scenes and mythological beasts.

Give yourself time to inspect the burial monuments for the Hereford’s 12th and 13th-century bishops, and the Norman baptismal font on the south side of the nave.

2. Mappa Mundi

In 1996 The New Library Building opened in the southeast corner of the Cathedral Close, to safeguard this Medieval treasure as well as provide the appropriate climatic conditions for the cathedral’s Chained Library.

The Mappa Mundi, from the start of the 14th century, is a Medieval map of the world.

It is both the largest surviving Medieval map in the world, and possibly the most important illustrated Medieval manuscript in the country.

Measuring 158 x 133 cm and drawn on a sheet of vellum (calf skin), the document shows Jerusalem at its centre, and you can also pick out the Garden of Eden.

There are around 500 drawings on the map, showing cities and towns, the people of the world, natural life and images from classical mythology.

The map can be a little arcane to modern eyes, but there are interpretation boards and you hear an explanation by one of the resident experts.

3. Chained Library

If you’ve seen the 5th and 6th seasons of Game of Thrones you may have seen that the library at the Citadel has chains on its shelves.

It was inspired by real historic security systems like the one you’ll encounter at Hereford Cathedral’s Chained Library.

In fact, this is the only library of its kind to survive with all of its chains, rods and locks in working order and in place.

The original building dates from the 17th century, while the New Library Building now houses 229 Medieval manuscripts, with shelves arranged as they were from 1611 to 1841. The book collection is far older, and its most valuable book is the Hereford Gospels, produced in the 8th century.

4. Black and White House Museum

After the cathedral, Hereford’s most prized landmark is this stunning Jacobean timber-framed house raised at the start of the 1620s.

Also known as the Old House, the Black and White House has leaded bay windows and masterful carvings on its doorway and eaves.

The building started out as a butcher’s shop, and was a commercial building up to 1929 when the branch of Lloyds Bank closed down and it became a museum.

The interior has been frozen in time, and has rare frescoes, a significant collection of English oak furniture and information panels on Jacobean life in Hereford.

Kids can be kept entertained solving interactive puzzles and dressing up in period costume.

5. Cider Museum

The countryside around Hereford is blanketed with orchards, and with industrialisation the city became a global centre for cider production.

One international brand born here is Bulmers, and the factory set up by Henry Percival Bulmer in 1887 has been turned into a museum.

This opened in the early 1980s after the company moved production to a modern facility outside the city.

The exhibition sheds light on the history of cider in Herefordshire, and you’ll find out how apples are milled and pressed, and how that juice is fermented to make one of the UK’s favourite alcoholic beverages.

Lots of this Victorian factory has been preserved, like the cooper’s workshop, vat house and champagne cider cellars.

There are regular live pressing demonstrations in autumn, and a shop selling a selection of ciders, cider brandy and cider vinegar.

6. Waterworks Museum

A picturesque walk along the Wye to the west of the High Town, this museum is housed in a Victorian water pumping station from 1856. The Waterworks Museum has the largest assortment of pumping engines in working condition in the UK. There are steam-powered beam engines from the Industrial Revolution, as well as petrol, diesel and gas engines, and modern submersible electric pumps.

The show-stopping attraction is the two-storey triple expansion steam engine, the oldest machine of its kind still operating the country.

The building has been restored to its 19th-century appearance, and the exhibitions recall the history of drinking water in human civilisation.

There are trails for kids where they can play with replicas of ancient water lifters and working models of Victorian steam pumping engines.

7. All Saints Church

This church on the High Street in the High Town is hard to miss for itw twisted spire.

The monument dates from the early 1200s, and looks largely as it did following a redesign in the 14th century.

Although All Saints is a working parish church, it has also become a community centre after a restoration in the 1990s, while its nave is used for a diversity of talks, theatre performances and concerts.

What also puts the church at the centre of daily life in Hereford is the popular Café @ All Saints, frequented for its vegetarian options, and with an outdoor terrace in front.

8. St Francis Xavier’s Church

On Broad Street your eye may be drawn to this temple-like Neoclassical Church.

St Francis Xavier’s was completed in 1839 and has an entrance flanked by two weighty Doric columns.

The church was founded by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus following the Catholic relief act of 1829, which permitted Catholics to sit in Parliament once more, after centuries on the margins of British society.

Anti-Catholic sentiment was still strong in the country at this time, and might explain why this church has no windows, for fear of them being broken.

The sumptuous interior is illuminated by a lightwell and has beautiful stuccowork, and an altar framed by two Ionic columns.

9. Bull Statue

For many people around the world the name “Hereford” will always be associated with a breed of cattle that originated in the county of Herefordshire.

There are five million purebred Hereford cattle in some 50 nations around the world.

The local football team, Hereford F.C., is nicknamed “The Bulls” and parades a real Hereford bull around the pitch at Edgar Street before every home game.

And to recognise its bovine the city commissioned a life-sized bronze statue of a Hereford Bull, which was unveiled outside the Black and White House Museum in 2012.

10. Berrington Hall

The pick of the excursions around Hereford is this National Trust Neoclassical country house, 15 miles to the north.

Berrington Hall, completed in the early-1780s, has an almost severe appearance for its red sandstone and imperious portico.

The interiors are a lot softer, in keeping with architect Henry Holland’s Louis XVI-style sensibilities.

Berrington Hall is considered the most complete of Holland’s mansions and has graceful reception rooms, ornamented with plasterwork and graceful chimney pieces.

