The beauty of historic Hereford is that it’s not a vast City and everything is walkable. From museums to cool cocktail bars, in the backdrop of ancient buildings and new indie locations there’s something for everyone.
Hereford is at the centre of agriculturally rich Herefordshire, famed for its cider production and world-renowned Hereford Cattle. Bordering Wales, it is almost equidistant to all of its five charming market towns at each compass point and is a City that loves to surprise you.
Day one:
10am: Arrive for Brunch – Hereford City does Brunch so well with several exciting eateries that cater well for groups. Sensory & Rye’s eye-poppingly vibrant and nutritious dishes are anything but your average fayre in their urban style premises. Or mellow in the modern yet atmospheric surroundings of Bill’s Kitchen located ingeniously in the beautiful interior of All Saints Church.
11am: Take a City Walking Tour – Meet the Mayor’s Guild of Guides for a gentle hour or so stroll through Hereford’s historic streets, taking in landmarks and the stories of this enchanting settlement. From its Saxon origins when it was a border trading place between England and Wales (the River Wye running through evoked its name of Here-Ford, where traders could cross) to the modern day.
12.30pm Light lunch in Hereford Cathedral then tour – Visit one the world’s unique medieval treasures, The Mappa Mundi. Created on calf skin in around 1300 it shows the history, geography and destiny of humanity as it was understood in Christian Europe in the late 13C and early 14C. Continue to The Chained Library; the largest surviving chained library in the world. It contains about 1,500 books, dating from around 800AD and including 227 medieval manuscript books. Of course a general tour of the spectacular Cathedral and its stained glass windows is a must, as is a Tower Tour with panoramic views across the City.
3pm Time for a tipple – moments away from Hereford Train Station, Rockfield Distillery brings you its vibrantly branded collection of Gins. Have fun with a Gin Making Experience to create your own bespoke bottle from your preferred botanicals and personalised label, or simply enjoy a Cocktail Making Masterclass.
Check in to your accommodation – Stay at the 83 room Green Dragon Hotel, one of the oldest Hotels in Britain and a City landmark with its majestic white frontage. Or indulge in the Regency splendour and waterside location of Castle House Hotel with its townhouse suites and garden room dining. Both are within a few moments walk of Hereford Cathedral.
For somewhere truly personal, stay at Somerville House, a wonderful 5 Star Guest House, conveniently close to Hereford train station along an elegant residential avenue. The City views and garden are perfect to relax in when you’re done exploring.
Evening: Your steak experience awaits – Hereford Cattle is world famous and bred in over 120 countries, but Hereford is its origin and it is an emblem of the City. Enjoy real chargrilled steak, amongst many other dishes, at The Bookshop. Tucked away in Hereford’s Independent Quarter, it’s part of a vibey collective of eateries in indoor and outdoor spaces with inter-changing menus at The Yard, all under the innovative ART Hospitality brand. Don’t worry, there is always an excellent vegetarian selection too. For burger lovers, you can do no better than award-winning meat boutique The Beefy Boys. This famous indie brand is now in several Cities in England and you can also buy their brilliant cookbook and products to elevate your own next BBQ.
Perhaps continue your evening with a performance at The Courtyard centre for the arts, take in some live music at one of the many pubs and bars, or just chill ready for your next fun-packed day.
DAY 2:
10am The Museum of Cider – The world’s largest cider museum is built on the original site of the Bulmers Cider Factory (which is still only ‘over-the-road’). Herefordshire produces over half of the UK’s cider and, aside from iconic brands like Bulmers and Westons, is also home to over 100 artisan producers. Delve into the cider heritage and original manufacturing methods that some still use today and explore the amazing Champagne Cellars that were part of the Bulmer’s production dynasty. Refresh in the Tearoom and discover local craft ciders in the Shop.
11.30 Stroll back along the River Wye – come back into the heart of the City via The Old Wye Bridge and walk along the Right Bank of the River Wye which divides the ‘north and south’ of Hereford. This public parkland is King George V playing fields with beautiful views of the Cathedral and properties opposite. Traverse the picturesque Grade II listed Victoria Footbridge, created to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.
Wander the Castle Green; the bailey of Hereford Castle, and stop for lunch at the brand new Pavillion and CSons café.
Afternoon: A Little Shopping – Exit through Quay Street and walk through the Cathedral grounds into the charms of cobbled Church Street, with its plethora of independent boutiques, jewellers, home and lifestyle stores, cafes and delis.
Mooch further to emerge in High Town, the original and existing market hub of Hereford. With weekly Market days and a constant al fresco café culture, surrounded by the fascinating architecture of Hereford through the ages, this is the essence of the City.
Discover the Old House – towering, photograph-ready, you’ll see the outstanding Old House. This original black and white Jacobian building has had many lives including as a butchers and a bank, and is now an interactive museum paying homage to its inhabitants of yesteryear.
Discover more inspo and ideas for your trip to Herefordshire on: eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/group-travel/ and eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/live/inspiration-and-ideas/