As one of England’s quieter counties, Herefordshire is an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful break away from the crowds. And staying on a working farm or smallholding is a wonderful way to experience the county’s beautiful countryside and rich heritage, while giving you the chance to experience rural life first hand.
Herefordshire is one of central England’s most rural counties, with around 77% of its land used for farming. More than half of this is grassland, supporting substantial dairy farms as well as herds of sheep and beef cattle, most notably the Hereford breed. The county is also home to a dense cluster of specialist poultry farms, along with outdoor pig farms.
The remainder of Herefordshire’s farmland is largely devoted to cereals and horticulture, with the county’s well-drained, light and loamy soils suited to growing root vegetables, with potatoes one of the most important crops, alongside beetroot, carrots, and parsnips.
Herefordshire’s hills and sheltered valleys create localised warm conditions that are ideal for fruit growing. The county is famous for its apple orchards, which produce more than half of the UK’s cider, but it is also an important producer of top fruit, soft fruit, and stone fruit, as well as a significant proportion of the UK’s blackcurrant crop.
With such a variety of farms, there’s something to suit every type of traveller. You might choose a working livestock farm where you can get hands on with bottle feeding lambs, a smallholding where you can meet animals such as alpacas and horses, or a peaceful farm stay surrounded by orchards.
Herefordshire is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves the outdoors, with two National Landscapes to explore. The Malvern Hills, which straddle the border with Worcestershire, form a dramatic volcanic ridge topped by a series of distinctive peaks, while the Wye Valley, which stretches into Wales, follows a deep, meandering river valley through limestone gorges and dense woodland.
Both landscapes offer miles of footpaths and bridleways, ranging from gentle countryside strolls to more challenging hikes. The River Wye also provides plenty of opportunities for watersports, with kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding all available.
If you want to bring your four-legged friend along to enjoy the countryside with you, many of our Herefordshire farm stays welcome dogs. Just remember to keep them close and on a lead when walking near livestock.
For those interested in culture and heritage, Herefordshire offers plenty to discover. Visit Hereford Cathedral, home to the medieval Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, explore the timber-framed villages along the Black and White Village Trail, or venture into the Golden Valley, where Neolithic monuments, medieval churches and ruined castles sit alongside artisan cider and perry producers.
After a day of exploring, a farm stay is the perfect place to return to. Our collection of farm stays in Herefordshire reflects the county’s agricultural heritage, from lovingly converted historic barns and timber-framed cottages to period farmhouses and traditional oast houses.
Families will appreciate properties with extras such as games rooms, swimming pools and tennis courts, with plenty to do back at the farm, while couples might prefer a farm stay with a hot tub, offering the perfect spot to relax beneath the stars at the end of the day.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic retreat, or a weekend away with friends, a farm stay in Herefordshire is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful part of England. From converted cider barns to Grade II listed cottages, discover your perfect Herefordshire farm stay and start planning your next countryside holiday.