Most remarkable is the Staircase Hall, lit from above by the house’s dome and hemmed by scagliola Corinthian columns and pilasters.

Holland’s partner and father-in-law, the great Capability Brown, designed the park’s 14-acre grounds and its unusual walled garden, in the final project of his career.

11. Weir Garden

Also a treat is this National Trust garden on the Wye five miles west of Hereford.

The 10-acre Weir Garden faces south and is split between a free-flowing riverside garden and a walled garden growing seasonal fruits, vegetables and salads.

The latter was adapted from former farm buildings at the start of the 19th century, and has a glasshouse from the 1920s, with a custom heating system to support exotic plants.

This bend in Wye has been inhabited since Roman times, and in the riverside garden you find a cistern from the town of Magnae Dobunnorum.

This part of Weir Garden, descending to the water, is much looser and has been designed to encourage wildlife to thrive.

More than 60 bird species have been recorded in the garden, and the boathouse on the river is a haven for otters.

12. The Courtyard

Herefordshire’s main centre for the arts, the Courtyard on Edgar Street is mainly a “receiving venue” hosting touring musicians, comedians and dance companies, and putting on a programme of film screenings.

There are also some in-house productions, like the annual pantomime and regular youth theatre performances.

The Courtyard has 436-seat main auditorium, as well as a smaller studio theatre, exhibition space, rehearsal studios and a cafe bar.

In February and March the Courtyard is an anchor for the Borderlines Film Festival, which was attended by more than 20,000 people in 2018 and is regarded as rural England’s top film event.

13. Hereford Museum

The city museum opened in a lovely neo-Gothic building on Broad Street in 1874. Perhaps the unmissable exhibit here is a mosaic which you can find on the stairs and was recovered from the Romano-British town of Magnae Dobunnorum, five miles from Hereford.

You can browse textiles and costumes spanning hundreds of years, as well as a substantial collection of swords of all descriptions.

The museum also has some peculiar zoological exhibits, like a two-headed calf and a giant mounted pike, weighing almost 17kg.

The art gallery is devoted mainly to Brian Hatton, a Post-Impressionist painter born in Herefordshire but killed early in his career in the First World War.

14. Brobury House Gardens

Almost in Wales, about ten miles up the Wye, is a Victorian mansion from the 1880s, draped in wisteria and hired out for weddings and other functions.

The terraced gardens on the banks of the river, looking down to the striking Bredwardine Bridge, were landscaped at the same time the house was built, and in the last 20 years have come through a thorough restoration.

The terraces have boxwood hedges, topiaries, a long pergola, a water garden, bog garden, towering mature trees and water meadow.

You can come to visit seven days a week, even in midwinter.

15. Rotherwas Chapel

Down the River Wye on the southeastern edge of Hereford is a historic family chapel, belonging to the Bodenhams, and now in the hands of English Heritage.

What began as a humble Medieval building was enlarged and refined down the centuries with a fine Tudor timber roof, a Georgian tower and a Victorian interior.

The Gothic Revival furnishings were produced by Pugin & Pugin a family architecture firm, descended from a Frenchman who fled the French Revolution and best known for their work at the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). You can visit by appointment during the week, picking up a key from the Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre.

15 Best Things to Do in Hereford (Herefordshire, England):

• Hereford Cathedral
• Mappa Mundi
• Chained Library
• Black and White House Museum
• Cider Museum
• Waterworks Museum
• All Saints Church
• St Francis Xavier's Church
• Bull Statue
• Berrington Hall
• Weir Garden
• The Courtyard
• Hereford Museum
• Brobury House Gardens
• Rotherwas Chapel

Herefordshire visitor guide – discover Herefordshire

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written by Aimee White

updated 08.07.2021

With its rolling agricultural landscape, Herefordshire is a countryside-lover’s dream. This laidback county in the West Midlands is an easy place to visit, with the likes of riverside trails along the wriggling River Wye and charming towns like Hereford making for an appealing agenda. Beyond Hereford, the picturesque Ross-on-Wye is an attractive town in the southeast of the county, and Symonds Yat is perfect for aquatic adventures. Continue reading to discover why Herefordshire is well worth a visit.

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Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

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Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

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Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

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By far the best time to visit Herefordshire is in summer, when the long hours of warm sunshine and balmy summer evenings mean you can really make the most of a day out. Better still, when you return to your accommodation for the night, you can continue soaking up the atmosphere: stay at a campsite and gaze up at the stars, or relax in a hot tub.

Sheep grazing in a summer meadow in the Herefordshire countryside © Allen Paul Photography/Shutterstock

A slightly milder time to visit Herefordshire, the autumn months promise a quieter feel to the county. You can enjoy a range of outdoor activities with vibrant foliage to appreciate, before stopping off at a beer garden or tearoom for a respite. Sit out on the balcony with a hot chocolate and watch the sunset, or curl up on the sofa with a good book.

Winter is another great time to visit Herefordshire; this will create ultimate cosy vibes as you layer up for an invigorating countryside walk before stopping off at a pub for a drink to warm up – especially if you position yourself by a crackling fire. Even if there’s more rain, there are plenty of indoor attractions and experiences to take on.

Winter scene of snow on fields in countryside © Paul Carter Photography/Shutterstock

Spring is the best time for countryside walks, when nature is blossoming, wildlife is springing and the temperatures are still milder than the ‘heat’ of the summer months. Many places still consider this to be off-season, too, so you’re likely to find great value accommodation deals.

