Herefordshire is the perfect place for a glorious gourmet getaway. Combined with overnight accommodation our Michelin star, Rosette and national award winning restaurants, elegant country pubs and boutique eateries, offer a superb selection of dishes brimming with home grown ingredients, topped off with the love of a passionate chef.
Here’s our selection of Herefordshire’s finest locations for you to combine your fondness of fine dining, amazing accommodation and glorious rural views.
PENSONS
Led by head chef Chris Simpson this Michelin Star destination is Herefordshire’s jewel in the crown, having recently won the Visit England Award for Excellence in the Taste of England Restaurant category, to add to their accolades.
Situated on the glorious Netherwood Estate straddling the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border, Pensons is an iconic venue revered for its ethos around sustainability and drive for quality, seasonal and local produce. Renown not only for showcasing the best of local produce but for growing, foraging and farming the incredible ingredients on the estate which elevate the dishes to their Michelin Star level. It’s fine dining at its best.
Bookable exclusively for gourmet breaks, stay in one of their uniquely cosy and luxurious courtyard rooms and fully immerse yourself in a Pensons gourmet break. Rooms are available to book on an inclusive dinner, bed and breakfast basis for Wednesday-Saturday nights. Both rooms feature a super king size bed and luxury en-suite shower room, with a view across the courtyard to the restaurant.
If you need something a little larger for family and friends there are two luxury holiday homes for longer breaks located on the beautiful Netherwood Estate nearby, you’ll find The Hyde and The Freeth are absolutely stunning.
Find out more about Pensons here and The Netherwood Estate holiday lets here.
THE NEW INN
This beautiful 16th-Century coaching inn is an absolutely delightful place to stay. Not only is it situated in a glorious location it holds 2 AA Rosettes for its amazing food. The New Inn is wonderfully welcoming and although this historic building has been renovated it still retains a plethora of original features but with a contemporary, stylish look too. Its luxury rooms have been rated with AA 5-stars.
The New Inn is perfectly placed so that you can enjoy all that Herefordshire and the Welsh borders have to offer. Explore the bustling market towns of Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye, historic trails and stunning cathedral in Hereford City or immerse yourself in rural bliss sightseeing around Symonds Yat.
Chef Michael Fowler has a reputation for a varied and creative menu. Focusing on home-grown, seasonal ingredients, supporting local producers and celebrating the rich farming heritage of Herefordshire. A proven recipe to showcase the best of Herefordshire hospitality and gastronomy.
Spoil yourself with indulgent chef-inspired cocktails, local cider or carefully curated wines, coupled with some of the best food you’ve ever tasted. For a delightful, decadent break there is nowhere better to stay.
Find out more about The New Inn here
THE RIVERSIDE AT AYMESTREY
This gorgeous black and white historic Inn is set in a magnificent waterside location complete with a variety of luxurious accommodation and an award winning restaurant. The Riverside is nestled within the picturesque village of Aymestrey, on the edge of Herefordshire’s Mortimer Country region, close to the Herefordshire/Shropshire border and is a nature-lover’s haven with wonderful walks and cycling routes nearby. The river and its banks are full of wildlife; dragonflies, dippers, otters, kingfishers, brown trout and grayling. Fly fishing is available for guests on a 1½ mile beat upstream from the Inn.
The Riverside has a choice of stylish, unique and flexible accommodation options. With well-appointed rooms in the main building and three secluded elevated garden rooms with exceptional views for a truly exclusive experience.
The cuisine on offer at is an absolute ‘foodie’ delight. Chef Patron Andy Link’s Marches Menu is cooked freshly to order and dishes are created from a vast array of ingredients picked from the kitchen garden with sustainability and food provenance a top priority.
This incredible, award winning restaurant has earned an array of awards for its fine food. Achieving two AA rosettes, a Slow Food award for the Best Restaurant/Food Eatery in the UK, Pub Chef of the Year and West Midlands Pub of the Year at the National Pub and Bar Awards 2022 and many more accolades besides.
This wonderful oasis offers one of the best rural experiences in Herefordshire. It most definitely tops our list of glorious gourmet getaways.
Find out more about The Riverside here
THE HOSTELRIE, GOODRICH
Located in the tranquil village of Goodrich in the beautiful Wye Valley, close to the Forest of Dean, Symonds Yat and the bustling market town of Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire you’ll find The Hostelrie.