From exploring medieval castles to buying local contemporary art, the variety of things to do in Herefordshire highlights its versatility as a destination – and ensures there’s never a dull moment in this beautiful county.

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is a medieval fortress that is incredibly well preserved; it’s one of the best of its kind in the country. Its exposed position looms over the River Wye; head up to the battlements for breathtaking views of the green land that surrounds this impressive castle. Located five miles south of Ross-on-Wye, this English Heritage site also has a tearoom that serves local-sourced food and drink, so it’s a great day out for all.

Goodrich Castle © Adrian Jones/Shutterstock

Berrington Hall

If you’re looking for a bit of grandiose to your Herefordshire trip, look no further than Berrington Hall. This Georgian mansion has a red sandstone exterior with elegant and intimate family rooms on the inside. Even if you don’t wish to go inside, simply venturing around the grassy parkland is scenic enough, where you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a 14-acre serpentine lake. There’s also a walled garden here and you can stop off at the on-site cafe for a bite to eat (vegetarian options also available).

Berrington Hall Source: visitherefordshire.co.uk

Greenstage Gallery

Located in Bishops Frome in between Bromyard and Ledbury, Greenstage Gallery is a great thing to do in Herefordshire for art lovers. If art galleries are your thing, you’ll enjoy browsing the works on display here, showcasing art created by local, national and international artists. There’s a real range of artistic disciplines and styles to uncover; be inspired by abstract and still life, check out the statement oil and acrylic pieces and be wowed by the unique sculpture.

Greenstage Gallery Source: visitherefordshire.co.uk

Hereford Museum and Art Gallery

If you only have time to visit one place in Herefordshire, make it the county capital, Hereford. It’s home to a plethora of restaurants, hotels and interesting sights – one of the best being Hereford Museum and Art Gallery. Housed in a phenomenal Anglicised Venetian Gothic building, there’s even more of a treat waiting for you inside. Check out the Hatton Gallery, the Kenchester mosaic and a wooden-engraved timeline of Hereford.

Hereford Museum and Art Gallery Source: visitherefordshire.co.uk

Watersports

There’s plenty of watersports to try out in Herefordshire. Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are among the most popular, and is an ideal option for groups of all ages and sizes. The River Wye is the perfect place for an aquatic adventure, with plenty of companies providing everything from equipment to lessons. There are also wild swimming pools and whitewater rapids to choose from, so you can go at your own pace.

Canoeing on the River Wye in Symonds Yat © Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock

Simply heading out on a walk is another top thing to do in Hereford, and proves exactly why Hereford is worth a visit. History and nature await you across a variety of routes. There are some 2100 miles of dedicated footpaths; the 154-mile Herefordshire Trail is an ideal option if you’re looking for a multi-day route, otherwise you can explore the Malvern Hills, Mortimer Forest, Golden Valley and more. Herefordshire’s so-called ‘easy peaks’ are simple to climb and reward walkers with stunning 360-degree views and, in the case of Garway Hill and Hergest Ridge, also come with the chance to meet the wild mountain ponies which graze these heights.

Malvern Hills © Nicholas E Jones/Shutterstock

Ledbury is the town you’ll want to base yourself in if you’re planning on exploring the Malvern Hills. This historic town has plenty of history charm so you can easily while away a day or two exploring all the things to see and do here. There’s seventeenth-century architecture, cobbled lanes and plenty of local cider, gin and wine to sample – yum! The shops here are also worth a browse, including interiors mecca Tinsmiths and scandi delight, Hus & Hem.

Black & White Villages

The uniquely named Black and White Villages are located in central Herefordshire, and a visit here is like travelling back to yesteryear with its Tudor villages, half-timbered buildings and stately homes. While you’re here, you might want to rent a bicycle and cycle through some of the prettiest villages – Pembridge, Dilwyn, Weobley, Eardisley – as well as past hopyards, orchards and farmland. It doesn’t get more quintessentially English than this – and this is what makes Herefordshire one of the best places to visit in 2021. One of Visit Herefordshire’s excellent Cider Circuits – The Newton Wonder – journeys through this part of the county and recommended craft cider producers to visit en route.

The Church House, Church Lane, Ledbury © Martin Fowler/Shutterstock

Museum of Cider

A very popular museum in its own right, the Museum of Cider is one of Herefordshire’s top attractions. And it’s not hard to see why; the site tells the history of cider, set in the former Bulmer’s factory with 19th-century champagne cider cellars. Even if you’re not a fan of the drink itself, it provides a fascinating insight into the social history of this rural, local product. It’s a perfect rainy day option.

Cider © mythja/Shutterstock

Accommodation

Herefordshire is home to a dizzying range of accommodation options . Whether you want a luxury stay in a historic hotel or stylish glampsite, go back to basics with a stay in a vintage caravan or cosy up at an inviting B&B, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to figuring out where to stay in Herefordshire.

You can stay on a llama farm at Old King Street Farm, where you can take the llamas out for a walk (or sometimes the other way around…). The farm is situated along a quiet road, with two holiday cottages – the Cider House and Pomona Cottage – to choose from. It makes for one of the more unusual places to stay in Herefordshire, but that’s part of the fun.

If you’d rather stay somewhere a little more basic than a holiday cottage, camping is a great way to reconnect with nature in Herefordshire. Tresseck Campsite is situated along the banks of the River Wye and is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for tranquility – and maybe a digital detox. During the day you can launch for paddleboard just a few short footsteps from your tent, while come evening you can watch the crackling flames of the campfire.

Those searching for luxury B&Bs will love Royal Parade B&B, located in the heart of Ross-on-Wye. You’ll feel tucked away amidst all the action here with its private outdoor space (patio, garden), free parking and secure cycle storage. Breakfast is also available here, so you needn’t travel far in search of food – although when you do fancy venturing out, it’s ideal that the town centre is right on your doorstep.

There are plenty of self-catering options in Herefordshire for whatever your group size. Think barns, coach houses, holiday cottages and farms.... And with all the modern stylings and fittings, you don’t have to feel like you’re going without. To really go all-out, consider a stay at Rowden Mill Station, a former nineteenth-century train station that has been renovated into two self-contained spaces – the Station Building and the Parcel Office – that are modern on the inside but have been restored to its delightfully traditional aesthetic on the outside.

That said, you can’t beat a classic hotel stay in Herefordshire. With plenty of stylish rooms full of character, you’ll really be able to relax and get ready for another day of sightseeing by staying at a hotel. Consider The Feathers Hotel, located in Ledbury, with its traditional Coaching Inn vibe and eatery and coffee house on-site. The Green Dragon in Hereford is another stylish option, otherwise there’s the likes of the family-run Old Court Hotel, a Grade II-listed manor house in Symonds Yat – which is also a popular wedding venue.

Cottage alongside a stream, Eardisland, Herefordshire © Caron Badkin/Shutterstock

Planning on driving or getting the coach to Herefordshire? Hereford is roughly a three-hour drive from London and 1.5 hours from Birmingham, while National Express coaches run from London Victoria and Birmingham to Hereford, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye. Meanwhile, there are train stations at Hereford, Leominster, Colwall and Ledbury, where you can travel to and from the likes of Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and London.

In terms of getting around Herefordshire, we hope the following information helps.

With public footpaths aplenty, the best way of getting around Herefordshire is by foot – not just for convenience, but as a way to soak up all that scenic beauty, too. With country walks, town-centre trails and multi-day hikes, walking actually makes for one of the easiest ways of getting around. It’s a very attractive option for those travelling on a budget, too – just make sure you pack decent, suitable footwear.

Similarly, getting around Herefordshire by bike is another popular way to discover this green county. You can either bring your own bike – plenty of accommodation types provide secure cycle storage facilities – or you can rent one instead. With a network of cycle paths, low traffic levels and small rural lanes, cycling around Herefordshire makes for a fun activity in itself. In Hereford, you can rent a Beryl Bike – just download the app, unlock the bike and off you go.

Lyonshall parish church in Herefordshire © Paddy Morton/Shutterstock

Getting around Herefordshire by bus is a convenient way to travel between towns in Herefordshire. The local service is Traveline, so it’s best to check there for the latest timetables. In general, though, you can expect a regular service from Monday to Saturday, but it’s worth stating that the service is severely reduced on Sunday. For reference, it takes roughly 1hr to travel from Ross-on-Wye to Hereford. If you’re still unsure, head to a tourist office to find out more.

Travelling by car is a convenient way to get around Herefordshire, with plenty of car parks, disabled parking and electric car parking points. While you don’t necessarily need a car to travel between places in each town, if you’re planning a larger visit to more destinations in Herefordshire then travelling by car is worth considering. If you’re planning on travelling by motorhome, it’s worth visiting the Herefordshire Council website for details.

Rural Herefordshire © Andrew Roland/Shutterstock

These travel tips will help you make the most of your visit to Herefordshire.

Accessibility

At Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum in Dinmore, there are walks without stiles with easy access paths, hard surfaces and no steps. Those with accessibility requirements can also enjoy waymarked circular walks in Cradley and Colwall.

There are also Blue Badge parking spaces, accessible toilet facilities and a Shop Mobility scheme (Ross-on-Wye).

Dog-friendly stays

With woodlands, mountains and open spaces, Herefordshire is a great place for those travelling with dogs. Stay responsible for your pooch by ensuring they’re on leads, particularly around farms where livestock are, and always make sure your dog is in sight so you don’t lose track of them. An increasing number of accommodation, restaurants and pubs are becoming dog-friendly, but make sure you stay respectful of your hosts and/or fellow guests.

Sustainability

Mother Nature reigns supreme in Herefordshire, and there are plenty of ways that you can do your bit to support it too. Whether you’re having a picnic or a quick respite, always make sure you clean up after yourselves by using the bins provided, or carrying your rubbish with you until you find the nearest bin. You could also consider swapping the car for public transport, while if you have an electric car then there are various charging points spread over the county.

British meadow in Herefordshire © Warren Field/Shutterstock

Tourist information centres

• Herefordshire’s Tourist Information Centres are a brilliant way to find the latest information during your stay.
• Hereford: Town Hall, St Owen Street, HR1 2PJ. Mon–Sat 10am–4pm, Tues 11am–4pm
• Bromyard: The Heritage Centre, Rowberry St, HR7 4DU. Mon–Fri 11am–4pm, Sat 10am–3pm
• Ross-on-Wye: The Corn Exchange, High Street, HR9 5HL. Mon–Fri 9.30am–1pm
• Kington: 5 Church Street, HR5 3AZ. Mon–Sat 10am–4.30pm
• Ledbury: Tourist Information @ Ice Bytes, 38 The Homend, HR8 1BT. Various opening hours
• Leominster: 11 Corn Square, HR6 8YP. Mon–Sat 9.30am–4pm
• Golden Valley: The Hub at St Peter's, Church Road, Peterchurch, HR2 0RT. Tues–Thurs 11am–3pm

This article was written in partnership with Visit Herefordshire .