This distinctive turreted 18th Century building is packed with character and has recently been refurbished to a very high standard, offering superb accommodation, a wonderful restaurant and well-appointed pub.
Run by a dedicated husband and wife team, you’ll be pleased to hear that Chef Patron Daniel is passionate about his food and wife Katherine a qualified Sommelier (see wine pairing suggestions for every dish), hence the restaurant has earned an AA Rosette award. You can expect every dish to be carefully prepared in-house and fresh to order. Ensuring only local and seasonal ingredients are used to create mouth-watering dishes that will have you wishing for just one mouthful more.
With four luxury, beautifully decorated 4 star rooms on offer too, your stay will be one of comfort and pleasure.
Find out more about The Hostelrie here
TUDOR FARMHOUSE HOTEL
If you’re seeking a secluded rural retreat you’ll find Tudor Farmhouse Hotel is the perfect choice. Located in the middle of a tiny picturesque village and perched on the edge of the Forest of Dean you’ll be treated to stunning countryside views, meandering rivers and magical woodland walks.
Once a former working farm dating back to the 13th Century, it has now been lovingly converted. Welcoming, airy and elegant, mixing its Tudor roots with a modern day appeal, each room has been thoughtfully designed by owners Colin and Hari with luxury in mind. There are 20 chic bedrooms featuring fresh neutral colours, roll top baths, monsoon showers, Nespresso coffee machines and flashes of exposed stonework and ancient beams. All are equipped with gorgeous pocket sprung mattresses, duck feather pillows and duvets and 300 count linen sheets. There is also free superfast fibre-optic Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Described as a ‘culinary oasis’ by Tatler Magazine, the restaurant serves homely yet inventive dishes created from their kitchen garden. The head chef is committed to quality ingredients. Most are sourced from producers within a 20 mile radius of the hotel who share a passion for real, home-cooked seasonal food, served in a memorable and relaxed atmosphere. There is also an extensive wine & cocktail list, as well as a wonderful alcohol free offering.
If you love new experiences, there are plenty of ways to explore the local area. Walking the trails in the ancient woodland nearby are a popular pastime or if you feel more adventurous why not hire a mountain bike or try kayaking on the Wye. Look out too for opportunities on themed events to go foraging in the forest or to enjoy a wildlife safari with the experts. The stargazing safari is absolutely delightful and craft workshops are available for those who would like to relax more. Puzzlewood or Clearwell Caves are also nearby.
This beautiful hotel and restaurant rates very highly on our glorious gourmet getaways, it’s a rural retreat with all the best comforts of home.
Find out more about Tudor Farmhouse Hotel here
BRIDGE FARMHOUSE HOLIDAY COTTAGE
One of our favourite places in all Herefordshire is the gorgeous Golden Valley where you’ll find the very lovely Bridge Farmhouse Holiday Cottage in Michaelchurch Escley. With four large spacious rooms, this dog friendly cottage has everything you’ll need for a cosy trip away. This superb rural hideaway is a true piece of Herefordshire heaven, located in a tiny rural village set at the foot of the dramatic Black Mountains in the shadow of the famous Cat’s Back hill.
Whether you’re wanting to escape to the countryside for a week of exploring or relaxation, or you just want to gather with friends or family, Bridge Farmhouse is the perfect spot to call home. It’s a great location from which to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park, The Golden Valley and Hay-on-Wye.
Making this stay unique is opportunity to take a fascinating tour of the Black Mountains Botanicals gin distillery, directly next door, where their award winning gins and spirits are exceptional. Our favourite tipple is the Hill Billy Red but we recommend you taste them all! You can even book a group for their Gin School and create your own personal blend of flavour botanicals. Owners Lloyd and Glyn also have their own coffee roastery attached to the distillery, where their make 13 different blends of aromatic coffee – its amazing to see and smell.
On the foodie side, The Bridge Inn pub and restaurant conveniently literally over the road, where great cooking and a friendly atmosphere is paramount. A favourite with locals and visitors alike, the menus reflect the seasons, with some very tempting puddings.
And if you’re looking to get even closer to nature there are also some beautiful and spacious handcrafted yurts alongside the pub. All facilities are provided to make your stay, comfortable and stress free, so prepare yourself for a warm and friendly welcome when you arrive.