Related articles from the blog

Aimee is an in-house Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and is the podcast host of The Rough Guide to Everywhere. She is also a freelance travel writer and has written for various online and print publications, including a guidebook to the Isle of Wight. Follow her on Twitter at @aimeefw .

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The city was founded by the Saxons around AD 700, on the banks of the River Wye. A well-preserved section of the original defensive wall still stands, near the 15th-century Wye Bridge. These fortifications were originally constructed to protect this ancient capital of West Mercia from the Welsh.

The attractive River Wye flows on under the ancient Wye Bridge, past the cathedral grounds and castle ruins. There has been a cathedral in the city since the 7th-c. The current 12th-c. building is dedicated to St Mary and St Ethelbert.

A wealth of half-timbered buildings are preserved in the city, including the outstanding early 15th-c. Old House , now a museum. In the gardens at the rear of the old Coningsby Hospital are the remains of a Dominican monastery, founded in 1614, which incorporates a 12th-c. dining-hall built for the Knights of St John. The adjacent St John Coningsby Museum, also incorporates some 17th century almshouses.

Hereford lies at the centre of a rich agricultural district that is especially noted for the production of cider. The Cider Museum & Distillery , in the town, provides an insight into the history of cider production in the locality.

The Bulmer's Railway Centre at Hereford closed in 1990 and most of the steam locomotives and rolling stock, including the GWR King George V, were move to the Steam Museum at Swindon.

Regular tours of the city are provided by the Hereford Guild of Guides. These guides are a group of Volunteers accredited by the Mayor of Hereford, who take a guided tour of the City of Hereford each day from 1st April to 31st October, starting at Hereford Cathedral. For more details visit the Hereford Guided Walks Website

Places of interest to visit in Hereford

Hereford cathedral.

A cathedral has been present in Hereford since the city was founded. Most of the present building dates from the 12th century, the central tower and choir stalls were constructed 200 years later. The cathedral contains some of the finest examples of Normal architecture up to the present day, including the 13th century Shrine of St Thomas of Hereford. The cathedral is dedicated to St Mary and St Ethelbert, a king of East Anglia who was murdered near Hereford in AD 794. His tomb became a famous shrine in the middle ages.

The cathedral precincts house the famous Mappa Mundi, a world map drawn on vellum around AD 1300, which shows the world as flat, with Jerusalem at the centre. It also has King Stephen's 800-year-old chair and a large chained library containing over 1,500 ancient books.

Opening times: open daily 7.30 till Evensong, Admission Free - donations invited Location: City Centre, HRl 2NG Image Credit: Rogan Josh

Cider Museum & King Offa Distillery

Traces the history of cider production through the ages. Exhibits include old cider making equipment, a coopers workshop and a vat house with historic presses and bottling machinery. Cider making festivals take place at selected weekends during the year.

Opening times: all year, Apr~Oct 10am - 5pm, Nov~Mar 11am - 3pm, Tue - Sat. Admission Charge Location: 21 Ryelands Street, Hereford, HR4 OLW - 01432 354207 Website Facilities: parking, café.

St John Coningsby Museum

Founded by Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Court.

Opening times: The museum is open by pre-booked request. Admission Charge Location: Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9HN - Tel: 01432 272837

A fine Jacobean building, dating from around 1621, that was once part of a row of similar houses. Its rooms are furnished in 17th century period style.

Opening times: all year, 10-5. Apr-Sep, Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun + BH Mon 10-4. Admission Free Location: High Town, Hereford, HRl 2AA - Tel: 01432 260694 Website Facilities: shop.

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Why You Should Visit Hereford, UK: Sights, Art, & History

By: Author Willow Heath

Posted on Last updated: 4th January 2024

Hereford is an idyllic little city that’s very much off the beaten path as English towns go. Having been born there, it’s amazing how many people — even people from neighbouring Bristol and Cardiff — ask me the question: where is Herefordshire? Its out-of-the-way nature is just one reason to visit Hereford. There’s plenty more to see and do when you visit Hereford.

While it is perhaps best known for the Herefordshire cattle and the Hereford bull, trust us that there’s plenty more to see and do when you visit Hereford than just admire the Hereford bull. There are some stunning hotels in Hereford, as well as historic homes, a cider museum, and some fantastic little day trips to neighbouring towns and historic sites.

Let us be your Hereford tourist information guide as we take you around all the most charming and beautiful parts of Herefordshire — from Hereford town centre to nearby Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye.

Hereford Town Centre

Let’s start in the centre and work our wat out. Hereford is a city, but those who ask the infamous question ‘where is Herefordshire?’ will be the same to call it a town rather than a city, given its size. But with size comes charm, and you’ll find that aplenty in Hereford town centre when you visit Herefordshire.

Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Cathedral is a stunning structure. One of my favourites, and one of the most underrated cathedrals in England. It sits easily on par with Exeter Cathedral and York Cathedral for its epic scale and gothic stature.

Reminiscent of the old laws of England which stated that no building in a city could be taller than the cathedral, Hereford Cathedral still stands head-and-shoulders above everything else in the city, and can be seen like a beacon plainly as you enter Hereford.

The bishop’s chapel inside Hereford Cathedral dates all the way back to the 11 th century, though history of the grounds as a place of worship can be traced all the way back to the 7 th century! One of the very coolest things about Hereford Cathedral, and about Hereford city itself, is the cathedral’s housing of the Mappa Mundi .

A legendary piece of medieval treasure, the Mappa Mundi is a sort of spiritual of the entire world as the church saw it when the map was drawn – in around 1300.

Jerusalem lies at the centre of the map, and the entire Mappa Mundi charts a Christian interpretation of the medieval world on a single sheet of calfskin. What brings the map to life are the drawings etches across it which detail spiritial cities of power, as well as biblical and religious events throughout history until 1300.

The Mappa Mundi is considered to be the single most important medieval map in existence, and too few people know that it is permanently housed in Hereford Cathedral for anyone to see.

The other incredible unique thing about Hereford Cathedral is its chained library . All the way through medieval England, for a thousand years until the 18 th century, libraries would chain their books as a security measure. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you will have seen these chained books in The Citadel, where Sam trains as a maester.

The chained library in Hereford cathedral is the largest remaining chained library in Britain, and every book, shelf, chain, and lock inside dates back to the 17 th century. It is an incredible placed of living history with a terrifying gothic atmosphere and a wealth of knowledge inside – with some books dating back as far as the 8 th century!

Read More: 5 Literary Cities to Visit in the UK .

The Black and White House Museum

While most towns would probably choose a name like ‘The Tudor House’, Hereford went for a more direct and literal approach with ‘The Black and White House’ because, well, it’s black and white. What has stood in the very heart of Hereford town centre since 1621 has existed as a museum since 1929.

Inside the Black and White House Museum, you’ll find a recreation of Jacobean life, complete with original furnishings, tools and utensils, clothes, and toys common of life in the 17 th century. The most beautiful aspects of the museum are its paintings and its four-poster bed.

Admission is just £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.

The Black and White House Museum makes for one of the most romantic and historic sites in Hereford Town Centre, and its photographability is doubled by the recent inclusion of a grand black statue of the famous Hereford bull standing proud just in front of the Black and White House.

The city is proud of the Hereford bull – in fact, you’ll find Hereford steakhouses all across Scandinavia – and so it’s no surprise that a statue of the Hereford bull can finally be seen in the very heart of Hereford town centre.

Hereford Cider Museum

Found a short walk beyond Hereford town centre, near to where Hereford Cattle Market once stood, is the Hereford Cider Museum.

Herefordshire has a deep history of cider brewing, and as a result, cider is beloved in the county of Herefordshire. In fact, the world famous Bulmers cider brewery hails from Hereford – specifically from a family orchard in the Herefordshire village of Credenhill.

The Hereford Cider Museum invites visitors to learn about both the deep history and the fascinating method and process of cider brewing. It also proudly houses a collection of cider-related artefacts such as old mills, vintage bottles, cider presses, and vintage advertising used decades ago.

This quaint and delightful museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves their cider and anyone who decides to visit Herefordshire.

The Courtyard Centre for the Arts

This modern theatre can be found on Edgar Street, Hereford, directly opposite the football grounds. It’s an excellent local theatre that puts on a number of great shows. At the time of writing this, The Courtyard Centre is showing a stage adaptation of Dickens’ Great Expectations .

If you’re looking for a cheap, high-quality night at the theatre in a quiet English town, The Courtyard in Hereford is a fantastic option. From pantomimes to touring stand-up comics and classic theatre productions, you’ll find almost anything at The Courtyard. Just check their website before you go to see what’s on when you visit Hereford.

Hereford Old Bridge

As you can probably tell from the city’s name, Hereford was built on a river. The Hereford river is, in fact, the River Wye – Britain’s fifth longest river. The Wye spends most of its time in Wales, which probably explains why so many people think Hereford is in Wales (it does, to be fair, sit just on the English side of the border to mid-Wales).

The River Wye cuts straight through Hereford, bridged by the Old Bridge – officially named the Wye Bridge. The bridge has been rebuilt and reinforced countless times over the century, but records date it back at least as far as the 12 th century.

It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the city. If you stand on the south side of the river, you can take a perfect photo of the stonework, the river below, and the cathedral rising from the greenery in the background.

Cross the Old Bridge into town and you’ll find immediately to your left The Black Lion . This medieval 16th-century inn is considered the most haunted by in Hereford and, by some, to be the most haunted pub in Britain! With a charming and somehow eldritch Tudor façade of black and white, it’s the most traditional old pub you’ll find and a great place to relax with a pint – if you don’t mind the ghosts, that is.

Read More: Explore Harry Potter’s London

Day Trips from Hereford

There are a lot of wonderful towns and cities close to Hereford that are worth exploring when you visit Hereford. The Hereford location, while invisible to some, makes for a surprisingly good hub. The three cities of Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff are all only a one-hour driver from Hereford, making the Hereford location, as I said, a great location indeed!

But, if you don’t fancy going that far out of your way to a big city, and you’re looking to stay within the bounds of this rural county, let’s take a look at some of the best nearby places that make for a perfect day trip from Hereford.

Hay-on-Wye is the ultimate day trip from Hereford. We’ve already written extensively about Hay-on-Wye here (and even made a video) but to summarise: Hay-on-Wye is Britain’s book town . It’s a town in Herefordshire, straddling the Welsh border, and is chock full of various kinds of bookshops.