Find out more here https://www.ruralselfcatering.co.uk
Find out more about The Bridge Inn here
Find out more about Black Mountain Botanicals here
COTTAGE OF CONTENT
Set in the tranquil hamlet of Carey in south east Herefordshire, the Cottage of Content is a long established country restaurant, pub and accommodation and certainly lives up to its fairytale name, with its picture book beamed building, wrapped with roses. Peaceful cottage style accommodation offers lovely rural views from every room, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, walking routes and cycling trails.
The Cottage of Content provides peaceful a range of 3 double en-suites and 2 beautifully decorated twin bedrooms, perfect for a wonderful countryside break. The breakfast is one of the highlights and will stand you in good stead for the day. This area of outstanding beauty is a favourite destination for anglers, walkers and those who love rural retreats and the pretty beer garden benches are ideal for that quenching pint or evening Pimms.
Expect delicious contemporary cuisine from Chef Richard, who prides himself on sourcing the very best ingredients for his range of special seasonal dishes and regular old favourites, and Sunday lunch is a real highlight – booking essential!
Find out more about The Cottage of Content here
ORLES BARN
Nestled in the scenic Wye Valley you’ll find Orles Barn, a 17C attractive and historic building full of charm and character located on the outer edges of Ross on Wye, convenient for walking into this pictureque market town without the parking parking hassles.
With a warm welcome from owners Matt and Roxy Cook, Orles Barn is a delightful destination for a gourmet getaway. While gazing out across the panoramic views over the Wye Valley you can peruse a creatively designed menu from Matt, full of contemporary dishes packed full of fresh inspiring ingredients.
Roxy’s front-of-house welcome leads you to four charming rooms each with modern en-suite bathrooms, comfy beds and facilities, you won’t want to leave this little oasis of loveliness.
Find out more about Orles Barn here
WHITE HERON PROPERTIES
The family-owned Whittern Estate in Herefordshire is home to a beautiful collection of 7 luxurious, self-catered holiday cottages, all set within a picturesque 700-acre historic landholding. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, a family reunion, celebration or a romantic break, they have cottages to suit you from a cosy bolt-hole for 2, to exclusive use of the entire estate that can sleep up to 68 guests for family house parties.
These luxurious self-catered holiday cottages provide a perfect country retreat that is both rejuvenating and inspiring. The estate is ideally located for those looking to explore Herefordshire and the surrounding counties. Guests can enjoy visiting the literary town of Hay-on-Wye, “Foodie” Ludlow, the historic cathedral city of Hereford and the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, Malvern Hills, Wenlock Edge and Shropshire Hills.
With excellent facilities including a swimming pool, hot tub, home cinema and squash courts there are plenty of things to enjoy. BUt one of the highlights for larger parties is a tour of the onsite Cassisery, where the Estate’s famous British Cassis is made. Led by owner Jo Hilditch, visit the blackcurrent plantation, the distillery and bottling plant where you can have-a-go and make your own bottle of cassis to take home. Cocktails are part of the fun, and you’ll also discover their sister raspberry liqueur Framboise.
Find out more about White Heron Properties here
WYTHALL ESTATE
An attractive historic manor house, active vineyard, fresh water lake and beautiful woodlands make the Wythall Estate an idyllic choice for a gourmet getaway. Self-contained cottage-style, characterful accommodation located in the west wing of the manor house offer privacy, tranquillity and access to the beautifully kept grounds and a wealth of wildlife on this charming country estate in south Herefordshire.
From March through to December Saturday Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tours are available (see website for dates), with special ‘Wine Garden Sundays’ on selected dates for visitors to enjoy seasonal Sharing Platters of Mixed Charcuterie or a Trio of Cheeses – all chosen to pair with Wythall’s internationally award-winning range of wines.
Located near Ross-on-Wye in the Wye Valley, the Wythall Estate is incredibly picturesque for a rural getaway with the added bonus of a tipple experience too.
Find out more about the Wythall Estate here
We hope we’ve inspired you with our ‘Glorious Gourmet Getaways’. Need some more ideas? Take a look at our website.
Click for great places to EAT out in Herefordshire
Click for perfect places to STAY in Herefordshire
Click for amazing places to ENJOY in Herefordshire