Being a book and travel blog, you could safely call this our version of heaven. (The sad thing is, I grew up not being a big reader — as I’ve talked about here — and so although I grew up a 20-minute drive from Britain’s book town, I didn’t actually visit until becoming a bookish adult!)

Hay-on-Wye is small. It’s a condensed little town with a huge car park. Park your car there for a good few hours and then take an afternoon to stroll through this gorgeous old town, complete with a central castle!

Hay-on-Wye has been known as the book town of Britain for fifty years, and is still home to a range of amazing booksellers, from Murder and Mayhem (who sell only thrillers, mystery books, detective novels, and horror novels) to the Poetry Bookshop and the crown jewel of Richard Booth’s Bookshop.

Richard Booth (who sadly passed away in 2019) was the man who transformed his hometown of Hay into a book-lover’s paradise. His bookshop is a stunning three-storey wooden structure and is everything a booklover could ever want in a bookshop.

Ross-on-Wye

From one town on the River Wye to another. Ross-on-Wye is a town a few miles south of Hereford – easily accessible by car or bus (fun fact: the village where I grew up sits just between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, nestled against a gorgeous forest). Ross is a darling little market town that’s easy to explore in a leisurely stroll.

You’ll find all the great quintessential small English market town qualities in Ross: tailors, thrift stores, butchers, bakers, antique stores, and a lovely little independent bookseller called Rossiter Books . This little bookshop sells a wide selection of popular releases, all the newest bestsellers, and even some darling literary tote bags (you know, the lovely Penguin ones).

At the top of Ross town centre is a lovely medieval stone market hall , all pillars and a high ceiling, sitting atop a podium and looking like a miniature acropolis. Known as The Market House, it was built around 1650 and is still in use today!

Although Herefordshire and Gloucester are neighbouring counties, it’s very easy to get from Hereford to Gloucester for a day trip, or even just an afternoon away. The bus from Hereford to Gloucester (no. 33) leaves from Hereford town centre, passes through Ross-on-Wye, and gets from Hereford to Gloucester within an hour. But what is there to see when you arrive?

Well, Gloucester has arguably far better shopping opportunities than Hereford. So, going from Hereford to Gloucester for a quick day of shopping is pretty normal. Gloucester Quays is where you want to go for just that. It’s a shopping area with plenty of variety – from cheap clothing stores to more upmarket options.

For sightseeing, you can’t do better than Gloucester Cathedral . If you’re a Harry Potter film fan, you might already know that the cloisters in Gloucester Cathedral were used for the filming of Hogwarts’ interior in the first, second, and sixth Harry Potter films.

The House of the Tailor of Gloucester is the Beatrix Potter museum of Gloucester. You’ll find it in College Court, right beside Gloucester Cathedral.

The Tailor of Gloucester was Beatrix Potter’s own favourite book she ever created, and so the House of the Tailor of Gloucester is a must-visit museum and shop for any Beatrix Potter fan, and the perfect way to memorialise her work and her legacy.

It’s a charming little house and the giftshop features numerous Beatrix Potter books, toys, collectables, and general gifts to make the heart of any Beatrix Potter fan soar.

Read More: 5 Bookish Holidays (UK & Ireland)

Hotels in Hereford

If you plan on seeing all the sights, exploring Hereford town centre, and taking a few day trips to Ross-on-Wye, Hay-on-Wye, and heading from Hereford to Gloucester for the day, then you’ll want to get some Hereford accommodation. Here are a few great hotels in Hereford to choose from when you visit Hereford.

The Green Dragon

Aye, the hotel with the same name as the one in Hobbiton, and one almost as charming! Situated just up the road from Hereford Cathedral, The Green Dragon is a very ostentatious Hereford hotel, and a famous building that’s as much part of the city as the Black and White House Museum.

Despite how ostentatious it is, The Green Dragon is surprisingly and delightfully affordable! A stunning drawing-room style bar with a fireplace, spacious rooms with wingback chairs, and the option of enjoying a full English breakfast make this one of the best hotels in Hereford, especially given its central location.

Book a room here!

Holly House Bed and Breakfast Apartments

Arguably even fancier than the Green Dragon, Hotel is Holly House Bed and Breakfast Apartments . A stylish townhouse with a Georgian aesthetic that feels like the kind of place Jane Austen might have lived or stayed in.

It’s found at Aylestone Hill, just half a mile from Hereford Cathedral, and offers peace and tranquillity while still being very much central. For a vintage, historic stay in Hereford, Holly House makes for one of the very best hotels in Hereford.

Castle House Hotel

Since we’re on an upward trajectory, Castle House Hotel is perhaps the most luxurious of hotels in Hereford. Another Georgian house with an exquisite offering of high-class meals near to the site where Hereford Castle once stood.

Four-poster beds, en suite bathrooms, antique writing desks, tall windows, fireplaces, and artistic wallpaper are all features of this fantastic favourite of the hotels in Hereford. Certainly, the best Hereford accommodation money can buy.

Hereford was one of the first towns founded in England after the end of Roman Rule. Early Hereford was a frontier town on the border between kingdoms inhabited by the ancestors of the Welsh and of the English before there were such countries as 'Wales' and 'England'. The English never totally conquered what is now modern Herefordshire as the many Welsh place-names in the county attest - parts of Herefordshire were never in 'Anglo-Saxon' England. Hereford expanded under the Norman and French kings who ruled England from 1066. French immigrants brought over by the new nobility formed part of the local community, slowly losing their separate identity. With a massive stone castle and a thriving market place, the town became one of the most important in the country. The city's isolation contributed largely to its economic stagnation in the post-medieval period and many attempts were made to improve Hereford's communications with the outside world. A horse towing path on the banks of the navigable River Wye was opened in 1810 and a horse-drawn railway opened to the canal wharf at Abergavenny in 1829. One of the last canals to be built in Britain reached Hereford in 1845.

Today Hereford is supported by a varied mixture of light industry and commerce. Surrounded by some of the most rural landscape in England with around 150,000 people living less than twenty minutes travel from the city centre, Hereford's busy markets continue to draw people from all parts of the UK and abroad. In spite of the recent turbulent economic conditions, Hereford's local economy appears to have retained a degree of buoyancy.

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FA Cup replays fall victim to scramble for cash and chaotic decision-making

FA’s latest move reflects a further weakening of the game’s heritage and will only boost the argument for independent regulation

If you had been following the back pages over the past few months the changes to the format of the FA Cup would not have come as a surprise. Last month the Daily Mail reported that replays were to be scrapped, and a shift in the date of the final has been mooted for longer. It says a lot about the state of football in England, however, that the news did come as a surprise to many within the game. The outrage that accompanied it was perhaps less shocking.

The game is facing governance challenges from a number of directions, some of which directly led to the new arrangements for the Cup. From next season, each of Uefa’s three club tournaments is to expand, from 32 to 36 teams, with eight fixtures for each side competing in the league phase. There will be more matches over more midweeks and room needs to be made in the calendar to accommodate them. To that effect, fewer replays for Premier League sides in January to March would be welcomed by them.

Another challenge is very much imminent. The second reading of the government’s football governance bill is expected in parliament on Tuesday. It is a big day for those who have been campaigning for a regulator, namely fan groups and the English Football League, as MPs will debate the bill’s contents and take a big step towards its transformation into law. It’s also a big moment for those who have, if not opposed, then resisted the arrival of the regulator – the Premier League and, more quietly, the Football Association. The past few weeks have brought a visible ramping up of the Premier League’s lobbying on the matter, warning of the “unintended consequences” of granting control over aspects of the game to outsiders, while also promoting the many strengths of the competition in ads on social media.

There’s a third governance problem, though, which is equally germane to this discussion and that’s the consistent and unabating financial losses being generated by clubs up and down the country. According to the respected football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Premier League clubs have reported a cumulative operational loss of £1.23bn over the past 12 months. Figures in the Championship have been just as shocking with, for example, relegated Leicester losing £89.7m in 2022-23 and mid-table Bristol City reporting a £22.2m deficit over the same period.

These losses are fundamentally influencing decision-making in football. It’s also a fair bet that the more combustible and self-interested the actions, the more likely that money is the driver. Some clubs need money to keep the wolf from the door. Others need it to justify their business model. Still more need money to be “ambitious” and up their spending to a level set by rivals. None of these perspectives create an environment conducive to sensible, strategic decision-making.

Three great FA Cup replays that would no longer happen

Third round, 1972: Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle  Ronnie Radford's famous 30-yard strike helps Hereford become the first non-league club to beat a top-flight side since 1949.

Fourth round, 2004: Tottenham 3-4 Manchester City City produce an incredible comeback to beat Spurs at White Hart Lane with 10 men having trailed 3-0 at half-time.

Third round, 2015: West Ham 2-2 Everton (West Ham win 9-8 on penalties) Perhaps most memorable for West Ham's goalkeeper Adrián taking centre stage, throwing his gloves to the ground before converting the winning penalty at the end of a marathon shootout and a topsy-turvy 120 minutes at the Boleyn Ground. Morgan Ofori

With every action taken by the custodians of the game, it can feel as if the argument for an independent regulator becomes stronger. Increasingly it looks as if the power brokers of the FA, Premier League and the EFL are unable to act together, unable to find common interest. The decision to scrap replays appears to have been characteristically chaotic, with the EFL unaware it had been taken, having expected any changes to the calendar to be wrapped into a broader deal on financial redistribution. That deal has been called for by government for two years; a month ago the Premier League said it had paused attempts to come up with an offer . The FA, meanwhile, has been desperate to reboot a tournament that generates 60% of its revenues but risks becoming something of an afterthought. And so it goes.

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The regulator’s main powers will be around financial oversight and the ability to punish clubs should they fail to run their businesses sustainably. Also within its brief, however, will be the maintenance of club heritage, the symbols and traditions that have accompanied the growth of football from a Victorian amateur endeavour to the globe-bestriding giant it is today. Even if the changes to the Cup do not end up denying opportunity and revenue to clubs lower down the English pyramid, they are inarguably a strike against heritage. A sense of the old ways being lost is only accelerating.

Changes in the calendar not only clear space for European fixtures, they make more room for new, commercially-led tournaments to be played in the summer, such as Fifa’s new, expanded Club World Cup. Set to make its debut in the US next summer, this tournament is likely to be exciting, to a point, but it is not primarily a sporting endeavour. Like everything else it is a revenue-generating one, a response to football’s insatiable need for money and the grapple for power and influence that produces. There will be more to come. That old phrase “for the good of the game” may soon have to be retired.

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